Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaEvents & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage
The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
The Jewelry Symposium (TJS) announced the “Workforce at Risk” roundtable discussion will take place May 17, the first day of its annual show at the Detroit Marriott Troy.
Troy, Mich.—The Jewelry Symposium (TJS), an event centered on the advancement of jewelry manufacturing technology, will host a roundtable discussion focused on the skilled labor shortage during its upcoming trade show, set for May 17-20.
Titled “Workforce at Risk,” the event invites representatives of all jewelry professions to discuss the industry’s current shortage of skilled labor and the attrition of skillsets occurring as seasoned craftspeople retire or exit the industry.
It’s set to take place May 17 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Dennison room inside the Detroit Marriott Troy, the site of the show, with the TJS welcome dinner to follow.
“The TJS board recognizes trending difficulties in the hiring and retention of skilled labor in our industry, from bench jewelers to retail staff to all types of manufacturing technicians,” said Linus Drogs, chairman of the board at TJS.
“We believe that the diverse gathering of industry professionals at TJS will provide a wonderful opportunity for analyzing, identifying, and clearly defining the challenges. We also hope to inspire brainstorming regarding how our industry might work together to address these issues.”
Related stories will be right here …
Titled “Workforce at Risk,” the event invites representatives of all jewelry professions to discuss the industry’s current shortage of skilled labor and the attrition of skillsets occurring as seasoned craftspeople retire or exit the industry.
It’s set to take place May 17 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Dennison room inside the Detroit Marriott Troy, the site of the show, with the TJS welcome dinner to follow.
“The TJS board recognizes trending difficulties in the hiring and retention of skilled labor in our industry, from bench jewelers to retail staff to all types of manufacturing technicians,” said Linus Drogs, chairman of the board at TJS.
“We believe that the diverse gathering of industry professionals at TJS will provide a wonderful opportunity for analyzing, identifying, and clearly defining the challenges. We also hope to inspire brainstorming regarding how our industry might work together to address these issues.”
Several jewelry professionals said they have been feeling the effects of the shortage and are looking to the roundtable for inspiration.
"One of the most difficult things I face, as a designer jewelry brand who makes its own pieces, is finding skilled workers,” said Chris Ploof, founder of Chris Ploof Designs.
“We've even modified our work week to four days to keep our people happy and loyal, as well as offered other perks like free electric vehicle charging and extra paid time off. I am hopeful that this critical round table discussion at TJS will give me other ideas on how to find and retain talented and reliable employees."
Ann Cahoon, director of manufacturing and repair at Long’s Jewelers in Massachusetts said, for retailers, finding skilled bench jewelers and watch technicians is a challenge.
“Also, CAD designers, gemologists, and repair intake specialists can be difficult to find,” she said.
“We need to think collectively and creatively, and take a long view as we cultivate talent, especially before a huge source of our collective knowledge leaves the industry when they retire. A potential solution lies in developing, rather than hiring, the right team members. Broader conversations about training and education will be crucial for our shared success as an industry.”
Jewelry professionals who wish to join the discussion must RSVP by Apr. 15 to jessa@thejewelrysymposium.com.
For more information on the “Workforce at Risk” roundtable, click here.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
