2012 AGTA Gem Jammin'

Encore Set for GemJammin’ Tucson 2012

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is pleased to announce the return of GemJammin’ in conjunction with the 2012 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson.  Back by popular demand, this open-to-all trade professionals music jam, is a benefit for Jewelers For Children.  The event will be held at The Hut on February 2, 2012, from 8PM to the last lingering note fades in the early morning hours.  Participation and attendance is open to all members of the gem, mineral and jewelry industries.  

On February 2, 2012 GemJammin’ Tucson 2012 will offer the opportunity for jewelry industry musicians to take the stage, playing together in an un-rehearsed, and spontaneous musical evening. AGTA is once again producing and underwriting this unique event.

“In 2011 GemJammin’ netted over $5,000 for Jewelers for Children,” said AGTA’s CEO Douglas K. Hucker, “I’m sure we can top that this time. We expect more musicians and more fans to perform and attend,” he continued.

GemJammin’ Tucson 2012 is now actively seeking sponsors and musicians for early registration. New to GemJammin’ 2012 is pre-registration on the web that allows musicians to schedule the time they would like to jam and the musicians they would like to play with at www.gemjammin.com.

GemJammin’ Tucson 2012 will take place at The Hut, located in downtown Tucson at the corner of 4^th avenue and 8^th street. This location is central to all industry shows and hotels. GemJammin’ Tucson 2012 will begin at 8pm and continue until closing time.

Jewelers For Children is active in many critical children’s programs such as Make-A-Wish Foundation®, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation/Glaser Pediatric Research Network, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and more.

For additional sponsorship information and to sign up to jam, visit the GemJammin’ Tucson 2012 website at www.gemjammin.com.

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).