'Yerevan Show 2015': Annual jewelry exhibition opens in Yerevan

The Yerevan-based Expo Meridian Center on Saturday hosted the opening of "Yerevan Show 2015", an annual jewelry exhibition showcasing valuable pieces by Armenian and foreign masters.

This year’s event, set to be held from October 24 to 26, has attracted 80 companies from Armenia and abroad. Most of the items on display will be works by Armenian jewelers, said Gagik Gevorgyan, the president of the World Association of Armenian Jewelers.

“This year, the participants’ number has decreased slightly, as we had more than 100 [companies] last year. Anyway, this too, has an explanation The international economic problems have affected primarily the jewelers. And nevertheless, our Armenian jewelers find the courage and time to come to their fatherland to demonstrate their solidarity,” he told reporters.

The free jewelry trade zone, operating on the center’s premises, was launched last month. Over the short period, it has already produced an output, Gevorgyan added.

“To invite businessmen from other countries to Armenia we need to make the conditions attractive. All this, as a matter of fact, has to do with job-creation to prevent our young [masters] from going to other countries and [attract them instead] to demonstrate the potential and talent in their home country. The production, launched quite recently, is in search of people who would work,” he said. 

Karen Cshmarityan, the minister of economy who also attended the event, said he finds the exhibition an important platform and an exceptional opportunity to consolidate the Armenian jewelers from around the globe. 

“Our centuries-old history, and the high mastery and skills of the Armenian jewelers allow us to state that this sector finds a well-deserved reception, winning appraisal in different countries of the world. The exhibition is yet another step for us to introduce the unique features and the centuries-old history of the Armenian jewelry art to the international community,” he noted.

The minister added that the sector is under the Armenian president and Government’s permanent spotlight. “We have undertaken and will undertake active steps towards making Armenia a global center of the Armenian jewelry art,” he added.

The opening ceremony was also attended by President Serzh Sargsyan and the first lady.