I.J.A.A.

CHARTER

 

Explanatory Note

The I.J.A.A. (International Jewelry Artisans Association) is an international professional association of jewelers and specialists in related fields.

The Association was founded in 2016, when its initial Charter was adopted as an internal regulation and an informal code of conduct for members.

In 2025, the Charter was officially documented, approved within the Association’s governance structure, and published on the official website. At the same time, a membership certification system was introduced.

The main purpose of the I.J.A.A. is to unite respected professionals, support the exchange of expert knowledge, preserve cultural and artistic traditions, and promote innovation in the jewelry industry.

 

Key Features:·

· Membershipi is completely free of charge, granted at the initiative of the Founder in the form of philanthropic support for the professional community;

· Strict selection criteria ensure the quality and reputation of participants;

· The Association unites jewelers, tool suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and related specialists who have proven their skills and contribution to the industry, regardless of the presence of formal diplomas;

· Professional reputation is determined by demand, verified portfolios, completed projects, and recognition in the market;

· I.J.A.A. members maintain professional independence and create both original works and mass production.

 

1. General Provisions

1.1. Name:

· Full: International Jewelry Artisans Association

· Abbreviated: I.J.A.A.

1.2. Legal Status:

· An international professional community of jewelers, manufacturers, and sellers of jewelry tools and jewelry;

· Not a legal entity;

· Does not engage in commercial activities;

· Operates in accordance with the I.J.A.A. Charter and Code of Honor.

1.3. Mission and Goals:

· Promotion and development of jewelry art at the international level;

· Establishment of connections, high professional and ethical standards;

· Facilitation of the exchange of experience, scientific and technical knowledge;

· Representation of members’ interests in international organizations and mass media.

 

2. Membership

2.1. Admission Criteria: A candidate must meet at least two of the following conditions:

· Verified work experience of no less than 5 years in the jewelry industry;

· Authorship of significant jewelry works recognized by the professional community;

· Victories or participation in international competitions;

· Publications in industry media;

· Recommendation from two members or one guarantor of the I.J.A.A.

2.2. Recognition of Members:

Members of the Association are recognized as authoritative specialists in jewelry, namely: manufacturers of jewelry tools and jewelry, master jewelers, sellers of jewelry tools or jewelry, as well as related specialists who have demonstrated skills, reputation, and contribution regardless of formal diplomas.

2.3. Admission Process:

1. Submission of application and portfolio;

2. Initial review by a regional representative or guarantor;

3. Evaluation of portfolio and achievements;

4. Voting of the Council;

5. Probationary period of 6 months before confirmation of permanent membership;

6. A candidate member on probation has the same rights and obligations as other I.J.A.A. members.

2.4. Termination of Membership:

· By personal written request;

· By decision of the Council for non-compliance with the provisions of the Charter and Code of Honor.

 

3. President, Guarantors, Regional Representatives, Regular Members, and Candidates in I.J.A.A.

3.1. Status of IJAA Members:

· President — the executive governing body, an experienced I.J.A.A. member, verifying the qualifications of candidates and holding veto power.

· Council Member — a member of the highest collegial governing body, an experienced I.J.A.A. member, participating in the verification of candidates’ qualifications upon the guarantor’s recommendation.

· Guarantor — an experienced I.J.A.A. member, who may be either a regional representative or a regular member, with the right to recommend a candidate.

· Regional Representative — a governing body at the regional level, an experienced I.J.A.A. member, coordinating the activities of the Association in their region and having the right to recommend a candidate to the Council and the President.

· Regular Members — experienced I.J.A.A. members, having the right to recommend a candidate to the regional representative or directly to the President for additional consideration.

· Candidate — a potential I.J.A.A. member.

3.2. Requirements for a Guarantor and Regional Representative:

· Membership of no less than 3 years;

· Documented achievements;

· Positive reputation, absence of violations.

3.3. Responsibilities of a Guarantor:

· The guarantor is responsible for the recommendations provided.

· In case of a violation of rules by a recommended candidate, the guarantor, regardless of their status, loses the right to provide recommendations for up to 1 year.

· In the event of a repeated violation — for up to 3 years.

· In the event of a third violation — lifelong disqualification from I.J.A.A. membership.

 

4. Supervisory Body

4.1. IJAA Audit Commission:

· Appointed by the Council from among regular members to monitor compliance with the Charter and the Code of Honor;

· Reviews complaints;

· Reports to the Council.

 

5. Governing Bodies

5.1. I.J.A.A. Regional Representative:

· A governing body at the regional level, subordinate to the I.J.A.A. Council,

· Elected in the number of one person for 2 years from among the regular IJAA members in their region,

· Recommends new members, implements I.J.A.A. decisions after approval by the Council.

5.2. I.J.A.A. Council:

· The highest governing body, subordinate to the General Assembly of I.J.A.A. members;

· Council members are elected for 2 years by the General Assembly from among I.J.A.A. regional representatives;

· Approves new members, makes strategic decisions of the I.J.A.A.

5.3. I.J.A.A. President:

· The executive governing body, accountable to the Council;

· 1 member, elected for 2 years from among the I.J.A.A. Council;

· Represents the Association at the international level;

· Holds veto power in cases of: non-compliance of a candidate with membership criteria, violation of the Code of Honor, conflict of interest, strategic inconsistency, and procedural violations;

· Defines strategic priorities;

· Acts as an arbitrator in disputes.

5.4. General Assembly of I.J.A.A. Members:

· The highest governing body of the Association, consisting of all active I.J.A.A. members;

· Convenes at least once a year;

· Makes decisions by general vote, by majority of I.J.A.A. members, on matters within its competence under this Charter.

6. Special Procedure for Election to Membership, to a Governing or Executive Body

6.1. General Procedure for Application Review:

An application of a candidate for membership in the Association or an application of an active member to a governing body in the I.J.A.A. must be considered on general grounds provided in Article 2 of this Charter, but taking into account the special procedure set out in this Article.

6.2. Formation of Guarantors:

For the review of the application of the person specified in paragraph 6.1, the Council shall immediately form the following composition of guarantors:

· Three active guarantors of the Association;

· The membership period of each guarantor in the I.J.A.A. at the time of recommendation must be no less than three years;

· Guarantors must have an impeccable reputation and not be in direct administrative or financial dependence on the recommended person.

6.3. Review Procedure:

1. The person under review submits an application and full portfolio to the regional representative or directly to the President.

2. The President (if his application is not under review) or a Council member sets the date of the Candidate Review Committee meeting.

3. The person under review does not participate in the Council meeting, has no voting rights during the discussion of the application, and does not influence the Council’s decision.

4. The President’s veto right on the Council’s decision concerning his own membership is not applied.

5. The Council evaluates the candidate exclusively on the basis of the criteria set out in Article 2 of the Charter. The decision to approve or reject the application must be substantiated.

6. The final decision is made by the Council on the basis of the conclusion by majority vote.

6.4. Issuance of Membership Certificate:

In the event of a positive decision by the Council, the membership certificate for the persons listed in paragraph 6.1, except for the presidency, shall be signed by the President (as the authorized executive body) and sealed with the Association’s stamp. The President’s signature on this certificate is required.

6.5. Issuance of President’s Certificate:

In the event of a positive decision by the Council, the membership certificate for the persons elected to the highest executive position of I.J.A.A. President, listed in paragraph 6.1, shall be signed by four Council members and sealed with the Association’s stamp. The President’s signature on this certificate is not required.

6.6. Positive decision by the Council

In the event of a positive decision by the Council on the appointment of an active I.J.A.A. member to the highest governing body or the removal of their powers in the highest governing body, as listed in paragraph 6.1, the candidate’s position shall be changed on the official website, where the status of each Association member can be seen in real time.

 

7. Code of Honor

7.1. Professional Standards:

· Prohibition of plagiarism and unfair competition;

· Disclosure of the origin of materials;

· Compliance with international jewelry trade norms.

7.2. Ethical Standards:

· Mutual respect;

· Support for constructive criticism and knowledge exchange;

· Mentoring of young specialists.

 

8. Symbols and Branding

8.1. I.J.A.A. Logo:

· Used only by active members;

· Commercial use requires written permission from the Council.

8.2. I.J.A.A. Seal:

· Confirms official documents;

· Kept by the President by decision of the Council.

 

9. Final Provisions

9.1. Amendments:

· Proposed by the Council or 1/3 of the members;

· Requires a majority of 2/3 of votes.

9.2. Termination of the I.J.A.A. (International Jewelry Artisans Association) Activities:

· Decision by no less than 90% of members;

· Materials are transferred to the archive and become publicly accessible.

 

Date of Initial Adoption (internal regulation): 02 September 2016

Date of Official Registration: 15 August 2025

Founder: Artyom Rudolfovich Balyan