CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2016
MJSA Expo Seminar Lineup Announced
A look at the future of jewelry design and manufacturing, how to track digital advertising, and techniques for freehand sketching are just a few of the topics on tap.
New York--A look at the future of jewelry design and manufacturing, how to track digital advertising, and techniques for freehand sketching are just a few of the topics of the education sessions at the upcoming MJSA Expo.
Though the shows are being run independently, they will honor each other’s badges, enabling qualified attendees access to the exhibitors and education sessions at all three.
The lineup of education sessions at MJSA Expo is as follows.
Sunday, March 13
Shop of Tomorrow, Part 1: The Future of Jewelry Design
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Moderator: Andrea Hill, StrategyWerx. Panelists: Kevin Abernathy, BISventures; Steven Adler, A3DM Technologies; and Michael Raphael, Direct Dimensions Inc.
In this session, a panel of experts will take a look at the developments in design technologies--advancements in CAD and virtual “sculpting,” the growing importance of cybersecurity and “intelligent” software that can make recommendations for certain designs.
Jewelry Making 101: Setting Techniques (two parts)
Joel McFadden, Joel McFadden Designs
12 to 1:30 p.m.--“Bezel Settings Made Easier”
2 to 3:30 p.m.--“Channel Setting for Beginners”
Presented by custom jeweler McFadden of Joel McFadden Designs in Red Bank, N.J., this session will explain and demonstrate basic jewelry techniques in a clear, simple and entertaining way. Made possible through the MJSA Education Foundation, Jewelry Making 101 costs $45 for MJSA members and $65 for nonmembers for both sessions.
Shop of Tomorrow, Part 2: The Future of Jewelry Manufacturing
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Moderator: Andrea Hill, StrategyWerx. Panelists: Kevin Abernathy, BISventures; Steven Adler, A3DM Technologies; and Michael Raphael, Direct Dimensions Inc.
This session will focus on the future of jewelry manufacturing--advancements in 3D printing, the future of Direct Metal Laser Sintering, where jewelry is “grown” from metal, and the importance of the “cloud” in all aspects of manufacturing, among other things.
Quick Draw: Techniques for Freehand Sketching
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Rémy Rotenier, Rémy Design
Whether a retailer is bringing a design to life in front of their customer or a designer is providing visual guidance to a CAD artist or model maker, the ability to create
freehand sketches can be invaluable to business. During this session, Rotenier use a few simple steps to show how to draw and shade first a gemstone and then a band, combining both into a 3D sketch. There also will be opportunities for attendees to try their own sketching.
Monday, March 14
At the Bench Live: Setting Side Stones in an Engagement Ring
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers/Just Like You Designs (Bench and Tool Sponsor: Stuller)
Custom jeweler Krombholz will look at the various ways in which side stones can be used to create unique and durable designs for an engagement ring. He then will demonstrate, in detail, how to set the stones to create practical, memorable styles.
Getting Personal: Defining, Explaining, and Promoting Custom Design
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Joel McFadden, Joel McFadden Designs; and Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers/Just Like You Designs
In this session, these leading jewelers will discuss the degrees of custom, ranging from a simple selection of gemstone and mounting to a from-scratch design, the quality standards necessary for custom work, and how to explain and promote custom design to customers to ensure that they understand their options and get exactly what they want.
Tracking Your Digital Advertising
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Matthew Perosi, Sapphire Collaborative
Many businesses these days are putting a lot of time and effort into keeping their social media accounts active, but how do they know it’s working? In this session, Perosi will show how, through coding techniques and strategies, traffic generated from all digital efforts can be tracked to ensure businesses are investing wisely and gaining maximum value.
To register for the MJSA Expo, visit the MJSA website.
Monday, March 14
At the Bench Live: Setting Side Stones in an Engagement Ring
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers/Just Like You Designs (Bench and Tool Sponsor: Stuller)
Custom jeweler Krombholz will look at the various ways in which side stones can be used to create unique and durable designs for an engagement ring. He then will demonstrate, in detail, how to set the stones to create practical, memorable styles.
Getting Personal: Defining, Explaining, and Promoting Custom Design
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Joel McFadden, Joel McFadden Designs; and Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers/Just Like You Designs
In this session, these leading jewelers will discuss the degrees of custom, ranging from a simple selection of gemstone and mounting to a from-scratch design, the quality standards necessary for custom work, and how to explain and promote custom design to customers to ensure that they understand their options and get exactly what they want.
Tracking Your Digital Advertising
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Matthew Perosi, Sapphire Collaborative
Many businesses these days are putting a lot of time and effort into keeping their social media accounts active, but how do they know it’s working? In this session, Perosi will show how, through coding techniques and strategies, traffic generated from all digital efforts can be tracked to ensure businesses are investing wisely and gaining maximum value.
To register for the MJSA Expo, visit the MJSA website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
