HELP!!! Too Many Choices....

People ask me why I go to the Tucson Gem Show each year - well here is a great example...these are the seminars I would like to attend.

Wednesday, Feb. 4
Bezel Setting- Learn to Set Faceted and Cabochon StonesBilly Beadle- Master Stone Setter & Technical Trainer at Stuller, Inc.(GemHall II, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)Billy delivers valuable tips and insight with his live demonstration of how to bezel set in high walled and low walled settings in both faceted and cabochon cut stones. You will learn how to cut proper bearing seats for round and oval shaped cabochons, gravers for seat clean up as well as finishing of bezel edges. Gain valuable insights insight on how to properly tighten bezel settings using both manual methods as well as pneumatic equipment. With growing popularity of bezel setting styles, this class is sure to improve the techniques of novices and seasoned veterans alike.

Thursday, Feb. 5
Morning Session

A Love Affair with Color -Rob May, NCDIA (Greenlee room, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.)Intermediate. Color grading Natural Color Diamonds is considered one of the greatest challenges in gemology, but selling Natural Color Diamonds and diamond jewelry is easy when associates are prepared. Join Natural Color Diamond Association and learn about the complexities of Natural Color Diamonds, including how to answer consumer questions and tap into consumer interests. Add some color to your life and see how even a small investment can result in increased sales, healthy margins and colorful profits.

Colored Gemstone Estate Jewelry - Diana Jarrett, Heritage Gems (Graham room, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.)Basic - Intermediate. Before the marketing machine which unleashed focus on diamond jewelry purchases, jewelry wearers embraced colored gems. The relationship of Estate Jewelry and the colored gemstone world is such that an understanding of when and why certain colors were in use, what changes in availability of gems meant for jewelry design, and even how the availability of substitute and synthetic materials altered jewelry in a given period helps you better present colored gemstone estate jewelry to your clients.

Afternoon Session

Into the Field: Stories from Afar - Edward Boehm, JOEB Enterprises (Maricopa room, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)Basic – Advanced. Why does the movie-going public turn out again and again for another Jones movie, from Arizona, to Indiana, to Wyoming and around the world? Adventure, excitement, being transported from the mundane to exotic locations. Make these very thrills available to your colored gemstone customers with stories from the sources of origin told by world traveler and colored gemstone dealer Edward Boehm. With over 20 years of experience in the gemstone industry, Edward travels to the source to procure unique and collectible gems for his clients. Offer tales of the exotic to enhance the value of the gemstone treasures your clients seek.

Friday, Feb. 6
Morning Session

Intriguing Gem Stories - Alan Hodgkinson (Greenlee room, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.) Gemological Beginners – Advanced. A look at various gems: natural, synthetic, composite which, over the years, the presenter has found gemologically fascinating and which have enthralled others who are gemologically enthusiastic - if you are not an enthusiast for gems (beginner or advanced) this is not for you! The observations are based on the reaction of each gem to one or other of the standard gem testing instruments: microscope, refractometer, spectroscope, polariscope, ultra-violet and filters.

Hammers: The Stars and Characters and How They Perform Bill Fretz (Rio CIM 9:00am-10:30am) Hammers are either the main performer or a behind-the-jewelry-scene necessity, and each hammer has a role to play. Every hammer matters, and how each contributes to the many facets of your work will be the focus of this discussion. Fretz Design, LLC, features the jewelry and sculpture of William Fretz, whose work is known and collected worldwide. Bill's work has won many awards and has been exhibited at shows and galleries. His passion for making tools culminated in his own line of miniature stakes and, most recently, forming hammers. He and his wife, Marian, run their business in Bucksport, Maine. http://www.fretzdesign.com/

Argentium® Sterling Silver: Casting, Fusing, Fabrication & Granulation - Ronda Coryell (Rio CIM 11:30am-1:00pm )Explore the technology and techniques required to work with Argentium® Sterling. Ronda will discuss the art of granulation on castings and how to best combine other metals with Argentium. Ronda Coryell, a master goldsmith, is the shop manager and an instructor for The Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, one of the world's most well-regarded learning institutions for beginning and expert jewelers. Ronda holds a degree in Art Education and founded the Northwest Chapter of the Florida Society of Goldsmiths. Her work has won recognition in competition and exhibition. http://www.revereacademy.com/ http://www.rondacoryell.com/

Afternoon Session

Gem ID – Parts I and II (hands-on) (3 hour extended session) - Antoinette Matlins, Gemstone Press (Graham room, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.) Basic-Advanced. (Part I not required to benefit from Part II. Part II is not required to complete Part 1). These non-technical, half-day workshops demonstrate how to use simple, portable instruments to quickly and easily identify colored gemstones typically seen in the jewelry market, detect treatments, and spot many fakes and synthetics. Techniques to screen for HPHT-treated diamonds and surface-coated diamonds and gemstones are also covered. Even gemologists can benefit from time-saving tips. Increase confidence when buying away from your store, office, or in the field. Class size limited. (First-come, first-served, limited attendance).

Saturday, Feb. 7
Morning Session

The Quest For True Pavé - Blaine Lewis (Rio CIM 9:00am-10:30am) Explore true pavé techniques that are easier, faster and more effective than traditional methods. Blaine will use high-magnification video to demonstrate using a style of true pavé to achieve the highest echelons of pavé and thread setting. The New Approach School for Jewelers specializes in communicating advanced techniques in a state-of-the-art teaching facility with highly skilled instructors. Founder/Director Blaine Lewis has developed a program that facilitates learning with hands-on experience and high level-magnification demonstrations. http://www.newapproachschool.com/

Wax Carving - Kate Wolf (Rio CIM 11:30am-1:00pm)Kate will demonstrate time-saving techniques for making mirror images and hollow forms in wax. This presentation is modeled after Kate's "Workshops at Wolf Designs," during which demonstrations are viewed at ultra-high magnification, providing a clear understanding of the processes shown. Kate Wolf of Wolf Designs is a master model-maker who has been making jewelry and carving wax for 30 years, and has taught for 17 years. She also develops and markets award-winning tools and waxes (Wolf Tools and Wolf Wax). http://www.katewolfdesigns.com/

“Collector Day” with Jim and Gail Spann in the lobby of the resort showing their private collection. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westward Look Resort

Afternoon Session

Five Quality Characteristics of South Sea Pearls - Carolyn Jacoby, Australian Pearl Centre(Mohave room, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)Basic – Intermediate. Learn the proper way to assess the quality and value characteristics of white South Sea cultured pearls. Optimize your buying and selling by knowing what differentiates luster, complexion, size, shape and color. Understanding what makes these pearls so remarkable, and the inspiration of world renowned designers, will surely expand all your pearl sales. As the 19th century was renowned for natural pearls, the 21st century will undoubtedly be known for culturing the most beautiful pearls in the world.

Collectors of Gems and Minerals: How and Why - Bill Larson, Pala International Basic – Intermediate. (Maricopa room, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.) Collector Bill Larson follows a fine tradition of a few noteworthy gem and mineral collectors such as Dr. Edward Gubelin, Dr. Peter Bancroft, and John Sinkankas whose collections have informed the industry and who were themselves inspiration for, and mentors to, Larson. In this session Larson discusses the collector’s impulse, how to build your own gem and mineral collection, and reveals some of his holdings while appreciating the import of other gem and mineral collectors.

Gem ID – Parts I and II (hands-on) (3 hour extended session) Antoinette Matlins, Gemstone Press (Graham room, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.) Basic-Advanced. (Part I not required to benefit from Part II. Part II is not required to complete Part 1). These non-technical, half-day workshops demonstrate how to use simple, portable instruments to quickly and easily identify colored gemstones typically seen in the jewelry market, detect treatments, and spot many fakes and synthetics. Techniques to screen for HPHT-treated diamonds and surface-coated diamonds and gemstones are also covered. Even gemologists can benefit from time-saving tips. Increase confidence when buying away from your store, office, or in the field. Class size limited. (First-come, first-served, limited attendance).

Sunday, Feb. 8
Morning Session

The Latest News from GIA Research - Dr. James Shigley, GIA (Maricopa room, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.) Intermediate – Advanced. In this very popular annual presentation, you’ll have the chance to meet a member of GIA’s Research staff who will answer questions and provide you with an overview about the very latest developments in the lab, including updates on gem identification and other topics of current interest.

Excerpts from The Colored Gemstone Course - Kate Peterson for Diamond Council of America (DCA) (Graham room, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.) Basic. DCA’s Colored Gemstone Course presents a broad but inclusive discussion of colored gemstones and pearls. The key focus is the essential information associates need to be persuasive, professional and honest in their sales presentation. In this session especially for those just learning to sell colored gemstone set jewelry, you’ll hear about the 4 C's of value, size and durability factors, gemstone origins, fashion and care, different types of colored gemstone jewelry, the concepts of designer and branded lines, and the emotional, symbolic and physical impact color has on all of us.

Channel Setting & Bezel Setting- Tips & Tricks that truly make the difference! - Billy Beadle- Master Stone Setter & Technical Trainer at Stuller, Inc.(GemHall II, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.)Experience a live demonstration of Channel setting techniques from Billy Beadle a Master Stone setter at Stuller. Billy brings invaluable tips on proper seat cutting techniques, bur selection for diamonds and color stones, use of gravers for channel wall preparation and cleanup. Learn different stone tightening techniques using pneumatic equipment as well as basic chasing and burnishing. Learn how to properly finish off channel walls for a professionally look. Take advantage of seeing and talking with a true master of channel setting techniques. Billy also delivers valuable tips and insight with his extended live demonstration of how to bezel set in high walled and low walled settings both faceted and cabochon cut stones. Learn how to cut proper bearing seats for round and oval shaped cabochons. Learn how to use gravers for seat clean up as well as finishing of bezel edges. Gain insight on how to properly tighten bezel settings using both manual methods as well as pneumatic equipment.

Afternoon Session

How to Tell Your Color Stories for Free Media - Debbie Yonick, Yonick Writing Co.(Mohave room, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)Basic. Industry insider Debbie Yonick covers retail practices as a freelance writer for several publications. In this session, learn how jewelers around the U.S. approach generating free media by recognizing and creating stories that draw editorial attention. Hear tips about planning and execution through successful pick-up for that most desirable news coverage, bringing you value which money can’t buy.

Palladium: White, Light, Natural… NOW! - Kate Peterson for Palladium Alliance International (Maricopa room, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)Basic – Intermediate. Even though Palladium has only been recently reintroduced to the jewelry industry, the excitement about this naturally white luxury metal is very high. The number of designers and manufacturers producing Palladium jewelry has increased exponentially over the past several years. The potential for Palladium is amazing – particularly in its use with colored gemstones and fashion jewelry! However, as with every new stone, metal or jewelry trend, Palladium sales can still fall apart at the counter if the retail salesperson is not prepared with both the facts and the appropriate methods for communicating information to the customer. In this program, you’ll learn all you need to know about this amazing metal: the features, benefits and consumer applications that will put YOU on the cutting edge of fashion, design and innovation with today’s customer.

Varieties of Natural Pearls - Elisabeth Strack, Gemmologisches Institut Hamburg (Gila room, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)Intermediate – Advanced. In Tucson, researcher Elisabeth Strack has found that a number of dealers offer pearls of rarer mollusk species which can achieve quite high prices. In this session, learn what you need to discern how to consider these varieties, including features to look for, cautions, and what you might expect from each variety regarding availability, affordability, and acceptance from clients.

Evening
Sunday Evening: A panel of distinguished photographers will present “My Favorite Specimens in Pictures and Stories.” Social hour: 6:30 p.m.; presentation: 7:30 p.m. Westward Look Resort

Monday, February 9, 11:30am-1:00pm You're Not Learnin' Unless You're Burnin: A Foundation For Jewelry Soldering with Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, GJG, CGA Whether it's preparing the metal surface or mixing fuel and oxygen, good bench soldering habits help produce consistent and repeatable solder joints. In this seminar, topics such as oxidation, chemicals, tools, gasses, flame types, soldering vs. welding and metal alloys are covered. Stable holding devices and solder techniques will be demonstrated, along with tips on how to rescue a crooked or failed solder joint. The Jewelry Training Center Inc. is a jewelry trade school that is dedicated to providing continuing education for the seasoned jeweler as well as preparing the next generation of jewelers for the retail trade. Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, president of the JTC, uses an easy-to-understand live-video approach to teaching and incorporates more than 26 years of jewelry experience into his teaching. http://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com/

Monday, February 9, 2:00pm-3:30pmMarketing: 90 Tips In 90 Minutes—How to Use the Internet to Market Your Jewelry with Bradney Simon This rapid-fire seminar will energize and inspire you when you see marketing opportunities available to you through the internet. Learn how to use this powerful medium to reach in to your geographic area and bring more customers into your store. Bench Media is a publishing company dedicated to providing affordable educational materials to bench jewelers. Their publications include E-BENCH newsletter, BENCH magazine, and the new online television network, Bench Jewelers Television Network. Founder/president Brad Simon is a JA® Certified Master Bench Jeweler® and a management professional. http://www.bwsimon.com/

As you can see I am going to have to make some tough decisions as to which ones will work into my schedule...and these are just the FREE events!!

But imagine getting the opportunity to learn to use your wax carving tools or hammers from the people that developed them - or learning Gem ID from the woman who wrote the book!

This is why I keep going back!