Miss Armenia 2007 Crowned!

Who cares about passing the genocide bill? Honestly, there are far more important things in life, like Miss Armenia.

Margarita Sarukhanyan, the “Miss Armenia 2007,” was handed the crown by Marina Vardanyan who was announced the best during Miss Armenia – 2006 contest. The crown costs $7,000. It has 425 diamond stones, 14 ruby and carbuncle. It is made of white gold.

Thus, Margarita Sarukhanyan was awarded the right to represent Armenia during "Miss Europe."

I hope they missed a zero in the crown cost or I'm going to hide my head in shame. Oh, and pictured is last year's winner, Marina Vardanyan.

Source: Panorama.am

Armenia's Diamond Trade in Decline

The stone itself may last forever, but its trade certainly doesn't!

Armenia's diamond trade overall however has hit a rough patch in the past two years. Armenia reported a 35 percent decline in rough imports from all nations for the first couple of months in 2007, following an overall diamond export drop of 20 percent in 2006 to $212 million.

The article does not mention the reasons for this decline, but I suppose it has to do with cheaper labor in places like India and globalization. Anything can be blamed on globalization!

Source: Rapaport News

Armenian Jewelers Hold 10% of the World Market

Armenians are among the greatest jewelers in the world, and I say that with objectivity!

...Gagik Abrahamian, president of the International Association of Armenian Jewelers (IAAJ) and chairman of board of directors of Armenian Diamond Factory and Armenian Jewelry Factory said the International Association of Armenian Jewelers, established 10 years ago, has now representations in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Armenia. 'The main objective of the Association is to use the available resources and experience of Diaspora Armenian jewelers to the benefit of development of this sector in Armenia.'

When it comes time to buy jewelry, whether an engagement ring or otherwise, consider Armenian brands. There are a lot of them and they put out some great stuff. I can tell you that I certainly will!

Source: ArmenPress