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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
