MJSA Launching Three-Part Custom Jewelry Design Initiative

New York--Jewelry making and design trade association MJSA is launching a program to promote custom jewelry design.

The Council of Custom Jewelers effort is being led by jewelers who specialize in custom design, with Lee Krombholz of Krombholz Jewelers and Just Like You Designs in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving as chairwoman.

The council’s program consists of three parts.

First, it intends to classify levels of customization, providing clarity for both consumers and jewelers when filling custom orders. The levels will range from fully customized pieces created from scratch to made-to-order jewelry that updates existing models.

“By creating and publicizing standardized levels, custom jewelers can better stand apart from ‘order takers’ and create a better understanding of true custom design among consumers,” Krombholz said.

Second, the council will designate certain MJSA members who are committed to sharing knowledge of custom design as MJSA Mentor Jewelers.

Krombholz explained, “By formalizing the process and recognizing those who are contributing their knowledge to help advance the profession, we hope to spur more jewelers into passing along their wisdom and knowledge.”

Lastly, the MJSA will create a consumer website to educate them on custom design and connect them with trustworthy jewelers around the country. The site is planned to be up and running by the end of 2017.

“These initiatives, along with the development of the council, are just a continuation of MJSA’s efforts to advance custom jewelry and benefit us jewelers--no organization has our best interests more at heart,” Krombholz concluded.

The council will consist of the following members: Gary Dawson of Gary Dawson Designs, Eugene, Oregon; David Dorian of Dorian Jewelers, Watertown, Massachusetts; Christopher Duquet of Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry Design, Evanston, Illinois; David Holloway of Holloway Designs, Farmington, Arkansas; Lisa Krikawa of Krikawa Jewelry Designs, Tucson, Arizona; Klaus Kutter of A Jour Jewelry, Bristol, Rhode Island; Tom McLaughlin of TEM Designs, Liverpool, New York; Dawn Muscio of D. Muscio Designs, Atlanta; Travis Serio of Stuller/Gemvision, Lafayette, Louisiana; Greg Stopka of JewelSmiths, Pleasant Hill, California; and Jim Tuttle of Green Lake Jewelry Works, Seattle.

For more information, visit MJSA.org or call 800-444-6572.