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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.
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