From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
MJSA Strengthens ‘Be a Jeweler’ Outreach
MJSA’s “Be a Jeweler” initiative, launched earlier this year, has new web and social media sites to help attract people to a career in jewelry.
Attleboro, Ma.--An industry initiative aimed at getting more people interested in careers in jewelry has new web and social media sites, launched to draw in prospective hires digitally.
“Be a Jeweler,” an outreach created and maintained by MJSA, has a relaunched a website that gives an extensive overview of the life of a professional bench jeweler. It is targeted toward both students and second-career adults.
The website offers information about employer demand, earning capacity, typical job responsibilities, work environments and the skills needed for these careers. It also lists MJSA’s searchable guide to schools with programs in jewelry making and design.
For its social media outreach, MJSA has enlisted the help of Hill Management Group LLC, a consulting agency that that offers strategic planning, marketing, branding and overall business operations.
Hill Management, headed by former Rio Grande CEO Andrea Hill, will run the Be a Jeweler sites on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram, fostering discussions and creating excitement about the jewelry industry. The initiative’s Instagram and Pinterest accounts will feature images ranging from finished jewelry to “action shots” of specific tasks, such as soldering and assembly.
“We’ve heard from many members that they desperately need skilled labor as current workers begin to age out of the labor force,” said MJSA President and CEO David Cochran. “This digital network will enable us to introduce more people to the benefits and rewards offered by our industry, so we can help ensure that U.S. jewelry manufacturing and design remains vital and competitive.”
The Be a Jeweler program was created by MJSA earlier this year and now collaborates with schools to help draw in prospective students. Recently, the North Bennet Street School in Boston held a two-day open house promoting the initiative.
Find out more on BeAJeweler.com.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.




















