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
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
