MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
OtherJan 29, 2015
MJSA brings live bench sessions to Tucson
MJSA again will present its signature At the Bench Live program during the AGTA GemFair from Feb. 3 to 8, offering advice and insights to bench jewelers of all levels.
Attleboro, Mass.--MJSA again will present its signature At the Bench Live program during the AGTA GemFair, which runs from Feb. 3 to 8.
The interactive demonstrations will run twice daily in the Tools, Technology, and Supplies pavilion, offering advice and insights for jewelers of all skill levels, from beginners on the bench to experienced professionals.
The schedule for At the Bench Live is as follows.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Presenter: Tira Mitchell, Engraver.com
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“A Cut Above: Common Jewelry Engraving Patterns”
During this session, Mitchell will present common jewelry engraving patterns, including wheat leaf borders, running leaf borders, geometric patterns, and will demonstrate how to create them. She also will show the audience how to combine basic cuts into complex patterns and create an engraved surface that truly enhances a design.
2:30 to 4 p.m.
“Mixing Metals: Techniques for 24K Gold Inlay”
This program will demonstrate the techniques for inlaying 24-karat gold wire into stainless steel, titanium and other non-precious metals. Topics covered will include sizing gold wire, properly excavating gold lines and cavities, sealing the gold and finishing the design.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Anton Nash LLC
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The Well-Dressed Bench: Tools That Make a Difference”
During this session, Skuratowicz will discuss the essential tools essential for specific tasks, from sawing and piercing to stone setting and finishing, as well as how to best use the tools and arrange them for maximum speed and efficiency.
2:30 to 4 p.m.
“The Flat-Top Bur and Other Tool Tricks for Easier Setting”
Here Skuratowicz will show the audience how to modify and rejuvenate the tools they already have to gain greater precision, avoid stone damage and ensure a secure fit.
Thursday, Feb. 5
Presenter: Gary Dawson, Gary Dawson Designs
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Wax Work 1: Precision Carving Techniques”
In the first of a two-part session, Dawson will show how wax carvings can be more precise and cast better. It will include demonstrations of general carving techniques, design transfer and detail work, and also will cover the tools that make carving easier.
2:30 to 4 p.m.
“Wax Work 2: Integrating Gems into a Design”
The second part of the series will discuss both the process of accurate centering and the technique of creating “balance without symmetry,” ultimately teaching the audience how to showcase their gems to maximum effect.
Friday, Feb. 6
Presenter: Skuratowicz, Anton Nash LLC
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“To the Point: Easy Ways to Build up Prongs”
Even though re-tipping prongs is a basic bench task, that doesn’t mean there aren't ways to do it more efficiently and more profitably. In this session, Skuratowicz will take a look at the various ways to build up a bead on top of a worn-down prong, including tips for repairing micro-pavé settings.
2:30 to 4 p.m.
“Down to the Wire: Replacing Prongs and Gallery Wires”
Sometimes a prong just can’t be re-tipped but has to be replaced. In this follow-up session, Skuratowicz will demonstrate cost-effective ways to replace the prong by grafting in a new wire. He’ll also demonstrate how to best replace worn or broken gallery wires, with a few tricks for easily positioning the wire and keeping it in place.
For more information about the Tucson sessions, go to MJSA.org.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“To the Point: Easy Ways to Build up Prongs”
Even though re-tipping prongs is a basic bench task, that doesn’t mean there aren't ways to do it more efficiently and more profitably. In this session, Skuratowicz will take a look at the various ways to build up a bead on top of a worn-down prong, including tips for repairing micro-pavé settings.
2:30 to 4 p.m.
“Down to the Wire: Replacing Prongs and Gallery Wires”
Sometimes a prong just can’t be re-tipped but has to be replaced. In this follow-up session, Skuratowicz will demonstrate cost-effective ways to replace the prong by grafting in a new wire. He’ll also demonstrate how to best replace worn or broken gallery wires, with a few tricks for easily positioning the wire and keeping it in place.
For more information about the Tucson sessions, go to MJSA.org.
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
