AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards

One of the most prestigious competition in the Gem & Jewelry Industry is the American Gem Trade Association's AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards...

These stunners make their world debut at the AGTA GemFair in Tucson and at all of the Spring Red Carpet Events...





Exposure - YES?  Worth Entering -  I think SO!!!

For more info http://agta.org/awards/index.html
For Entry Form, Rules & Regs (.pdf)  http://agta.org/awards/docs/2013-spectrum-invitation.pdf

 Launched in 1984, the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ honors, recognizes and promotes designers whose work utilizes natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design.  It has become the benchmark for jewelry designers striving to gain recognition for their work.  In 1991, the AGTA created the Cutting Edge Awards to honor creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings, and objects of art.  Both are a true contest of workmanship, creativity and innovation.  Winners set the standards of excellence for our entire industry.  The Spectrum Awards competition has launched trends, increased visibility for designer jewelry, and inspired great innovation in use of color and materials.

The Spectrum Awards is considered the finest jewelry and gemstone competition in the world.  The judging panel changes each year and consists of experts from different disciplines within the jewelry industry.  Each piece is examined by hand with an eye for craftsmanship and quality of the materials used.

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).

What's Hot In Tucson 2011 - Minerals - Review & Discount

I have spent the last week - literally - working my way through the 2 DVD Set (240 minutes!) of What's Hot in Tucson - the Mineral edition!  What do I mean working my way through...the incredible amount of information hidden within these entertaining videos is immense!   


Of course the big  joke in 2011 is that Tucson was anything but HOT - with below freezing temperatures for close to a week as is visible in the frozen fountain on the DVD jacket photo!


The Minerals video starts with the Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show, moves to the newest venue at the Pueblo Show at the Riverfront Inn, then the Westward Look Fine Mineral Show and ends at "The Main Show" the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.   Along the way there are several candid Collector on the Street - where they talk to people about their finds at the show!  


For 2011 the Dave Wilbur - Bob Jones team is back!   What is fabulous about these videos is that several of these pieces were found within the last year...or a minerals that have been identified and named within the last 5 - 10 years!  ...and some of the rarest minerals available!


Cornetite - Henmilite - Alabandite - Ilvaite - Arfvedsonite - Aegirine

For me the star of the Mineral Scene in Tucson is the Collector's Day at the Fine Mineral Show at the Westward Look Resort - the Featured collector this year was Wayne Sorenson and I really love the way that BlueCap edited this portion with Wayne and Dave sitting down and chatting while the stunning specimens roll by!


You Will Find Unbelievable Beauty!
...the glowing red-orange of the Tasmanian Crocoite - the Adelaide Mining Co. room was dazzling!
...both crystal and wire silver & gold
...the Chaminoux Red Flourite and Shigar Red Fluorite
...the Rhodocrosite from the Wutong Mine in China was in several rooms but "The Emperor" and "The Empress" at the TGMS were the stars of this find!
...new pocket of sparkling Prehinite fingers from Prospect Park, NJ from The Arkenstone 
...gleaming gemmy Milpillas Azurite crystals from Evan Jones minerals
...a two year old - 472 carat Emerald crystal from the La Pita Mine, Colombia - complete with it's custom lighted base!
...water clear Swiss Smokey from Pala International
...all of the new Cuprite - Copper Pseudomorphs
....and the amazing carvings from Pu Tzu at the Uncarved Block

It is great watching the way the dealers interact with Dave - his reputation in the field is unparalleled.  And one of the most candid moments comes when Bob Jones introduces and interviews his son Evan Jones, who along with his partner has some of the finest Milpillas Azurites!  Bob does a great job of explaining the various minerals present in these specimens and why the Azurite crystals just seem electric blue!


...and there are all of my favorite bathroom shots...remember these shows are in hotels and a good vendor uses every space available.  Wait till you see the Aquamarine in Rob's Levinsky's bathroom  ;-p

SO - did I mention DISCOUNT?  the folks at BlueCap have offered a special discount to all the readers of my blogs!    BlueCap is offering a special 15% off the price of your total purchase from now until Sept. 12, 2011!  

There is a 15% off coupon set up for your readers at our online store. The special code they will need to enter at checkout to receive the 15% discount is FLYONWALL. 

This code is good for two weeks from tomorrow, Monday, August 29 through Monday, September 12. It can be used once per order and will be 15% off the total order, no matter how many DVDs are in the order.

So don't forget to get your copy while they last...special checkout code FLYONWALL - while you're there pick up the Gems & Jewelry video too!

Photo Credit: Gail Spann after Cropping Robyn ;-p

Product Description:
Join us as we spend three full weeks in Tucson, Arizona at the largest mineral show in the world!! We visit dealers and collectors from the Hotel Tucson City Center (formerly known as the InnSuites), Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show, Fine Minerals International Show, The Westward Look Mineral Show and round it all up with the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Show (aka The Main Show).


Along the way we see some of the Ilvites from China that made such a huge hit, the Russian Cuprites that were one of the hottest new finds at Tucson, one of the finest emerald specimens in the world, a behind-the-scenes viewing of the new Kunzites from Pala, an exclusive interview with the owner of the Tourmaline Queen Mine and the first owner of the world-famous Rabbit Ears Blue cap (Dave Wilber was the second owner) and a whole lot more!!!!


And, as always, we also feature Jeff Scovil's Top Ten Tucson Photos where Master Photographer Jeff Scovil shares his top ten picks for specimens shot while on location in Tucson.
It's four-hours of non-stop mineral fun on 2 DVDs and even a VERY special surpirse at the end of the program that we hope everyone enjoys.


This is What's Hot In Tucson for the year 2011 and it's HOT!!!!!!


Your "FLYONWALL" discount is available on your entire purchase from the BlueCap Store - so - Check out all the quality videos offered by BlueCap Productions at:   http://shop.bluecapproductions.com/

30th AGTA GemFair Tucson

(sorry Social links are not live follow links below)

AGTA on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AGTASpectrumAwards

AGTA on Twitter http://twitter.com/agta_spectrum

AGTA on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/agtawebmaster#p/u

Kids: the #1 reason to stay for the TGMS Show!

I was going through my Tucson Gem Show photos and found some that I haven't posted! This is from the great day I spent with the FAB Jeweler, Maureen Brusa Zappellini (BZap), of Cosmo's Moon, and her charming son Cosmo.

The scene - the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show - this is the show produced by the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society and the show that started it all!!! It started as a public show and has remained a public show...however the vendors will accept wholesale orders from eligible buyers.

This is what makes the "public" shows a "must do" for me...you find the nicest vendors...they truly inspire the next generation of gem and mineral collectors...

This woman spent quite a while talking to Cosmo and answering his questions about beads and gems! ...can I get a collective - AWWWWWW!

...and then there is the hallway of schools and organizations - this was a display from the US Forestry Dept. - kids could do rubbings of fossils!

You might be interested in the theme for the TGMS Show for 2011 - Minerals of California! See you there:

Galatea - the Art of the Pearl!

One of the most amazing and popular booths in the Designer Pavilion at the AGTA GemFair was

Galatea: Jewelry By Artist.

What Chi and his carvers are doing with pearls is elegant and extraordinary! His new line of White and Golden South Seas are nothing short of jaw-dropping gorgeous!

Unfortunately it was impossible to get a free minute to photograph the booth...so when I saw this video by the Pearl Outlet I was excited to be able to share the story of Chi and his passion - Galatea!

The Centurion Show picks Emerging Designers!

If you asked twenty people in attendance at any of the venues of the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase (BTW - this is the city's official name for the shows) if they have been to the Centurion Show...most will answer that they have never even heard of it.

The Centurion Show is an invitation only show that caters to the Retail Jeweler - spotlighting the finest of the fine jewelry industry and featuring the latest designs and trends from the upper end of the manufacturing segment.

You will see brands like Verragio who were "showcasing the latest engagement ring designs {including a brand new collection to be revealed this spring which is "truly" unlike any other ring} at the Centurion Jewelry Show to a select group of fine jewelry stores."

...and these top name brands BRING IT!

The attendees at the Centurion Show represent their current customers and their opportunity to attract new accounts!

Maybe now you can see why, in my opinion, this is the perfect show to hold the "Emerging Designer Awards".

You may be a fabulous Designer...but...are you sale-able?

This is how it works - Designers send in a set of photos (3) that represent them and their style and that grouping is voted on by the attendees (retail jewelers) of the Centurion Show...and that takes us too...

Centurion is pleased to announce the winners of its second annual

Centurion Emerging Designer Awards.

They are:

• Designer Ana Guity Stein for Anahita
• Designer Julia Behrends for Julia Behrends Designs
• Designer Ehud Barlev for Julieli
• Designer Margaret Choy for Margeretti & Co.
• Designer Meital Elkayam Shaked for Meitel Elkayam
• Designer Noam Hakak for Noam Carver Fine Jewelry

“We are very pleased to celebrate our 2010 Emerging Designer winners, and even more pleased to have introduced them to the prestige retailers that attended Centurion this year,” said Centurion President Howard Hauben.

The six designers shared two areas on the Centurion Collection Floor during the recent show in Tucson. Entries for the 2010 Centurion Emerging Designer Awards were voted on in 2009 by the top retail jewelers invited to the show.

“Centurion’s mission to protect the interests of the high-end of the fine jewelry industry goes hand-in-hand with our desire to help the industry develop its future talent,” said Hauben. “The Annual Emerging Designers competition is a key part of this effort.”

A short biography, photo, designs and contact information from each of the winners is a available here (this is a .pdf file and may take a moment to fully load).

So - do you think you have what the Retail Jeweler's customer is looking for?

The 2011 Centurion Emerging Designer Award entry form and rules are available now at:

http://www.centurionjewelry.com/EmergingDesignerAwards.html.

#TucsonGemShow: The Best Bead Show

One of my favorite Tucson traditions has been to meet up with Marsha of Amazing Porcelain and Vlad of Golem Design Studio for dinner...this is always a fun time...and it makes me go to at least one bead show!

The Best Bead Show is in my opinion - the "Best" bead show in Tucson. IF you are looking for the unusual, unique and hand made...check out their website - most of the vendors at this show have a live link on the show website! The show is open to the public but houses several Wholesale companies. It is partially outside in large tents as well as smaller vendor tents that lead up to the door of the Sports Complex at the Kino Electric Park.

It features some of the finest Glass Artists in and out of the country...from glass artists like the fun and funky recycled glass pieces of Bronwen Heilman at Ghost Cow to the exquisite glass cuffs and unbelievably refined and elegant hand carved glass bangles of Kevin O'Grady all alongside the most innovative glass suppliers like Gaffer Glass USA.

In another tent the unique - hand cut beads of Africa John - this man finds some of the most unique gems and then personally cut beads from them - you can't get much more ethically sourced than that! I look for Africa John at every show (Tucson & Quartzsite) just to see what new stones he has brought with him...who else would think "hmmm, gorgeous chunk of Ametrine - let's cut a bead!"

In another room I found Avian Oasis an Australian Gemstone Bead Company and boy did they have some stunners...of course I walked up to the most expense strand in the room!

Great findings from the likes of Green Girl Studio, Hand Fast Designs by Kim Fox and Bead Inspirations...focals from the hands of the amazing Holly Gage of Gage Designs.

One really interesting feature at this show is that while you are showing your beads, you can also have your finest and one-of-a-kind beads professionally photographed by one of the biggest names in the world of Glass and Bead Photography...David Orr. Nestled in a room at the end of the hallway I found the master at work - I really enjoyed talking with him...and what a great feature for glass artists at this show!

...ok - I am done wandering through the tents and halls and it's closing time - Hey Vlad - ready to go get dinner?

AGTA GemFair - It's About the Pavillions!

Click on Photo for larger photo or go to the AGTA website!

CIBJO releases Ruby and Sapphire Guides

CIBJO releases Ruby and Sapphire Guides

making them available for downloading on CIBJO website

Milan, August 4, 2009 - CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, has made its new Ruby and Sapphire Guides available for downloading from the CIBJO website. The guides are designed in a printable single sheet format, offering retailers and consumers the basic criteria according to which the quality of a ruby or a sapphire can be determined.

First presented at the Coloured Stone Commission meeting at the 2008 CIBJO Congress in Dubai, the final versions the Ruby and Sapphire Guides were ratified during the 2009 CIBJO Congress in Istanbul in May.

Vichian Veerasaksri, president of CIBJO's Coloured Stone Commission and the driving force behind the creation of the guides, said he was extremely pleased that the guides were now available to the public at large. "It is CIBJO's and the Coloured Stone Commission's purpose to make as much possible information available, which in turn helps to increase consumer confidence in coloured gemstones as a whole. We believe we have achieved one of CIBJO's most important objectives with the release of this document."

Veerasaksri said he had also already arranged for translation of the guides into Thai "We are urging other national members to translate these guides also into various other languages, such as Arabic, Chinese and Russian," Veerasaksri said. "The commission has suggested that CIBJO's national members call on experts from among their own membership, such as gemmologists and gemstone dealers, to help with the translations," he added.

Roland Naftule, president of CIBJO's Sector III, under which natural gem materials resort, said the Ruby and Sapphire Guides were yet another step for CIBJO in offering both professionals and consumers up-to-date and relevant information. "Vichian and his colleagues created a very useful tool that will help gem buyers, jewellers, retailers as well consumers understand and learn about rubies and sapphires," he stated. Click to download the Ruby Guide and here to download the Sapphire Guide.

-----------------------

CIBJO is the international jewellery confederation of national trade organizations. CIBJO's purpose is to encourage harmonization, promote international cooperation in the jewellery industry and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide. CIBJO’s chief mission is to protect consumer confidence in the industry.

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!

Get Social at AGTA GemFair Tucson!

Tucson - Feb. 10th

I started the morning in a seminar at the Hilton East - Innovative Uses of the Hydraulic Press for Jewelry Manufacturing with Phil Poirier - This seminar covers all sorts of metal forming techniques available using a hydraulic press. The presentation progresses from simple tasks (silhouette die forming, bracelet forming and blanking) to complex techniques (deep drawing and the use of conforming dies.) At the end Phil concludes with a live demonstration using the Bonny Doon Mark III press to demonstrate live - the techniques covered in the presentation.

Phil Poirier has spent 35 years as a goldsmith and 24 years designing and engineering tools for the jewelry industry specifically for hydraulic presses. He is the current owner/operator of Bonny Doon in Taos, New Mexico. The company develops and markets hydraulic forming and tooling systems for the jewelry industry. http://www.bonnydoonengineering.com/

I am telling you I am hooked on this machine – the possibilities are endless...


That’s as much inside as I can stand – back out to the Electric Park...





Maybe it’s my hippy upbringing (I am after all a child of the 60’s) – but I really love the atmosphere at the TEP.
I offered to help Hans out this year so you will see several posts from TEP.

There are three sessions a day at 11am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm the class topics vary with something for every one.

11:00 am: Tips and Techniques for Cutting Molds with John Henkil of Castaldo. Every mold cutter has his favorite techniques, and John Henkil has been acquiring and studying these for some three decades. For fifteen years he's been demonstrating for Castaldo products.

This was a very informational demonstration. John didn’t just talk about the different ways of cutting a mold. He went into the pros and cons of the various types of molds and then did a hands demo of cutting techniques that could be utilized in different situations.

I sometimes think that cutting the mold is as much an art form as designing the piece in the mold.




Brad Simon Presents...

Ok – this is an exciting announcement... ALL NEW!!!! TV Channel all about Jewelry Making!!!!

If you're looking for jewelry training or in depth exposure to the techniques and the world of jewelry making, there's a new television channel which will focus on just that.

Initiated by Brad Simon and slated to debut in January 2008, Bench Jewelers Television Network will be a full TV network with different channels of interest to bench jewelers and will be aired over the Internet.

Channels will include, Shop Management, Stone Setting, Jewelry Repair, Custom Manufacturing, Platinum, Laser Welding, Bench Techniques, New Products, and more.

We all know Brad Simon from his publications that have always been free to users...E Bench Newsletter (Ebenchnewsletter.com) and the Bench Magazine.



Now there is Bench Television http://benchtelevision.com/ go – check it out there are free previews on several of the channels to whet your interest... when you see the videos and the quality of the work, and the level of the expertise gathered to teach, you will understand why there is a fee for the service. For an annual subscription to the service it is $125...there will be a monthly offer at a later date - this is for unlimited access to ALL channels.

BTW – check out all the great features at the next Bench Conference ( http://benchconference.com/ ) in Los Angeles, California! I hope to see you all there!

Thanks Brad for always sharing!












The Use of the Graver in Diamond Setting with Gerry Lewy's name will be known to many in the jewelry trade under his nickname "Gerry the Cybersetter." Today Gerry comes back with a repeat of Thursday's session, covering all aspects of the use of gravers in the discipline of diamond setting.

Gerry uses sample rings in various stages of completion, so that by seeing the incomplete setting, he says, "each person will then understand how the setting practice is furthered." He also utilizes photographs of different types of diamond setting, his instructional CD's and gravers for sale at the Learning Center, as well as free instructional handouts.

Tucson Gem Show - Feb.3, 2008

Riverpark Hotel - Today we backtracked a little, Jennifer (my very talented roommate - check out her enamel & goldsmithing skills at: http://www.jenniferfriedmanstudio.com/ ) needed to exchange some star sapphire and star ruby she had purchased. It really reinforced the need to have basic tools (at least a loupe and penlight) with you when looking at stones and especially the penlight for checking the orientation of stars, cat’s-eye and color-change stones. It worked out great because it gave me the chance to pick up some rough to work on over at the Tucson Electric Park while I am staffing the Learning Center. So - I started the day with a triple latte near the fire ring – poolside at the Riverpark.

These are the tents leading up to the Riverpark Show. The double drilled shells that I picked up yesterday came from the second tent. Of course I wandered around some more and found more to buy!

I found these ammonite pairs that were screaming EARRINGS!!!!

At the same time I picked up some chrysoprase & rose quartz rough...I will post these when I cut them.

Walking by the Vista Gems booth and couldn’t resist the Medusa Quartz (AKA Paraiba Quartz) and Green Moonstone...

We jumped on the Emerald Gem Shuttle (the routes are all named for gemstones...ruby, tanzanite, etc.) and checked out the other shows along the freeway...the African Trade Village and the AKS Shows looked like they were busy – even though it was SuperBowl Sunday!

The AKS Shows are at the Howard Johnson and La Quinta – these two shows are the spot to find raw crystals and metaphysical teaching & products. Just beyond them was the Tucson Showplace - more of a fossil &mineral show, except for Rhodo Co. which is exclusively about Rhodocrosite (from specimens to sinks...YES...bathroom sinks!).

We went by the Tucson Convention Center, Hotel Arizona and the GJX Shows all of which start later this week.

Next on my agenda - a trip to the Tucson Electric Park to help Hans Durstling (the Dean of the Learning Center) set up for the Mayor of Tucson’s foray into gem cutting!

If you are in Tucson – the Electric Park Learning Center offers a variety of free seminars every day at 11:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm. To check out the line-up go to http://electricparklearningcenter.com/ .

When I got there Hans was working with two Ethiopian gentlemen that had some of the nicest Ethiopian Opal I have seen so far. They were looking for information on a more user friendly way to market these stones than just as “nuts” for specimens. Hans as always...came through like the artist/teacher he is. With in minutes they were using the equipment provided to the Learning Center by Diamond Pacific (two complete Genie setups and a trim saw) without fear!

Ahmed (EthioGemStones) cheered from the sidelines while his partner took on a particularly difficult piece of opal – from slicing to pre-polish!

We are working on getting an internet connection in the Learning Center – then I can blog directly from the seminars! Oh Yeah – did I mention that there is a HUGE Village Originals tent at the Electric Park Show?

Tomorrow – is day one of my class at Rio’s Catalog In Motion...I am learning to use a Hydraulic Press!!!

The Mayor of Tucson Learns To Facet A Gem!

What Paris is to fashion, Tucson is to precious stone. Each Spring, the desert city transforms to an indescribable concentration of gems, exquisite jewelry and mineral treasures. Some 40 independent exhibitions take over the city in what is known among gem dealers worldwide simply as "Tucson." Huge white show tents crowd every major open area. The convention center and other show locations become a riot of ethnic costumes as dealers from Sri Lanka, Colombia, Namibia, China, Madagascar, Mexico, Australia and every other gem producing country throng the streets. Hotel prices soar for the three week duration of the shows and often the very rooms themselves transform into gem shops.

This year, in a unique act of recognition, Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup will become a gemcutter, cutting a precious stone, in public, in salute to the stature of Tucson as the nexus of the world gem trade. Mayor Walkup will be cutting the gem on Monday, February 4th, at 1:30 pm, at the Electric Park Learning Center in the Tucson Electric Park Show on Ajo Way.

The "Learning Center" is a new (debut in 2007) show-and-tell facility at the Electric Park Show. Conceived in the aim of demonstrating the fascination of gems and jewelry in a lively, hands-on way, the Learning Center offers 3 free lectures daily, cutting demonstrations, workshops and more, from February 2nd to 16th. In non-lecture times visitors can try their own hand at gem cutting with an expert to guide them.

Featured this year at the Learning Center:

Noted gem author Fred Ward presents his latest
in the "Fred Ward Gem Books" on Phenomenal Gems

Colin Winter, respected figure in British gemmology,
giving a presentation on spectroscopy

Roger Dery, past winner AGTA cutting award - talks about the real world of commercial, non-hobby, professional gem cutting

Brad Simon introduces a new internet-based jewelry television channel

Tyler Allen, award winning cutter - gives a spine-tingling account of his greenhorn's venture into the dangerous world of gem buying in Madagascar

....and there is so much more

All presentations are one hour or less in duration; all are open to the general public; all are free. Presentation times are at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm each day from February 2nd to 16th.

2008 Learning Center Schedule: http://www.electricparklearningcenter.com

2007 Tucson Gem Show - Again!

OK I just got my confirmation - I can hardly wait, I am so jazzed!!!!

I am reposting my info about the 2007 show - this was my FIRST! I hope that you find some info that will be helpful in planning your visit to the TSG in 2008.

2007 Tucson Gem Show - AGTA Show

I want to put this info down on paper...first for me because I want to remember every minute of this amazing trip, and second because I think that it may inspired some people who are sitting on the fence when it comes to making the decision to take the trip!

Let me dispel some of the misconceptions I had...

1. The Tucson Gem Show is this giant show with tons of booths...not quite...the Tucson Gem Show is actually 46 separate shows and each individual show can house 50 to 500 vendors.

2. After reading the Show Guide and seeing where the shows were located, I figured I would need a car...don't do it...I probably spent a total of $150 on taxis (you would eliminate this cost totally if you stayed at a hotel near one of the venues). Tucson is undergoing a 5 year freeway renovation project and the traffic is a pain, aside from the fact that finding parking near most of the venues is very tough. The city of Tucson provided (FREE) a system of shuttles that went to the various shows, so if your hotel was near one of the shows - you had free transportation from 8am to 7pm every day.

3. You have to have a business license and re-sale number (one show actually required letters of reference from companies you've purchased from in the past) to get into (and buy) at most of the shows...as a student this was a huge fear for me as I no longer have a business. Most of the shows will admit Students without question, some want a student ID. The majority of the venues offered "Visitor" passes and you can buy from most of the vendors. The vendors that are "Wholesale Only" or required a "Minimum Purchase", display that info prominently.

4. You can get amazing prices that will beat the LBS and your Bulk Buying Groups...True and False! If you are going to Tucson as a designer of one-of-a-kind pieces, while prices will definitely beat your LBS, you aren't likely to get any great deals. If you have a beading supply business and can afford to purchase multiples, most vendors will offer deals by the gram, kilogram, or pound. You need to do your homework - most of the vendors deal in millimeters, centimeters, grams or kilograms, know your weights and measures, nothing says amateur like messing up a weight. One way to get your bearings is say an item is priced per carat...get the vendor to weigh out and price a medium size of the stone you are looking at so you will have an idea what you can find in your price range. At the bead vendors watch them weigh out a kilogram of beads for someone (most will let you mix and match and one vendor gave a $100 in free beads to anyone with business ID)...it will give you an idea of whether this is a deal or not.

5. Looks Matter - you know, the more I dressed down the easier it was to talk to some of the vendors...there are shows that I feel that "business attire" is necessary(the AGTA, GJX & GLDA Shows in particular). But the bottom line on the dress code is "business casual" - if you are like me, you are going to do alot more walking than you have done in a while (and it is continuous day after day), so the most important piece of wardrobe is your shoes!!!
I think the easiest way to do this is by venue...so, come on everyone here we go!

AGTA at the Tucson Convention Center:

This is probably the most high-end and popular show...it will truly leave you breathless. Most of the people I talked to didn't go into this show because they felt it was just faceted stones and diamonds...while that is a big portion of the show it also included beads and pearls (a shape I didn't find anywhere else) and due to the larger market presence and budget of the companies represented, this show is key to learning trends and directions in fashion. When you go into the main Gem Hall and see a strand of emerald beads you have an example of what AAA Grade Emerald Beads should look like. While they may be way out of our price range it gives you an ideal for shopping at some of the other venues.

Trends I noticed at AGTA:

Cuprian Tourmaline: no matter how controversial this stone is, it is beautiful and it is everywhere! In the "Paraiba" color and a range of new colors (I am especially fond of the strong, almost neon quality of the violet) from Africa.

Micro-Beads: these tiny (most are 3-5mm) little smooth or faceted rondelles are HUGE...most vendors are carrying them...but buyer beware the quality varies from vendor to vendor and from strand to strand. These are being shown in Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Mixed Corundum (Ruby, with Blue and Yellow Sapphire), Emerald with Mixed Corundum and Diamonds (all colors, blue, champagne, yellow, cognac, milky white and clear white).

Diamonds: not only in the micro-beads but also really cool looks using natural rough diamond crystals. These came in a variety of styles and looks from 1ct crystals caged in 18kt gold to nugget beads chained together - Rosary style!

Pearls: I must say that pearls were in abundance with strands of every color, shape (crosses, biwa, mabe', keshi, coin, potato, rice, button, even faceted) and size (micro 3mm to 12-16mm). Several vendors are showing the keshi pearls in new shapes...some have the ruffled lettuce-edge, some shaped more like leaves, side-drilled, center-drilled...I guess I'm saying if you like keshi - it is still big. I really felt I had probably seen every shape when I saw something that was really unique. One vendor (I didn't see them anywhere else and I am kicking my self for not picking up a strand) had really beautiful champagne pearls that were a nice round pearl (approx. 9-10mm) with just a little of that "keshi" lettuce edge coming off one side, they really were beautiful...ah well!

OK let's do a quick tour of the AGTA Show at the Convention Center:

After checking in (which BTW I would suggest you do before going to Tucson - most shows allow you to pre-register) you walk down a hall filled with photographic displays and individual booths manned by all of the various trade organizations that support the Jewelry Industry (both in the US and Internationally) and all the major schools and testing laboratories are also represented.

The first major Hall was the "Designer Pavilion" housing work by people you have only seen in the pages of glossy fashion & society magazines along with the 2007 AGTA Spectrum Award Winners (AGTA Spectrum Awards is an annual natural colored gemstone & cultured pearl jewelry design competition.). You can see the winners here: http://www.agta.org/consumer/spectrum/2007winners.htm

Next you visit the Main Gem Hall - literally aisle after aisle (17 rows back to back) of some of the most spectacular gems I have ever seen...most humans will never in their lives see gems of this quality! There was also a small display of some of the museum-grade gems that have been donated to GIA's private collection and small grouping of items from the traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution.

Gem Hall II housed the new "Colored Diamond" area and very interesting and surprisingly affordable "Estate Jewelry" area all along side several rows of Metals, Findings and Tools vendors. Tucked in the corner of this room was a surprise that I wasn't aware of MJSA was offering a series of seminars called "At The Bench..." each subject was different but in total gave a great representation of the industry. For a list of seminars see: http://www.agta.org/consumer/tradeshows/gfseminars.htm

"At The Bench..." Seminars:
I don't know about you, but when I go to hear someone speak to me about a topic I research the speakers background so that I am sure that they know the topic they are speaking on. So I thought I would provide that info for you. The two sessions I was able to fit in follow:

Tips and Tricks for Working with a Flex-shaft
GemHall II, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Karen Christians, Metalwerx.
Discover how to get the most out of your flex-shaft, from selecting the right system to using the latest accessories and attachments. Based on the "Orchid in Print" book, Making the Most of your Flex-Shaft, published by MJSA Press.

About The Speaker (excerpt from her website): Karen Christians earned her BFA in Metals at the Massachusetts College of Art in 1997. In 1998 she started Metalwerx with her friend, Jennifer Bowie. In 2002, she began to run Metalwerx solo, while her partner began the contemporary craft gallery, Picklepot Studio in Salem, MA. Currently, Karen is the Executive Director of Metalwerx.

Karen teaches workshops throughout the US, is very active in www.ganoksin.com, and recently has authored the book, "Making the Most of Your Flex-shaft".

The Presentation: Karen's presentation had a major problem in that her demo materials never made it to Tucson. I have included part of her post to the Orchid Forum.

"I would also like to thank MJSA for hosting my talk at AGTA on the Flex-shaft. Although my demo materials decided to take a little holiday in Wilmington, CT., I was forched "wing" my talk, relying on a Power Point presentation which included slides I shot for an upcoming article. It was the best talk I have ever given, finding my voice and passion and connecting to a standing room only audience. I remembered at that time, why I love to do what I do, and how I can relay my passion of teaching to others. I think the success from that lecture set the tone for the days to come."

Excerpt from [ORCHID] 2007 Tucson Report by Karen Christians - Metalwerx - http://www.metalwerx.com/ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive/200702/msg00177.htm

This was indeed a "standing room only" presentation. First there where handouts...a really well written article abput working with your Flex-Shaft. Karen did a short presentation and presented several new 3M polishing products and the best way to use them (in her words they all like to come to the party - stack your polishing wheels for a better polish). She also introduced a new nasal filtration product she worked on called Better Breathers see: http://betterbreathers.com/

Then she opened the floor for questions and discussion...and there were lots. She announced her Demos at the Rio Grande Catalog In Motion and invited everyone to come over to get an autographed copy of her book.


How to Price Your Work
GemHall II, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Michael David Sturlin, Designer.
Pricing is a key factor in ensuring you can profit from your work. Michael will present an in-depth examination of pricing strategies and how to develop a formula tailored to fit your own specific situation.

About the Speaker (excerpt from the Revere Academy website): Michael David Sturlin is an award-winning designer, goldsmith, and master marketer. His aggressive public relations strategy resulted in Michael’s work appearing in many magazines including AJM, JCK, Lapidary Journal, Modern Jeweler and Professional Jeweler. Michael teaches Marketing. For more info and to see Mr. Sturlin's work, visit http://michaeldavidsturlin.com or http://www.goldcrochet.com

The Presentation: Mr. Sturlin gave an extremely detailed program on pricing your work, this is just a small portion of a 6 hour seminar he teaches at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, CA.

Two things really stuck with me from this program. First, was his take on determining your wages. To paraphrase he basically said that you should look at what it would cost to have any trained or certified trade (ie. plumber, electrician) provide services to you...your salary should be large enough that you can afford to hire a plumber without it threatening to break you!

The second thing was his suggestion for keeping track of the time it takes to complete a project. By using a stop watch on your workbench you can punch it to start your project and then as things come up in your day (someone at the door, a customer, the kids) you stop the clock, restarting it when you return and pickup where you left off. This gives you a more realistic idea of the time it takes for a specific project.

He gave detailed info on which parts of your business should go under which headings and the means to simplify the headers into an equation that works for each individual artist.

For those who might be interested I have enclosed info on the class Mr. Sturlin teaches for The Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts:

Marketing Designer Jewelry - 6 hours 9 am - 5 pm $165 + $15 kit This class offers priceless information for jewelry designers, craftspeople, artists, manufacturers and entrepreneurs as well as those entering the field. Topics include product development, image, pricing, advertising, press releases, copyrights, trade shows, sales reps, consignment, credit, competitions, crafts fairs, photography, display, security, catalogues and more. Bring examples of your work and promotional materials for discussion. Instructor: Alan Revere or Michael David Sturlin http://www.revereacademy.com/courses/classdescriptions.html


Tucson Electric Park Gem & Mineral Show

For reference you may want to look at the layout of this show in the Official Tucson Gem Show Guide! http://www.tucsonshowguide.com/tsg/shows/tep.cfm

Were you trying to figure out why I posted the Lapidary Journal Press Release? Well there were two reasons actually, first - I really think it is a sad day...we will be losing one of two lapidary magazines on the market! Even though they will still cover the lapidary end - they will be covering techniques from start to finish...(ie. lapidary thru silverwork) I will still miss the LJ.

The second reason is the start of my coverage - The Tucson Electric Park and Tucson Electric Park RV Shows. Those of you who read Part I will remember that I said I stumbled on the MJSA At The Bench Seminars completely by accident. My Itinerary for that day was to go to the Electric Park Learning Center for the 10:00am Lapidary Journal - New Directions Seminar, since I didn't make it to the event I thought I would post their PR so you could get the information.

OK - Tucson Electric Park, here we go...
When you take the GemRide shuttle to the Electric Park you enter between the two seperate shows the Tucson Electric Park Show on the left and the Electric Park RV Show to the right - we are going to start with the larger of the two shows.

For those of you who are wondering Tucson Electric Park is a Sports Complex, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Spring Training Camp for the Chicago White Sox.

This is probably the most rugged venue...you not only need comfortable shoes for this site but rugged, comfortable shoes! The entire event is outdoors on gravel. Most of the shows are open to the public with just a couple roped off as "for wholesale only". That doesn't mean that you can't get wholesale deals here, just offer your re-sale number and a sizable order.

There is one HUGE main tent this was anchored by a large Indonesian company that carried an assortment of products (I particularly loved the carved burls) and Southwest Silver on one end and Kents Tools and Alpha Supply on the other. With an assortment of various shops in between...a few carving shops (one of my favs was here), some rough, some beads, a couple faceters and lots of finished jewelery.

This tent held my attention for hours...Alpha Supply (very friendly and helpful folks) had demos going on everyday...Tony Aldrige would demo any feature of the Foredom that was important to your field; Ed Johnson cut Ocean Jasper to the pattern on the stone in an amazing demo of the new Taurus "ring" saw, it is like having a scroll saw for stones (this may be my next major purchase) and several different people did faceting demos. You can see them at http://www.alpha-supply.com/index.php ...and my personal favorite demo was the Tools by Miland booth ( http://www.jewelrytoolsbymiland.com ) ...a tool geeks haven!

As if this wasn't enough there were two other tents that housed tool companies...the Diamond Pacific Tent (available thru independant sellers) and the Crystalite (www.crystalite.com) Tent. The other large tents housed Village Originals (http://www.villageoriginals.com )- yes their product looks just as good in person; Blake Brothers (Wholesale Only!); the balance were an eclectic mix of products, rough, jewelry and even clothing! There was a very cool company (can't remember the name, unfortunately) that would wire-wrap a piece that you bought while you waited...great idea! I got my favorite purchase from Wild Ginger Imports (http://www.wildgingerimports.com) - an incredible selection of moths, beetles and a leaf bug (yes real!) behind glass in a shadow box.

Most of the other vendors either had their own tent or were in the open space in a central booth "village" area! This was definately the venue to find great deals on gem rough, jars of opals, agates of all kind, jade and really nice rugs & wood carvings.

A few of my favorites were (sorry some have no web presence)... Tools by Miland see them at: www.jewelrytoolsbymiland.com The Facet Shoppe see them at: http://www.gemcutter.com/ DB Opals Mexican Fire Agate (great prices) Khorasan Gem & Mineral (the most unique beads) Planet Yachts - huge gemstone Cathedrals Enter The Earth see them at: http://entertheearth.com/ El Rayo de Sante Fe Larimar International Corp.

Now - to the real reason I spent so much time at the Electric Park, the Electric Park Learning Center:
see: http://www.electricparklearningcenter.com/schedule.php
This couldn't have been a more welcoming venue - friendly staff and truly world class instructors. Their schedule was very complete and was a great fit with the other seminars available...from Beading to Faceting (including an entire day of faceting from across the pond, with Scot - Danny Hargreaves - he was a wealth of information and eager to share his craft)

For me, the highlights were...
Setting a Stone Within a Stone - Hans Durstling
Selecting Good Faceting Rough - John Franke
Selling Your Craft - Tony Aldridge
Getting the Most from Your Diamond Saw - Bill Ritter
Cabachon Cutting, Step-by-Step - Bill Depue
Tumbling for Jewelers - Ed Johnson
Drilling Holes in Gem Material - Bill Ritter


Electric Park RV Show
This is a small and much more casual show - the vendors literally pull up in their RV's and setup tables in front of them.

I found some great trilobites, a beautiful chunk of fossilized sponge coral and a chunk of Larimar...my new favorite gemstone (we will see if my opinion changes when I try to cut it).

With a desert "yard sale" feel, this Show will be a quick walk thru unless you are interested in buying rough from really friendly folks basically selling from their front yard!


Rio Grande's Catalog In Motion

Rio Grande's Catalog In Motion at the Hilton Tucson East:
Rio's venue has it's own shuttle system and unfortunately I wasn't aware of where the shuttles ran from until the last couple days the show was in town (this show only runs for 4 days - but the classes start prior to the show!). This will definitely be one of the shows I figure out and have scheduled prior to going to Tucson in 2008!

For Fee Classes covered a wide range of pertinent topics...
Fusing & Granulation with Argentium Silver with Ronda Coryell
Stone-Setting with Scott Patrick
PMC Certification Classes with CeCe Wire
For a complete schedule of classes see: http://cataloginmotion.com/schedule.asp
For a list of Instructors and a brief bio of each: http://cataloginmotion.com/instructors.asp

Free Seminars:
Argentium® Sterling: The New Metal with Ronda Coryell
Metalsmithing Hammers—Shapes and Functions with Bill Fretz
Jewelry Photography & Design Management Made Easy with Cindy Lichfield (CloudDome) & Barbara Carleton JewelryDesigner Software)

But the highlight of the short time I was able to spend there? To quote their website:
"The Showroom - Catalog In Motion fills a huge exhibition area with 65 booths devoted to the tools and know-how you care about most! In this giant playground of tools for you to pick up and try out, you’ll find a variety of torches, flex shafts, pliers & files; polishers, tumblers, abrasives & media; Allset stone-setting systems & burs; hydraulic presses, hammers & stakes; Argentium Sterling, PMC & keum-boo; casters, investment, rubber and more. And every booth features jewelry professionals who can’t wait to introduce you to each and every tool and to answer all of your questions. Try them all. Ask questions. Gain experience. Succeed."

Yes, you read it right!!! Hands on DEMOS from the likes of 3M (none other than Karen Christians showing off the latest 3M products for use with your flexshaft); Durston Rolling Mills; Jumpringer; Foredom; EuroTool; PUK Welders...in short a tool geek's dream come true!

Tucson - The Bead Shows...
I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to this - if you know me you know I have a passion for learning. While this should be a good thing, sometimes it makes me feel like I have ADD...no focus!

This post on the Tucson Gem Show is going to cover several venues, which is why it was so long in coming. This is Tucson - The Bead Shows...

Ten years ago this would have been the most in-depth of the Tucson articles but I have moved from beading to lapidary and recently I took up Jewelry Design classes. While I still love beads - I don't have the passion to stop at every bead venue to compare the quality of the various vendors in tourmaline beads!!! I do use a lot of microbeads strands to hang focals so I tend toward those or really fun and unique focals (porcelain, lampwork, fabric, etc.).

Let me preface this by saying that gemstone (wood, ceramic, etc) beads were available at just about every venue that listed gemstones so these were not the only sources for beads, just the ones that concentrated on them. I will try to list the companies that I was familiar with before going to Tucson, it is really your best opportunity to see first hand the quality of the goods these companies carry and to scout out vendors you've never heard of before.

ABC Direct East & ABC Direct West http://beadholiday.com/
The East event was an outdoor venue in dirt and gravel. I rode through this venue (East) on my way to and from the Electric Park. It had vendors that were available at other venues and so I passed on this one...but it was always busy.

The West event I drove by in the taxi on the way home as it was off the beaten path and up into the city - BTW - if you go to this one, make sure you check out the T-Rex Museum. It is especially good for those of you that travel with your children - very hands on!

Create Your Style With Swarovski http://create-your-style.com/website.php
Swarovski approaches this event differently - no product orders are taken - Swarovski's "recommended partners" exhibit and there are seminars and demonstrations. I don't use many crytals...but...I heard this was an elegant and beautiful venue. It was held at Tuscon's newest luxury hotel. There was a private Coach to the event from the AGTA show. But then wouldn't you expect the best from Swarovski!

The African Art Village
This is the spot if you are looking for African Trade Beads. But this show is so much more...tribal masks, baskets, textiles, etc. This is a fun and exotic venue - don't wear sandals as it is on dirt and blacktop.

The Bead Renaissance Show http://www.beadshow.com/
Right in the thick of it - the Bead Renaissance Show is wedged between the Holidome and the Gem Mall. It is not as huge as the other two but still includes some pretty heavy hitters...with the likes of Saki Silver & Via Murano! If you are doing the Holidome and Gem Mall anyways - catch this one!

The Best Bead Show
Didn't make it to this one but I traveled back to the convention center area with folks that did - the word was that it was a laid back, comfortable show with excellent prices. Oh yeah the added bonus that brought folks back to this venue was that it had ample parking available!

Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers Gem Mall - Holidome - Rodeway http://glwshows.com/
Bead Palace, Earth Stone, Beauty & the Beads,Four Seasons, Bead Need, Blake Brothers, WestOriental Stone, Oriental, Gemco, Holy & Pure Stone, Inc., SoftFlex, Via Murano, Lucky Gems & Jewelry, Wild Things, Star Gems & Beads, Bella Venetian, Prijems, Starborn Creation, Bonita Creations....The G & LW shows (there are three seperate venues; Gem Mall - Holidome - Rodeway) are a beaders paradise lots and lots of beads...gems, czech glass, pearls, shell & coral, crystals, amber, resin, silver, copper, etc. If you have heard of a company they are probably at one of these shows. The Holidome is the venue with the higher grade goods - but let me warn you this is also the most crowded and high stress of the venues. I wasn't happy at these shows - I am trying to refrain from buying beads because I haven't been beading much lately, but am telling you - it's an addiction! Bonita Creations had some of the most unique cuts and shapes and Opex Opals - how often do you see opal beads? Most of the major equipment manufacturers were represented at these shows - Raytech, PepeTools, Kingsley North and Gesswein to name a few.

To Bead True Blue http://tobeadtrueblue.com/
Marsha Hedrick's Porcelain Fantasies, Golem Design Studio, Foreign Source Ltd,.Halstead Bead, Garden of Beadin, Wirelace, Tapestry Beads, Tierra Cast, Parawire, Beadalon, Somerset Silver, Beadsmith......and more lampwork artists than I have room to name!

If you want your jewelry to really stand out - this is the event to attend. Yes, you will find some of the same-old stuff you see at the other venues but mostly you will find one-of-a-kind or limited editions and original lampwork. Lots of fabulous ceramics and hand-painted porcelains, beaded beads, textiles, stained glass - basically great focal ideas!!!

I want to add a quick aside - Manning House is one of the most beautiful venues in the city...the show winds from room to room and throughout the grounds (huge outdoor tent). Plan this show around lunch time it is a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy their amazing chicken & sausage gumbo. YUM!

The Whole Bead Show http://wholebead.com/
I didn't make it into this one - but there were several good vendors represented - besides the Whole Bead Co., there was Pema Arts, Suraj, The Beadin Path and Dakota Stones to name just a few.