Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersEvents & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller Employees
The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
Dennis "Buzz" Busby (left) and Randy Welch each worked at Stuller for more than 40 years. The longtime colleagues and friends will be honored with lifetime achievement awards at The Jewelry Symposium next month.
Troy, Mich.—The Jewelry Symposium (TJS) will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming event.
TJS will present the awards to Dennis "Buzz" Busby, former casting director at Stuller, and Randy Welch, former senior tech process engineer at Stuller.
The awards recognize their decades of work supporting, educating, and advancing the fine jewelry industry, said the organization.
The awards will be presented at its 2026 symposium in Detroit, slated for May 16-19.
“We are honored to present Mr. Busby and Mr. Welch the TJS Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s symposium,” said Linus Drogs, chairman of the board at TJS.
“Both men have contributed much to the progress of fine jewelry manufacturing.”
Busby has been a regular at TJS, a continuation of the long-running Santa Fe Symposium (SFS), attending 29 of its 34 years.
Busby and Welch have always been eager to share the latest advancements in the jewelry making process, said Drogs.
Related stories will be right here …
TJS will present the awards to Dennis "Buzz" Busby, former casting director at Stuller, and Randy Welch, former senior tech process engineer at Stuller.
The awards recognize their decades of work supporting, educating, and advancing the fine jewelry industry, said the organization.
The awards will be presented at its 2026 symposium in Detroit, slated for May 16-19.
“We are honored to present Mr. Busby and Mr. Welch the TJS Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s symposium,” said Linus Drogs, chairman of the board at TJS.
“Both men have contributed much to the progress of fine jewelry manufacturing.”
Busby has been a regular at TJS, a continuation of the long-running Santa Fe Symposium (SFS), attending 29 of its 34 years.
Busby and Welch have always been eager to share the latest advancements in the jewelry making process, said Drogs.
The pair have authored and co-authored presentations for SFS and other industry conferences throughout the years, both separately and together.
“Whether shared with hundreds of people at the symposiums or shared in thousands of individual conversations over the years, their goodwill and ongoing endeavors for knowledge sharing represent the embodiment of the TJS mission,” said Drogs.
The two are longtime friends and colleagues, joining Stuller in the 1980s.
Welch retired in August 2024 after 43 years with Stuller, while Busby retired in December 2024 after 41 years.
The lifetime achievement award is not presented annually, and is instead given to recognize exceptional industry leaders “when the timing is right,” said TJS.
Previous honorees include gold technical expert Dr. Christopher Corti, who was honored in 2025, and SFS founder Eddie Bell in 2023.
Lifetime achievement award winners receive a commemorative plaque and a free, full-access pass to TJS' annual symposium for life.
For more information about TJS, visit its website, or email Jessa Cast at jessa@thejewelrysymposium.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
