Bench Jeweler Conference & Expo

April 23 – 25, 2004

Sheraton Chicago Northwest Hotel

Educational Seminar Schedule

Educational Seminars Sponsored in Part by Rio Grande

Friday April 23

9:00 – 10:30 Educational Session ^#1

Best Practices in Casting

Presented by Eddie Bell

This seminar will emphasize ways to improve your casting process by discussing how to recognize and eliminate common mistakes and improve efficiency in time and materials.

Platinum Fabrication & Finishing

Presented by Blaine Lewis

Cutting-edge techniques and insights for fabricating intricate platinum and gold jewelry. Revolutionize your platinum finishing through the use of new polishing compounds and 3M abrasives.

Bead Setting

Presented by Gerry Lewy

Learn Bead & Bright Cut Setting techniques from a Master Setter trained in Europe. How to sharpen gravers, take care of your tools and numerous tips will be included.

Chasing and Engraving

Presented by William Howard

These methods of surface decoration on jewelry are becoming a lost art. See about these ancient techniques demonstrated by a Master Goldsmith

10:45 – 12:15 Educational Session ^#2

Best Practices in Casting

Repeated from Session ^#1

The Safe Bench: Tips and Techniques for Preventing Accidents

Sponsored By MJSA and AJM Magazine

Presented by Arthur Skuratowicz

Are the chemicals, tools, and environment at your bench really safe? This session addresses these safety issues with real world examples and live demonstrations. Resources will be suggested as well as solutions to hazards you may be exposing yourself to. A wide range of topics are discussed.

Wax Carving

Presented by Chuck Koehler

Based on the popular article series in Bench Magazine, this session will demonstrate the process involved in carving a wax for a new piece of jewelry. Stacey Rhodes will be creating a new design for Chuck to work on during this demonstration.

CAD – CAM for Jewelers

Sponsored by Gem Vision

Presented by Wayne Emery

CAD-CAM has been around for decades however it is an emerging technology in the jewelry industry. Learn how you can implement Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Manufacturing in your shop from one of the leading experts in the industry.

12:30 – 2:00 Lunch

Panel Discussion featuring all seminar leaders moderated by Bradney W. Simon

2:15 – 3:45 Educational Session ^#3

Everyday Jewelry Repairs using a Laser Welder

Sponsored by Laser Star

Presented by Bob Staley and Steve Satow

This demonstration will show you haw you can improve the quality of your work and increase productivity in the shop using a Laser Welder for everyday repairs.

Platinum Fabrication & Finishing

Repeated from Session ^#1

Wax Carving

Repeated from Session ^#2

Chasing and Engraving

Repeated from Session ^#1

4:00 – 5:30 Educational Session ^#4

Everyday Jewelry Repairs using a Laser Welder

Repeated from Session ^#3

The Safe Bench: Tips and Techniques for Preventing Accidents

Repeated from Session ^#2

Bead Setting

Repeated from Session ^#1

CAD – CAM for Jewelers

Repeated from Session ^#2

6:30 Cocktails

7:00 – 9:00 Banquet & Program

Platinum Jewelry Repairs

Presented by Jurgen J. Maerz

Platinum has been the metal of choice for over a decade and now we are seeing more and more platinum pieces in the shop to be re-sized or for other repairs. Repairing Platinum Jewelry is not Difficult it’s just Different. Learn the differences and how you can repair Platinum Jewelry easily and efficiently.

Keynote – What You Don’t Know

Presented by Bradney W. Simon

9:00 – 11:00 Networking Reception – DJ

Sponsored by Jewelry Dealers Network

Saturday April 24

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

10:00 – 6:00 Exhibits Open

11:00 – 11:45 Seminar #1 (on Exhibit floor)

Laser Welder-Jewelry Design Opportunities

Presented by Liz Brehmer

This seminar will explore the application of new technology in the use of laser welding, from the designer's perspective, with a discussion of its capabilities and limitations.

1:00 – 1:45 Seminar #2 (on Exhibit floor)

Stone Setting for Manufacturing and Bench Jewelers

Presented by Blaine Lewis

Learn how to set diamonds and colored stones from the leading stone setting instructor in the industry.

3:00 – 3:45 Seminar #3 (on Exhibit floor)

Steve’s Tool Box

Presented by Steve Satow

This seminar will show you how to make or alter tools to use in the shop based on the popular article series in Bench Magazine

6:30 Cocktails

7:00 – 9:00 Banquet & Program

Working With Platinum

Presented by Jurgen J. Maerz

Keynote – The Best Career in the World

Presented by Bradney W. Simon

9:00 – 11:00 Networking Reception – DJ

Sponsored by Jewelry Dealers Network

Sunday April 25

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast & Program

10:00 – 4:00 Exhibits open

11:00 – 11:45 Seminar ^#4 (on Exhibit floor)

A Crowning Achievement

Presented by Bradney Simon

Some stones just don’t fit in standard size crowns. Learn how to hand fabricate crowns to fit your stones like a glove

1:00 – 1:45 Seminar ^#5 (on Exhibit floor)

Bench Tips and Tricks

Presented by Jurgen J. Maerz

Learn innovative tips and tricks to make your work at the bench easier and more productive from one of the first JA Certified Master Bench Jewelers

4:00 Bench Jewelers Conference & Expo Closes

See you in 2005 in Atlanta, GA

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