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Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage Webinar
Set for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
The Community for Ethical Jewelry will host the “No One at the Bench: Aligning Retail Reality and Jewelry Education” webinar on Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET via Zoom.
New York—The Community for Ethical Jewelry, formerly known as Ethical Metalsmiths, is hosting a webinar next month about the bench jeweler shortage.
“No One at the Bench: Aligning Retail Reality and Jewelry Education” will be held on Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET via Zoom.
The virtual event will discuss the misalignment between jewelry education and the bench workforce, said organizers.
Register for the free webinar here.
“As skilled bench jewelers become increasingly difficult to hire and retain, the need for clearer, more intentional pathways from classroom to career has become urgent,” said the organization.
“No One at the Bench: Aligning Retail Reality and Jewelry Education” will be held on Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET via Zoom.
The virtual event will discuss the misalignment between jewelry education and the bench workforce, said organizers.
Register for the free webinar here.
“As skilled bench jewelers become increasingly difficult to hire and retain, the need for clearer, more intentional pathways from classroom to career has become urgent,” said the organization.
The conversation will be moderated by Sonia Chavez of Caza Collective, a jewelry industry talent and workforce advisory firm.
Backed by hiring data and market experience, Chavez will share her insight into bench jeweler demand, compensation, and which technical and professional competencies retailers are looking for in an employee.
Fanya Hull, owner and chief financial officer of Vardy’s Jewelers in Cupertino, California, will offer a retailer’s perspective.
Chavez and Hull will discuss the skills bench jewelers need to have, how roles evolve in response to market pressure, and what sustainable, long-term growth can look like for retailers.
They will also talk about how academic programs influence student transitions from art-based training to bench jeweler positions.
The discussion will also include how creative ambition, career perception, and responsible jewelry practices mesh with daily bench work and professional advancement.
Retailers have reported ongoing challenges in filling bench jeweler positions, said the organization, while students and educators are facing shifting expectations around technical readiness, compensation, advancement, and professional standards.
The webinar’s goal is to bring these two perspectives together and have a solutions-oriented conversation.
The webinar is open to all, including retailers, educators, students, and emerging professionals.
“By convening stakeholders across the talent pipeline, Community for Ethical Jewelry aims not simply to describe the workforce challenge, but to advance practical, values-aligned solutions that strengthen craftsmanship and responsible practice across the jewelry industry,” it said.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded in 2006 to inspire responsible jewelry practices through education, connection, and action, and includes retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, designers, educators, and students.
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