Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Live contest added to Stuller’s Bench Workshop
Stuller’s 2016 Bench Jeweler Workshop will be the site of the company’s inaugural “Battle of the Benches,” which will give four bench jewelers the chance to showcase their jewelry-making skills on the spot.
Lafayette, La.--A live competition on the showroom floor is the newest addition to Stuller’s annual Bench Jeweler Workshop.
A panel of experts will select the four bench jewelers, as well as a fifth alternative, from a pool of qualified candidates prior to the start of the workshop.
Day one will be committed to design; the competitors will design, model and render their projects in CAD. On day two, while the CAD designs are being printed and cast, the bench jewelers will be asked to fabricate a custom piece of jewelry on the spot from an assortment of components, metals and gemstones.
Day three--the “finish line”--will be when the bench jewelers prep, polish, assemble and set their piece once it is cast.
A winner then will be determined. Their piece will be produced and finished by Stuller, featured at BenchJeweler.com, From the Bench and on Stuller’s social media platforms, and they also will receive a $500 Stuller credit and a trophy.
For the four that compete, travel expenses (up to $500), complimentary event registration and complimentary lodging during the event will be provided.
The workshop also will offer hands-on demonstrations and educational seminars, including new seminars on the diamond market, digital technology, virtual merchandising and jewelry photography, and updated seminars on platinum, and polishing and plating.
“We’ve taken this year’s event to a new level,” said Tammy Kidder, vice president of merchandising at Stuller. “Not only is (the) workshop a great opportunity for jewelers from around the country to come together to share tips and learn from each other and industry professionals, but we’re also adding some friendly competition to the mix.”
Registration for the Bench Jeweler Workshop can be found on the Stuller website.
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.