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Stuller’s Bench Jeweler Workshop Happening in March
This year the event will feature new classes and the third annual Battle of the Benches competition.
This image is from Stuller’s 2017 Bench Jeweler Workshop. The three-day event is held annually.
Lafayette, La.--Stuller has released the details of its annual Bench Jeweler Workshop, happening this March.
The three-day event offers classes, product demonstrations and, for the third time, the Battle of the Benches competition.
This year, the three-day event will feature new additions to its class offerings, like “Screening: Lab-Grown Diamond, Synthetic Gemstones and Moissanite;” “Fine Jewelry Industry Consumer and Retail Market Report with Jewelers of America;” “Social Media Photography;” and “Digital Technology and Grown Assets.”
Stuller’s Director of Tools Jason LeMaire said in a press release that new classes have been designed to be more hands-on than in years past.
“This industry is always changing in one way or another,” he said, “so we really want the jewelers who come to workshop to leave with knowledge they can take back home and apply to their business.”
LeMaire also commented on the planned product demonstrations, in which attendees also will be able to try their hand.
“There will be several industry experts on our demo floor,” he said. “Workshop attendees will be able to meet and learn from master engraver Sam Alfano, master goldsmiths Kelly Williams and Jason Chandler, and jeweler Dana Fawbush.”
The Battle of the Benches competition will take place on the demo floor. It entails four jewelers competing in a “real-time challenge,” said Vice President of Tools and Metals Tammy Lail.
Lail explained: “The contestants will compete in three different challenges—design; parts and pieces; and prep and polish.”
Stuller’s 2018 Bench Jeweler Workshop is scheduled for March 23-25 at Stuller’s headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana.
The price of attendance is $189 for the first attendee and $169 for each additional attendee. The student rate is $125.
Early-bird rates are available through Jan. 31, 11:59 p.m. CST. They are $169 for the first attendee and $149 for additional attendees and $100 for students.
More information on the Battle of the Benches is available online.
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