Events & Awards

MJSA Expo Seminar Lineup Announced

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.


The MJSA Expo will co-locate with the JA New York show and the Lueur antique show at the Javits Center in Manhattan this spring. The shows are scheduled for March 13 to 15.
MJSA Expo is scheduled for March 13 to 15 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, running concurrently and co-locating with both JA New York and the Lueur antique jewelry and watch show this year.

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.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Father-son jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and Luis Angel Alamo
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide

JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.

Mellon Blue Diamond Christies
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade Ago

A buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.

Mercedes Gleitze Companion Oyster
WatchesNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’s

Mercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back

GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.

Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Campaign and David Yurman The Joy of Extraordinary Memories campaign
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns

Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

The National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.

20-Under-40-2025-LV.png
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

The Rainbow Collection Christies
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’s

Late collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.

 Sapphire tennis necklace
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace

At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.

Foundrae Palm Beach Location Exterior and Founder Beth Hutchens
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’

The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.

Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%

The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.

AGTA Spectrum winners
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors

Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.

G. St x Jewel Boxing Raffle for City Harvest Graphic
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food Rescue

All proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.

Courtney Cornell
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New President

Courtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.

Trucks at Orapa diamond mine
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3

De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.

Ulrich Wohn
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Artifex White Diamond, Fancy Dark Yellowish Brown Diamond, and Blue Sapphire Rings
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction Debut

Kindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.

Tyla Pandora Talisman collection
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment

The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall Peace Medallion
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%

The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.

US Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case Wednesday

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

Stuller Inc.’s Danny Clark, Matt Stuller, and Belit Myers
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt Stuller

Stuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold?

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Mellerio Jardin Pierreries Necklace
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November Birthdays

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

Weston Jewelers Fort Lauderdale store rendering
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort Lauderdale

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.

Two of the three suspects in burglary at Queens jeweler’s home
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home

The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

Matthew Rosenheim
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board Chair

The trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy