Jewelers of America will hold free Education Seminars March 9 and 10, during the jewelry trade show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, during the JA New York Winter Show. This year’s sessions cover bench techniques, management strategies, lighting and visual design concepts and precious metals and gems. The sessions provide practical strategies that attendees can put to work in their stores.

David Peters, JA director of education, has developed a schedule that features respected industry experts, including Brad Huisken of IAS Training; Blaine Lewis, president, New Approach School for Jewelers; Andy Macaulay, director of marketing, Chippenhook; Kate Peterson, president, Performance Concepts; Tiffany & Co. senior gemologist Ryan J. Petrozello; and Certified Master Bench Jeweler Tom Weishaar. A complete schedule is available here.  

JA also is holding its 18th annual Affiliate Design Competition at its booth (#2570) during the show. JA is inviting JA New York attendees to stop by its booth to view the inspiring jewelry pieces and vote for their favorites, in order to determine the Buyer’s Choice award.

The competition features unique jewelry from 31 JA-member jewelers, who have won design contests sponsored by JA’s regional affiliates in 2007. This year, JA expanded the competition by allowing submissions from member jewelers whose affiliate organization did not hold a local competition. A panel of industry experts will judge the jewelry in three categories based on craftsmanship, marketability, practicality/wearability, and overall design.

Jewelers of America created the competition to honor the skilled craftsmanship of JA-member jewelers; regional jewelers see it as a rare opportunity to receive national recognition for their design skills. The winners will be announced at the show on Tuesday, March 11.

JCK