Tackling timely topics that affect every jewelry-related company, the Jewelry Symposium (TJS) will feature programs this year on sustainable gemstone sourcing, the use of artificial intelligence in design, and production innovations through additive manufacturing.
The event, which is expanding to three full days for 2025, will be held May 17–20 in Metro Detroit, at the Detroit Marriott Troy. Organizers received an unprecedented number of proposals from jewelry industry professionals to speak, says Linus Drogs, TJS chairman of the board, so this year’s agenda smartly expanded the symposium’s usual focus on metallurgy and jewelry craftsmanship. (TJS’ full name is the Jewelry Symposium for the Advancement of Jewelry Manufacturing Technology.)
“2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for our industry, given record-high gold prices and ongoing uncertainty around tariffs. This makes events like the Symposium even more critical for staying ahead of the curve,” Drogs tells JCK.
Among the speakers at TJS’ sessions related to technology will be Scott Bradford of Gesswein, on CAD techniques and software for enhancing jewelry design; consultant Anne Miller, on generative AI; and Joseph Strauss of HJE Company Inc., on advances in additive manufacturing (3D printing/modeling).
Additionally, Jenny Luker of Platinum Guild International (PGI) will make a presentation introducing a recently developed innovative platinum alloy. On the sustainability and ethical sourcing front, Eric Branwaurt of Columbia Gem House and consultant Frank Cooper will each look at the traceability of colored gemstones.
“We are grateful to the experts who will be sharing the latest information on CAD, AI, and additive manufacturing, as well as the group of professionals focused on sustainability related to a responsible supply chain and the tracing of colored gemstones,” Drogs says.
TJS is “a passionate, collaborative, noncommercial, nonprofit global community inspiring creativity, fostering innovation, and encouraging the further development and advancement of all facets of the jewelry-making family,” according to the event’s website.
Attendees include bench jewelers, designers, manufacturers, students, retailers, and media. The open exchange of information, ideas, and skill sets acts as a catalyst for the advancement of jewelry manufacturing technology worldwide, Drogs says.
Now in its third year, TJS is a successor to the beloved Santa Fe Symposium, which was held for more than 30 years. Following some business changes, including the sale of organizer Rio Grande, the final Santa Fe Symposium took place in May 2022 (rescheduled from 2020 because of the pandemic).
One goal of Santa Fe Symposium founders Eddie Bell and Dave Schneller was to eliminate barriers and create friendships among industry experts. Rather than allow such a rich experience to end, Drogs and other key players have continued with a new name but the same spirit. The inaugural Jewelry Symposium in 2023 drew over 90 participants, more than double what organizers hoped for, he says.
Top: Linus Drogs (left) at the Jewelry Symposium last year with Legor associates Marisol Jimenez (Mexico) and Andrea Friso (Italy), who received an award for sponsoring the 2024 event (photos courtesy of TJS)
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