MJSA Expo Returns to School Jewelers

The trade show has announced its two-day educational program.

Lenore Fedow lenore.fedow@nationaljeweler.com

MJSA Expo will be held again this March in New York City with a two-day lineup of education and seminars. Pictured here is a panel on responsible sourcing held at the trade show previously.

New York—The MJSA Expo is returning to the Javits Center in New York City this March.

Held concurrently with JA New York from March 15 to 17, the trade show highlights jewelry-making tools, technologies, supplies and services.

A two-day educational program is also on the agenda, with topics ranging from how to adapt to the up-and-coming trends to changes to the Federal Trade Commission’s karat gold threshold.

The MJSA Council of Custom Jewelers is expected to host forums to address challenges faced by custom jewelers, particularly pricing and client communication.

The “At the Bench Live” demos will return to the show, alongside the debut of the new MJSA Press book titled, “At the Bench Vol. 2: Tips, Techniques, and Step-by-Step Projects for Jewelers of All Skill Levels.”

MJSA Expo will host a two-day educational panel to connect attendees and industry experts.A new Smart Circle section can be found on the show floor, where attendees can speak with industry experts and consultants, including Andrea Hill, Marlene Richey and Marylouise Sirignano Lugosch.

Richey will host a “Critique My Line” session for designers alongside brand strategist Helena Krodel.

Meanwhile, Matthew Perosi and George Blair of the Sapphire Collaborative will share their expertise in photography and digital media in the section, and Miya Owens of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee will be available to answer legislative and regulatory questions.
A few highlighted sessions from the two-day seminar schedule are below.

Sunday, March 15

Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals through Jewelry
11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Community Hall

Susan Wheeler, a Chicago-based jewelry designer and the founder and CEO of the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference, will talk about her steps toward fulfilling the United Nations’ 17 sustainable goals, which range from “no poverty” to “zero hunger.” Wheeler will discuss how she built a responsible supply chain for gold, gemstones, pearls and diamonds.

On the Ground Floor: How to Identify Trends Early
4 to 5:30 p.m., Community Hall

The presentation, hosted by consultant Marlene Richey, will guide attendees on how to tell the difference between a long-term trend and a passing fad. Richey will discuss how to spot trends in the social, technological, political, economic and artistic worlds and translate that into insight on how consumers purchase jewelry.

Monday, March 16

How Low Can It Go? What the FTC’s New Gold Karat Guidelines Mean
1 to 2:30 p.m., Community Hall

This panel discussion dives into what the FTC’s new gold karat guidelines mean for the industry, how it will

Banner will be right here …

alter consumers’ perception of gold, and more. Moderated by Andrea Hill of Hill Management Group, the panelists include Mark Hanna of Richline Group, Sara Yood of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Michael Akkaoui of Tanury Industries.

MJSA’s At the Bench Live: Finish Line: Creating Cool Textures
2 to 3:30 p.m., Main Stage

This live demo will feature designers giving texture to their pieces, whether it be hammered, scratched, or other methods. Presented by Lee Krombholz of Kromholz Jewelers, the demo will show attendees how to add a little extra to a piece using basic tools and techniques.

For more information or to see the full schedules, visit the MJSA Expo website or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).

Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

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