The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship Winners
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
The winners, pictured above, are Jackie Langevin, client services repair coordinator at Springer's Jewelers in Bath, Maine; Kat Gozy, a jewelry design student at North Bennett Street School; Marilena Marchetti, a senior jewelry design student at Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.); and Xiaoya Ma, also a jewelry design student at F.I.T.
TJS, a continuation of the long-running Santa Fe Symposium, will hold its second annual event at the Detroit Marriott Troy in Detroit, Michigan, from May 18–21.
Each winner will receive the symposium registration fee, three nights of lodging at the venue, meals catered by TJS, a book, a thumb drive of all presentations, and a formal certificate of attendance.
“Being with other passionate jewelry professionals will be amazing, so I am very excited by the networking opportunities that exist at TJS,” said Langevin.
“I can't wait for the knowledge that will all be under one roof and to learn more about my craft. I find the list of TJS speakers to be extremely interesting and knowledgeable.”
Gozy said, “I am excited to be given such a great opportunity. I look forward to learning more about the different facets of the jewelry industry from people who are passionate about their work. This symposium offers a whole new perspective of the industry to me.”
F.I.T. Jewelry Department Chair Emeritus Michael Coan said he was proud of students Marchetti and Ma and “grateful for the existence of The Jewelry Symposium.”
“There are never adequate words to describe how great the impact is for students new to jewelry studies to be able to see, absorb, and actually converse with the greats of the jewelry industry on a one-to-one basis,” Coan said.
“The greatness of TJS lies in the commitment to the sharing of ideas, technologies, and other exciting developments in the jewelry community. I am happy that our students will be able to concentrate all their energies in a supportive artistic environment; it can be truly life changing.”
Marchetti said her goal is to become a master craftswoman and goldsmith.
“I’m very excited to be attending TJS this year. As a student graduating with a Jewelry Design degree and interest in working on the bench, I can’t think of a better way to meet industry professionals and jump start my career. I’m so appreciative for this incredible opportunity,” she said.
Ma is also excited to attend the symposium, adding, “I’m so glad to be chosen by TJS.”
“[I] can’t wait to meet more people and develop some mentoring relationships with jewelry professionals. I believe it will help my future plans a lot. With the support of the scholarship, I am confident that I can further develop my skills, expand my knowledge, and ultimately make a meaningful contribution to the field of jewelry design,” she said.
Linus Drogs, TJS chairman of the board, said organizers are excited to meet the recipients and honored to share information with them at the symposium.
“Our industry is facing a serious shortage of young and skilled talent, so we welcome the younger generation with open arms, from every sector of the business,” Drogs said.
For more information and event details, visit the TJS website, or call or email Jessa Cast at 505-450-4452 or jessa@thejewelrysymposium.com.
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