MJSA Journal Online

August 2010 MJSA Journal CoverEvery month, readers turn to MJSA Journal for the latest technical insights, bench tips, fashion trends, and business and marketing insights. It is the premier industry magazine devoted to keeping professional jewelry designers and makers of all sizes informed, inspired, and profitable. As one reader said, "The Journal’s in-depth bench info and hands-on instruction are unmatched in the industry... People that read the Journal love it—nothing else in the industry helps them to run their businesses as efficiently."

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Online Articles

High Strung: Creative Uses for Beads
By Shannon L. Brown

Tyler’s RingIn the September print edition of MJSA Journal, Shannon L. Brown profiled five jewelry makers using creative approaches to beading. These jewelers work with a variety of bead materials—from crystal to Venetian glass to sead beads. In this online extra, Brown offers some tips for working with precious gemstone beads. Go to Article

"Old Becomes New" Design Challenge 8: Julia Behrends
Compiled by Tina Wojtkielo Snyder

BehrendsRing 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 eight 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 the Latest Installment

Sprue Design Quiz: Test Your Casting Savvy
By J. Tyler Teague

Tyler’s RingIn the August print issue, J. Tyler Teague tested readers’ knowledge on getting optimal fills when casting two common ring designs. Here he presents a third quiz to test your casting savvy. Go to Article.

Ten Tips for Protecting a Home-Based Business
From Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.

Vault DoorThere are plenty of benefits to working from home, but a home-based jewelry business requires a high level of security 24 hours a day. The following security tips will help you to make your home and business safe and secure. Go to Article

Cast a Wide Social Net
By Peggy Jo Donahue

In this month’s print edition of MJSA Journal, Senior Editor Peggy Jo Donahue offers numerous suggestions for expanding your customer base on social networks. In this online tip, she shares an argument for why you should reach beyond your target market. Go to Article.

A Man’s World: Tips for Marketing Men’s Jewelry
By Deborah A. Yonick

KonstantinoManufacturers and designers selling men’s lines need to educate retailers about how to appeal to the male self-purchaser. Find tips for successfully marketing and selling men’s jewelry here. Go to Article

In the September Print Edition

High Strung
By Shannon L. Brown
Put down your torch and step away from the bench. Inexpensive jewelry materials with high-fashion potential await you in this glimpse into the world of beads, where countless colors, sizes, and shapes beg for creative interpretations.

Blackout
With the industry’s surge in silver use comes a renewed interest in protecting sterling jewelry from tarnishing. This article spotlights two tarnish preventers you should know about if you’re working in sterling silver.

Style Components
By Tina Wojtkielo Snyder
It’s interesting to see just how much the economy, metals prices, and trends in the jewelry and craft industries overall have impacted the industry’s often-underappreciated component parts: chain and findings. A recent survey of numerous suppliers revealed the key trends outlined in this article.

Hopelessly Devoted
By Shannon L. Brown
Jane Bohan pays homage to pop artist Roy Lichtenstein with Tearful.

MJSA Bulletin
MJSA joins ASTM group focused on creating Children’s Jewelry Safety Standard.

Trends & Analysis
Update on conflict minerals legislation, and mid-year market trends in gemstones.

Inspired Thinking
Communicating product benefits, not features, when selling.

At the Bench
Speeding up polishing the inside of a ring; making a quick and easy mold; and tips for more efficient sanding.

New Products
The latest tools, equipment, and technologies.

One Last Idea
Creating a custom design Wall of Fame.

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Winners of the Sixth Annual MJSA Thinking Ahead Awards

MJSA is pleased to recognize the winners of its sixth annual "Thinking Ahead" Awards, which were selected by a panel of independent, international judges.

Simply Brilliant: Speedwire
By Shannon Cournoyer Brown

A Great View: Dazor’s SpeckFINDER HD
By Tina Wojtkielo Snyder