MJSA’s At the Bench Live at AGTA GemFair Tucson
Below are the 2012 sessions that took place Feb. 1-6 at AGTA GemFair Tucson. The demonstrations ran from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Grand Ballroom in the Tucson Convention Center. Also listed below are related articles from MJSA Journal, the flagship monthly magazine published by MJSA. The articles were distributed at all sessions; they can also be ordered through the MJSA Article Archive. All articles are free to MJSA members; non-members pay $5 per page.
Our thanks to the Bench & Tools Sponsor: Jewelry Training Center
The Sessions
January 31
Step to It:
Tricks for Soldering Multiple Joints in Silver
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz
Silver has become the metal of choice for many jewelry makers and designers seeking affordable price points. However, the metal poses its own challenges, not the least of which is how to solder several joints in close proximity—without melting previous attachments. Learn how to ensure your silver soldering goes smoothly, enabling you to create clean, secure attachments.
Related MJSA Journal articles:
"Common Grounds, Common Bonds: A Guide to the Soldering Process," by Gregg Todd. May 2004.
"Silver Bullet: Working with Tarnish-Resistant Silver Alloys/Tips for Blackening Silver," by Shawna Kulpa and Tina Wojtkielo Snyder. May 2011.
February 1
History Detective:
How to Identify Previous Repairs in Jewelry
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz
It happens all the time: A jeweler goes to repair a piece of jewelry, only to discover that the piece had already undergone previous repairs—and the work was less than stellar. At best, this creates a few new headaches; at worst, it leads to the jewelry being severely damaged. Learn how to identify these "danger points" before it’s too late.
Related MJSA Journal articles:
"Preserving the Past: Repurposing an Heirloom Ring," by Gary Dawson. February 2010.
"Like a Brick House: Grading Quality," by Arthur Anton Skuratowicz and Julie Nash. Tech Sheet No. 19.
February 2
Working with Gemstones: The Designer’s Challenges
Presenter: Alishan Halebian
When faced with designing a piece around a gemstone-especially one with an unusual cut or other uncommon characteristic-designers and goldsmiths have a double-edged challenge: Create a design that brings out the gem’s unique aspects, but also ensure the stone is securely set and protected. Award-winning designer and master goldsmith Alishan Halebian demonstrates how he accomplishes both tasks to best ensure the gem is exquisitely showcased.
Related MJSA Journal articles:
"Sweet Music: Behind the Design of Alishan Halebian’s Spiral Piece," by Shannon Brown. February 2010.
"Behind the Design: Weaving a Story," by John Shanahan. February 2005.
February 3
Mythbusters: Challenging Tradition at the Bench
Presenter: Ann Cahoon
Venerable traditions have built up regarding how bench jewelers should go about their craft. And, like all traditions, some may be true and some may be little more than tall tales. Whether focusing on accepted procedures for equipment maintenance, the selection of tools for specific tasks, or simple safety procedures, this session will separate fact from myth—and attendees will come away with new insights.
Related MJSA Journal articles:
"Cut It Out! Debunking Three Myths About Sawing," by Ann Cahoon. May 2011 Journal.
"Get Buffed: Debunking the Myth That Singeing Buffs Is More Effective Than Raking Them" by Ann Cahoon. August 2009.
February 4
Using Handmade Chain in Custom Designs
Presenter: Ann Cahoon
As consumer demand for custom jewelry grows, so too are the ways in which jewelers are creating unique, personalized pieces. One method to add personalization is through the use of handmade chain. Discover techniques for creating handcrafted chain to complement specific custom designs.
Related MJSA Journal articles:
"The Art of Handcraft: Anticlastic Raising," by Shannon L. Brown. October 2011.
"The Art of Handcraft: Chasing and Repoussé," by Shannon L. Brown
"The Art of Handcraft: Textile Techniques in Jewelry Making," by Michael David Sturlin. January 2011.
February 5
Compound Interest:
Creating the Optimum Polish on Metals
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz
When it comes to the finishing and polishing of jewelry, you need to match your methods and metals to achieve the maximum shine. Learn how to apply various buffing compounds and polishing techniques to achieve the look you want.
Related MJSA Journal articles:
"Running in Circles: A Speedy Way to Polish the Inside of a Ring," by Jim Binnion. September 2010.
"Mint Condition: Storing Rouge Polish," by Karen Christians. January 2010.
"A Safer Shine: Tips for Keeping Polishing Clean and Safe," by Charles Lewton-Brain. February 2005.
About the Presenters
Ann Cahoon, the owner of Flying Marquis Studio in the greater Boston area, is a designer/goldsmith focusing on custom and limited production work in gold and platinum. A graduate of the Maine College of Art and Boston’s North Bennett Street School, she is an instructor at the Metalwerx School for Jewelry and Metal Arts. Her "Mythbusters" series of articles appears periodically in MJSA Journal.
Alishan Halebian is an award-winning goldsmith and designer who is renowned for his elegant and at times exotic creations. He has won numerous honors for his work, including several AGTA Spectrum Awards, and he was previously named a "Designer of the Year" by the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group in recognition of outstanding achievement.
Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, GJG (GIA), is Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a Senior Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press).