Tucson 2012: Classes, Workshops and Demos

"At The Bench Live" by MJSA at the AGTA Gemfair:  There’s nothing like learning from the masters—and jewelers who attend MJSA’s At the Bench Live seminars do just that. Featuring the industry’s most renowned experts, At the Bench Live offers a blend of best practices and innovative ideas. It creates an atmosphere in which questions can be posed, solutions offered, and problems solved. And it ensures that attendees can walk way with a bit more technical mastery at their command.

January 31
Step to It: Tricks for Soldering Multiple Joints in SilverPresenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

February 1
History Detective:  How to Identify Previous Repairs in JewelryPresenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

February 2
Working with Gemstones:  The Designer’s ChallengesPresenter: Alishan Halebian

February 3
Mythbusters:  Challenging Tradition at the BenchPresenter: Ann Cahoon

February 4
Using Handmade Chain in Custom DesignsPresenter: Ann Cahoon

February 5
Compound Interest:  Creating the Optimum Polish on MetalsPresenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

Complete Descriptions at: http://www.mjsa.org/events_and_programs/at_the_bench_live/atb_live_tucson

The show features jewelry suppliers, gemstone merchants, and nomadic traders, with objects including but not limited to collectibles, antiquities, artifacts, rare ethnographic objects, unusual gold and silver pieces, carved gemstones and pendants, champlevé enamel, uncut garnets, Gablonzer crystals, vintage jewelry components and findings, costume jewelry, hard-to-find ceremonial and tribal objects, and handmade earrings.

In addition to exhibits, the show presents 8,000 square feet of workshops and classes, taught by respected instructors, with step-by-step instruction for all skill levels in such techniques as hand knotting, glass pendants, bead making, soldering, jewelry design, mixed media, polymer clay, resin jewelry, enamelling, metal and wirework.

Workshop  Schedule at:  http://www.tobeadtrueblue.com/workshop_list.php?

The Tucson Bead Show runs this year from February 4 to 6, 2012. It is open to the public, and is free for both wholesale and retail buyers to attend and register. With three intense days and 500 exhibits, The Tucson Bead Show is bead design. Meet bead makers, designers, artists, artisans. Take a workshop and learn more about bead design. Buy directly from the merchants.

The show also offers one of the most comprehensive workshop programs by well-known artisans and bead makers –offering step-by-step instruction for all skill levels in clay bead making, jewelry design, stringing and hand knotting, bead weaving, polymer clay modeling, soldering, metal and wirework, mixed media, glass pendants, and resin jewelry making.

Workshop Schedule at:  http://www.thetucsonbeadshow.com/workshop_list.php

A truly one of a kind Southwestern jewelry pavilion can only be found at the JOGS Tucson show. Exhibiting are the top dealers, miners and manufacturers with the largest stock of jewelry from Albuquerque, Mexico and China. The American Amber Association presents, at the JOGS Tucson Gem Show, the largest U.S. Amber jewelry pavilion. The Art Gem Décor pavilion contains some of the most beautiful décor items crafted out of stones, gems, copper, wood, metal and other materials. Besides the exquisite art pieces, you can also find some great everyday interior design pieces. Other JOGS Tucson Gem Show pavilions include the many international pavilions which represent the rich gem and jewelry heritage of Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Mexico and Nepal.

...and when you get tired of walking, sit down and take a workshop!  With over 100 Classes and Seminars presented through ArtBeadCircle you are wure to find something you want to learn.  Workshop Schedule at:   http://www.artbeadcircle.com/default.aspx?id=14 

What is TEP? TEP stands for Tucson Eletric Park, also called Kino Sports Complex, and the TEP Gem & Mineral Show is surrounded by baseball diamonds. TEP is one of the largest and most exciting shows in Tucson every year, drawing over 260 vendors, thousands of customers, and features acres of free parking! There's also a convenient shuttle service if you are coming from out-of-town. The show is free and open to the public. The TEP Gem & Mineral Show will be in the Tucson Show Guide and Tucson EZ Guide, so you can plan your events while attending the Tucson shows.
T.E.P. Gem & Mineral Show in coordination with JewelryTools.com will be bringing you 100+ classes this year at Tucson Electric Park (TEP) this January 28-February 12, 2012. They have pulled together a very impressive international team of instructors to bring you the largest selection of classes available in Tucson.  JewelryTools will be holding over 100 classes in one of the big white tents you'll see from the freeway, I-10, as you're approaching Ajo Road. Make sure to plan for plenty of time at the show before and after class, because you'll want to explore the whole show! Whether you like rocks and gems, silks and tie-dyes, incense and gifts, international food, or you just want to see the most unsual finds in all of Tucson, TEP is the best place to be!

Workshop Schedule at:  http://www.jewelrytools.com/classes/tucson-gem-show-classes

MJSA's At the Bench Live Returns to AGTA GemFair

MJSA will present its signature At the Bench Live demonstrations at the 2012 AGTA GemFair Tucson, Jan. 31 through Feb. 5 at the Tucson Convention Center. The interactive sessions will run daily and feature renowned artisans showing bench and design techniques that attendees can readily apply to their own operations. Related articles from MJSA Journal, the association's flagship monthly magazine, will be distributed at each session.

The sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association, and the Bench and Tool Sponsor is the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The schedule includes:

January 31

Step to It:

Tricks for Soldering Multiple Joints in Silver

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

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. Attendees will learn how to ensure their silver soldering goes smoothly, enabling them to create clean, secure attachments.

February 1

History Detective:

How to Identify Previous Repairs in Jewelry

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

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. Attendees will learn how to identify these "danger points" before it's too late.

February 2

Working with Gemstones: The Designer's Challenges

Presenter: Alishan Halebian, award-winning goldsmith/designer

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 ensures the stone is securely set and protected. Award-winning designer and master goldsmith AlishanHalebian will demonstrate how he accomplishes both tasks to best ensure the gem is exquisitely showcased.

February 3

Mythbusters: Challenging Tradition at the Bench

Presenter: Ann Cahoon, designer/goldsmith, Flying Marquis Studio

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. This session will separate fact from myth, and attendees will come away with new insights into accepted procedures for equipment maintenance, the selection of tools for specific tasks, or simple safety procedures.

February 4

Using Handmade Chain in Custom Designs

Presenter: Ann Cahoon, designer/goldsmith, Flying Marquis Studio

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. Attendees will discover techniques for creating handcrafted chain to complement specific custom designs.

February 5

Compound Interest:

Creating the Optimum Polish on Metals

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

When it comes to the finishing and polishing of jewelry, you need to match your methods and metals to achieve the maximum shine. Attendees will learn how to apply various buffing compounds and polishing techniques to achieve the look they want.

MJSA's At the Bench Live sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association and will run daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Grand Ballroom in the Tucson Convention Center. For more information, go to MJSA Online at mjsa.org, e-mailinfo@mjsa.org, or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).

ACE™ It Conferences by NAJA in Tucson AZ

ACE™ It Conferences by NAJA

Appraisers Continuing Education

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers announces its 37th Annual Winter ACE© It Education Conference to be held in Tucson, AZ, January 29-30, 2012.

The appraisal organization dedicated exclusively to gems and jewelry presents an outstanding program to assist the professional appraiser’s continuing education and an unparalleled networking experience. 

Sunday, January 29, 2012 – Gemography!

What makes the outline of a Fancy Cut Diamond appealing? Your opinion matters to GIA.  (Part I)

        Al Gilbertson, GG

                               Developing the Mind of a Leader

        Bill Boyajian, GG

                              The History of Tsavorite:  The Green Heart of Africa

                                        Bruce Bridges


                             Understanding Clarity Enhancement of Emeralds

       Arthur Groom, GG  and Bryan Aderhold, GG

                              Ammolite, the Most Colorful Organic Gem of All

       Donna Barnson  

                              Stories, Tall Tales, and Things I wish I’d said

                                        Ralph Joseph, GG

Monday, January 30, 2012 – Gemography!

            Classifying Gemstone Treatments

                                             Angelo Themelis  

             

                                            Opals: Myth, Magic and Misconceptions

                                                                             Gerry Manning

                                             Mystery of Moonstones - Now in Color(s)!

                                                                             Nandu Nichani

              10 Steps to Glass Filled Ruby ID Bliss!

                                             Arthur Skuratowicz, GJG

           

To receive a conference brochure or for further information and conference reservations, contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, Executive Director, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers,  718.896-1536, 

f. 718-997-9057, naja.appraisers@netzero.net, www.NAJAappraisers.com. 

It's A Tucson Stampede...Beaducation Style!

Tucson 2010

Beaducation's Stamping Classes

To Bead True Blue

and Tucson Bead Shows

Looking for a new technique to liven up your jewelry designs? Learn the art of stamping on metal from expert and Beaducation founder, Lisa Niven Kelly. In class Lisa will share her tried and true tips and techniques for stamping pendants perfectly every time. The class fee includes practice copper sheet, copper and sterling silver blanks, jumprings and use of all tools in class. Students don't need to bring any tools or supplies, we'll have everything that you'll need.

The class will take place on site at the To Bead True Blue Show. Students must check in at the main registration desk for classroom assignment.

To guarantee a spot in class all students must preregister through this website. Check the class title for the date and time to make sure that you have registered for your preference as there are 4 different sessions of this class.

Questions? Please email lisa@beaducation.com. Looking forward to meeting you in class.

Tucson Tip - at $20.00 per class this has to be one of the best learning deals at the Tucson Gem Shows to register go to the Beaducation website.