Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
What the MJSA Has On Tap for Tucson
The organization will hold a series of education sessions during the upcoming American Gem Trade Association GemFair.
Boston--MJSA announced that it will hold a series of education sessions during the upcoming American Gem Trade Association GemFair in Tucson.
“At the Bench and Beyond” will run twice daily from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 in GemFair’s Tools, Technology, and Supplies pavilion. Session topics will range from bench repair and production techniques to the art of communication.
The schedule is as follows.
Tuesday, Jan. 31
11:30
“Red Flags for Repairs”
Arthur Skuratowicz, bench jeweler at Georgetown Jewelers in Wood Dale, Illinois
Some repair jobs are simple, and some only seem simple. In this session, Skuratowicz will talk about the common red flags to help jewelers uncover all of the problem areas in a piece of jewelry and handy tips to ensure those repairs turn out well.
3:30 to 5 p.m.
“Hold It! Creating Your Own Fixtures for Holding and Positioning”
Arthur Skuratowicz
Skuratowicz will demonstrate how jewelers can make their own positioning fixtures for complex fabrication or repetitive assembly to ensure all shapes remain still for greater accuracy and ease.
Wednesday, Feb. 1
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Digital Design Tricks for Gemstones”
Gary Dawson, designer/goldsmith and the owner of Gary Dawson Jewelry Design
With all of the latest digital technologies, from high-end design software to smartphones, incorporating gemstones into a design is easier than ever before. Dawson will use this session to demonstrate how to use the latest technology to create gemstone arrays easily, adjust settings more accurately and incorporate all shapes of gemstones into unique designs.
3:30 to 5 p.m.
“Techniques for Small-Scale Production”
Gary Dawson
In his second session, Dawson will show how to apply small-scale production strategies and techniques in a shop, using both live demonstrations and video to help jewelers increase production while also maintaining a high quality and finish.
Thursday, Feb. 2
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The Art of Communication 1: The Basics”
Lisa Krikawa, founder, designer, and CEO of Krikawa Jewelry Designs
For almost everyone involved in the jewelry process--from bench jeweler, designer or salesperson--success can depend on listening well and communicating ideas. In this session, Krikawa will share some strategies to ensure that communication flows smoothly, outline basic personality traits and how to identify them and then get a message across.
3:30 to 5 p.m.
“The Art of Communication 2: Practical Sketching”
Lisa Krikawa
In this interactive demonstration, Krikawa will present an easy-to-master sketching method that not only communicates design concepts but does it accurately enough that it can be used to calculate gemstone weights.
Friday, Feb. 3
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Photographing Gem-Set Jewelry, Part 1: DIY Basics”
Matthew Perosi, certified business coach, president of Sapphire Collaborative
Whether developing an ad campaign or preparing an e-commerce storefront, quality images are necessary to command attention and drive sales. In this session, Perosi will provide a tutorial on how to choose the best camera and lens and use proper lighting to create the right backgrounds for great shots, all without spending much.
3:30 to 5 p.m.
“Photographing Gem-Set Jewelry, Part 2: DIY Demos”
Matthew Perosi
This live demonstration will ask participants to bring their own cameras to learn how to take compelling photos. Perosi will show various camera techniques and illustrate how proper lighting and backgrounds can make images memorable. He also will offer a few post-processing tips to help enhance and perfect images.
For more information about the sessions, visit MJSA.org.
Meanwhile, MJSA also has partnered with JCK Tucson to introduce a new pavilion at the 2017 show to offer retailers an exclusive opportunity to work and interact with MJSA members on custom work.
The Latest

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.


Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.

The auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.

Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.

Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.

Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.






















