Events & AwardsJan 28, 2025
NouvelleBox Show Returns to New York CityEvents & AwardsJan 29, 2025
Chris Ploof To Teach Mokume Gane at AJS
The jewelry designer and master metalsmith will present on the ancient Japanese metalworking technique at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in March.
Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese metalworking technique where metals are fused in a layered design that resembles the natural grain of wood. Seen here are six of Chris Ploof’s hand-forged Mokume Gane rings created using the technique.
Leominster, Mass.—Chris Ploof, founder and designer of Chris Ploof Designs, will be giving a presentation on the metalworking technique known as Mokume Gane at the upcoming Atlanta Jewelry Show.
During the two-day show, located at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, Ploof will host two live in-person demonstrations as part of the Bench Fusion event.
The first session will occur on March 15 at 11:30 a.m. and the second on March 16 at 10 a.m.
His lecture will focus on Mokume Gane, which translates to “wood grain metal,” an ancient Japanese metalworking technique where metals are fused together in a layered design that resembles the natural grain of wood.
The process begins by bonding numerous layers of precious metals into a single billet by applying heat and pressure. Ploof then turns the billet into a pattern by using tools to smash, twist, bend, and fold the metal.
A master metalsmith and two-time winner of the Santa Fe Symposium’s (now The Jewelry Symposium) Industry Leader Award, Ploof will also delve into both the historical and the modern-day applications of the technique.
“I am honored to be one of the speakers at the Bench Fusion event at the Atlanta Jewelry Show,” said Ploof.
“I’ve always enjoyed this show and am excited to be returning and bringing my passion for Mokume Gane with me. It is a pleasure to share the history and techniques for making this amazing and beautiful metal.”
Related stories will be right here …
During the two-day show, located at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, Ploof will host two live in-person demonstrations as part of the Bench Fusion event.
The first session will occur on March 15 at 11:30 a.m. and the second on March 16 at 10 a.m.
His lecture will focus on Mokume Gane, which translates to “wood grain metal,” an ancient Japanese metalworking technique where metals are fused together in a layered design that resembles the natural grain of wood.
The process begins by bonding numerous layers of precious metals into a single billet by applying heat and pressure. Ploof then turns the billet into a pattern by using tools to smash, twist, bend, and fold the metal.
A master metalsmith and two-time winner of the Santa Fe Symposium’s (now The Jewelry Symposium) Industry Leader Award, Ploof will also delve into both the historical and the modern-day applications of the technique.
“I am honored to be one of the speakers at the Bench Fusion event at the Atlanta Jewelry Show,” said Ploof.
“I’ve always enjoyed this show and am excited to be returning and bringing my passion for Mokume Gane with me. It is a pleasure to share the history and techniques for making this amazing and beautiful metal.”
To attend the presentation in person, register for the Atlanta Jewelry Show on its website.
Entry to the show is free for retail businesses that meet the organization’s guidelines. However, a registration fee of $129 is required for the Bench Fusion event.
Other instructors presenting at the Bench Fusion event include Joel McFadden, designer and owner of Joel McFadden Designs; Gary Dawson, owner of Gary Dawson Designs; Tira Mitchell and Rob Mitchell, owners of Engraver.com and TiraMitchell.com; and Jordan Mantzke, modern goldsmith and YouTube influencer.
For more information on Ploof and his pieces crafted with Mokume Gane, visit the Chris Ploof Designs website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’ The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.
Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in CarlsbadAt Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop ShootoutSix people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule CollectionThe jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation ProgramBen Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy AwardsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says DeloitteIt’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald AuctionIt included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, MontanaAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite EarringsFordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-ShopLocated in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for ThatThe new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to AccountAs the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. HeadphonesJacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New YorkThe industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersThe nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.
