Bench Jeweler Conference & Expo
April 23 – 25, 2004
Sheraton Chicago
Northwest Hotel
Eddie Bell is the Technical Director for Rio Grande, and president of Neutec/USA, a manufacture of advanced casting systems for jewelry sold worldwide. He is a second-generation jeweler, with more than 35 years in the business, and has been awarded several patents for inventions related to jewelry making tools and equipment.
Liz Brehmer is a Product Manager for Rio Grande's Gems and Findings catalog, has been involved in the jewelry industry for 29 years. She is a custom jeweler and designer by trade and trained in Europe in fabrication and repousse' techniques, and has taught technical jewelry manufacturing for 7 years.
Wayne Emery began his jewelry career 22 years ago as a stone cutter and custom design jeweler. He began designing jewelry with a computer 8 years ago. Wayne owned a custom jewelry studio before joining Gem Vision as Sales Manager last January.
Chuck Koehler is a silversmith, goldsmith, platinumsmith, and gemologist. He has been in the jewelry industry for 25 years and specializes in complex repairs, and custom mountings. Chuck is a regular contributor to BENCH Magazine.
Blaine Lewis is Founder and director of the New Approach School for Jewelers in Virginia Beach. Blaine brings 17 years of experience and his unique perspective and insights to every class he teaches.
Gerry Lewy has over 43 years experience as a stone setter, and is known throughout the diamond setting community as Gerry the Cyber-Setter. Gerry is a regular contributor to E-BENCH and BENCH Magazine.
Jurgen J. Maerz is the Director of Technical Education for Platinum Guild International and was one of the first JA Certified Master Bench Jewelers. Jurgen is a regular contributor to E-BENCH the E-Mail Newsletter for Bench Jewelers.
Steve Satow is owner of Gem Services & Imaging and Senior Goldsmith at Saxon Jewelers & Engraving. Steve has 28 years experience on the bench and is a regular contributor to BENCH Magazine and BENCH ROM.
Bradney W Simon is a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler with over 27 years experience on the bench. Brad is Founder and President of Bench Media and Editor and Publisher of E-BENCH, BENCH Magazine, and BENCH ROM.
Arthur Skuratowicz is Co-Owner of Anton Nash LLC, and has been a Bench Jeweler and Gemologist for 24 years. He has been an instructor of Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts at GIA for nearly 8 years, and travels nationally to give lectures, seminars, and corporate training.
Bob Staley is owner of B. Staley, Goldsmiths/Precision Laser Welding. He has 25 years experience as a Bench Jeweler and Goldsmith and over 3100 hours experience as a Laser Welder. Bob is a regular contributor to BENCH Magazine.
William L. Howard is a Master Goldsmith and
Headmaster at the Howard Academy for the Metal Arts. He has worked within the jewelry trade for over 40 years as a
repair jeweler, diamond setter, custom goldsmith, designer, manufacturer, consultant, and instructor.