At the Bench Live at MJSA Expo West
MJSA has scheduled a series of At the Bench Live demonstrations for its MJSA Expo West Pavilion, which will run Feb. 2-7 at AGTA GemFair Tucson.
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MJSA Journal Online
Every month, readers turn to MJSA Journal for the latest technical insights, bench tips, fashion trends, and business and marketing insights. No other industry magazine devotes as many pages per month to jewelry design and making.
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Online Articles
Old Vs. New: Two Approaches to Designing Around a Gemstone
In this month’s print edition of MJSA Journal, third-generation jewelry store owner Lee Krombholz of Krombholz Jewelers in Cincinatti set out to compare the pros and cons of CAD/CAM and a traditional handmade wax approach. Here you’ll read a summary of his findings, as well as the approaches that a few other jewelers would take to a similar project. Go to Article
On Tucson Time: Gem Show Shopping Tips
By Deborah A. Yonick
Packing your bags for the Tucson gem shows? Before you set out to go gem hunting in the desert, check out these helpful tips for smart shopping from an industry gem expert. Go to Article
Old Becomes New: 2010 Online Design Challenge
Compiled by Tina Wojtkielo Snyder
In this year-long MJSA Journal Online exclusive, nine designers share their reinterpretations of an Art Deco brooch brought in for repurposing by a client. Check out the original piece, read the client’s profile, and see how the first of our nine participating designers redesigned the piece. We’ll feature a new redesign here each month through September. Then we’ll open the polls so you can vote for your favorite! Go to Article
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2009 MJSA Thinking Ahead Award Winners
MJSA is pleased to announce the winners of its sixth annual "Thinking Ahead" Awards, which were selected by a panel of independent, international judges. The winning products were chosen for advancing the jewelry manufacturing industry through the introduction of new technology or the improvement of existing technologies to significantly enhance manufacturing, especially in the areas of quality control, cost reduction, and safety.
Simply Brilliant: Speedwire
By Shannon Cournoyer Brown
Jeweler Glenn Manning’s Speedwire, a laser welding wire dispenser, saves time and improves laser welding accuracy. Go to Article
A Great View: Dazor’s SpeckFINDER HD
By Tina Wojtkielo Snyder
Dazor’s SpeckFINDER HD takes magnification to high-tech levels in the form of a digital microscope with a built-in computer. Go to Article
Also in the Feb. Print Edition
Metal Mosaics
By Dr. Coilin O Dubhghaill and Dr. A. H. Jones
The need to differentiate and customize in the current market has driven many jewelry designers and manufacturers to alternative metals. One dynamic option fo making multicolored metalwork derives from traditional Japanese artists, who create metal mosaics with shakudo and shibuichi. Read about the authors’ original research into making these alloys and patinating them in the shop.
Getting Started with Social Networking
By Peggy Jo Donahue
Social Networking has hit the mainstream, and getting involved with sites such as Facebook has become a necessary part of doing business online. There’s no better time than now to establish your presence.
Beamed Up
By Tina Wojtkielo Snyder
The newest laser welders on the market are smaller and less expensive than their predecessors—but they’re packed with power to raise your profits. This article discusses updates in laser welders over the past five years, as well as their practical application in retail and manufacturing facilities.
Sweet Music
By Shannon Brown
Alishan Halebian improvises like a jazz musician in his "Spiral" piece.
MJSA Bulletin
A guide to MJSA Expo New York.
Trends & Analysis
Holiday retail sales rose in 2009; major expansion underway at Jwaneng diamond mine; and three key jewelry trends for spring.
Inspired Thinking
Gussy up your sales strategy.
At the Bench
Using dental mold-making materials; repurposing an heirloom ring; and pave setting for beginners.
One Last Idea
Turning a fingerprint into a treasured piece of jewelry.