#Call4Entry - MJSA Calls for Entries to its 2014 Vision Awards - New Categories Announced

MJSA Calls for Entries to its 2014 Vision Awards

New categories include awards for the use of CAD/CAM technology and digital marketing expertise

Adam Neeley's 2013 Winner

MJSA, the association for jewelry makers and designers, has announced its Call for Entries for the 2014 MJSA Vision Awards. The deadline for submissions is later this year—April 17, and the contest winners will be celebrated at the 2015 MJSA Expo New York.

“We’ve expanded the MJSA Vision Awards so they honor not only outstanding jewelry design—including custom work—but also the remarkable work of jewelry brands in their use of digital marketing,” says David W. Cochran, MJSA president and CEO. “It also celebrates the innovative use of lasers and CAD/CAM, to showcase how jewelry designers are incorporating new technologies to better make and sell their creations.”

The MJSA Vision Awards, through the years, have celebrated the work of some of today’s most well-known jewelry artists, such as Todd Reed, Mark Schneider, Pamela Froman, Julia Behrends, Adam Neeley, and Gregoré Morin, along with countless other jewelry makers and designers successfully working in the field today.

The 2014 MJSA Vision Award categories include:
• Professional Design Excellence (1-3 years in business);

• Professional Design Excellence (4+ years in business);

• The Future of the Industry, sponsored by the MJSA Education Foundation;

• Custom Design Distinction (designs that met a client’s request), sponsored by Techform Advanced Casting;

• Laser Distinction (design that relied upon the use of a laser), sponsored by LaserStar Technologies Corp.;

• CAD/CAM Distinction (designs that were created with the use of CAD/CAM technologies), sponsored by EnvisionTEC;

• Digital Marketing Distinction (honors a business that has created a digital marketing program).

Ezra Satok-Wolman 2013 Winner - Palladium
 

All professional and distinction categories are open to independent or company-employed U.S. and international jewelry designers. The Future of the Industry Award is open to any student enrolled in an art, design, or jewelry-related program at a college, university, or proprietary technical school.

Winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of jewelry designers, manufacturers, and editors of leading jewelry trade publications. Judges will consider originality, presentation quality, effective use of materials, wearability, and the design’s perceived manufacturing and marketing potential.

All winning entries will be recognized in MJSA news releases delivered to the trade and consumer press; in MJSA Journal; in the MJSA Up to Date e-newsletter; and in a special section on the MJSA website, MJSA.org. They will also be shared via MJSA’s social media channels at LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. The winning entries will be featured in special ad pages in Instore and Metalsmith magazines (the competition's Media Sponsors).

Marc Schneider's 2013 Winner

All first-place Professional Design Excellence winners will be awarded a $500 Rio Grande gift certificate, and all second-place Professional Design Excellence winners will receive a full library of MJSA Press publications (value of up to $400) and be recognized in trade publication ads. All first-place Distinction winners will receive $750 cash awards, and their entries will be recognized in trade publication ads. The first-place Digital Marketing Distinction winner will have its digital efforts profiled as a "standard of excellence" case study, which will appear in the MJSA Technology Sourcebook (20,000 distribution to jewelry makers, designers, and retailers) and promoted by Media Sponsors Metalsmith and Instore magazines.

David Alvarado's "Cycle" Pendant - 2013 Winner

The first-place Future of the Industry winner will receive a $500 gift certificate from Rio Grande and a $1,000 scholarship from the MJSA Education Foundation, payable to any jewelry design, jewelry making, or other jewelry-related degree program at a U.S. college, university, or technical school. The second-place Future of the Industry winner will receive a $500 scholarship from the MJSA Education Foundation.

To learn more about the MJSA Vision Awards, see complete guidelines, and enter the contest, go tohttp://mjsa.org/events_and_programs/mjsa_vision_awards.

MJSA Expo NY Announces Seminars, Workshops and NEW MJSA Journal LIVE

MJSA Expo NY Announces Seminars, Workshops for 2014

New this year: MJSA Journal LIVE: 

Two days of demos, 1-on-1 consultations, and more

MJSA, the trade association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, announced its full slate of speakers for MJSA Expo New York, its flagship trade show at Hilton New York from March 9-11, 2014. Along with traditional seminars in its presentation area, the association has also planned a new, MJSA Journal LIVE—A two-day series of demonstrations, one-on-one consultations, and presentations, by some of the most distinguished industry business leaders, authors, and master jewelers who have appeared in the pages of MJSA’s flagship publication.

“If you ever read MJSA Journal and wished you could sit with its expert contributors over a long coffee, MJSA Journal LIVE will meet that wish, and more,” says MJSA CEO and President David W. Cochran. The series will feature insights into common (and uncommon) tools and techniques, from the newest low-cost additive manufacturing systems to innovative stone-setting methods to business, inventory, and marketing management made easy.

Bringing the pages of the magazine to the Expo show floor, MJSA Journal LIVE features:

* Joel McFadden of Joel McFadden Designs, who will conduct a three-part series of Jewelry Making 101 demonstrations on stone setting, sponsored by the MJSA Education Foundation with bench and tool sponsor, Stuller, Inc.

* Jewelry makers and designers Elizabeth Garvin and Gary Dawson will also coach attendees on bench business tips and repairing/repurposing jewelry.

* Business coaches Andrea Hill of StrategyWerx, consultant Marlene Richey, Ann Arnold of Arnold Advisory Group LLC, Matthew Perosi of JewelerWebsites.com, Eugene Brill of Jewelry.com, and Cindy Edelstein of Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, will speak one-on-one concerning basic business operations issues, as well as online marketing, photography and merchandising a designer line.

* CAD/CAM experts Steve Adler of A3DM, Charlie Herner of Green Lake Jewelry Works, and Zsombor Antal of Best Cast.

* Casting experts J. Tyler Teague of JETT Research, Teresa Fryé of Techform, Linus Drogs of Au Enterprises; and Ted Doudak of Riva Precision Manufacturing.

On Monday in MJSA Expo’s Presentation Area, Swarovski will also sponsor a full-day program of hands-on workshops, focusing on techniques for creating crystal jewelry and accessories. They feature Nick Regine, star of the "Professor of Crystal" educational series running on YouTube and in MJSA Journal.

MJSA’s Seminar Series, which takes places on Sunday, March 9, includes:

* Fashion Trends 2014 and Beyond. Barbara Raleigh of International Design Source Ltd., a popular speaker making a return appearance, will show fashion trends influencing jewelry for 2014 and 2015, in a lively, visual presentation.

* "Made in USA” Made Simple will explain the laws and regulations controlling "Made in USA" statements, and also present MJSA’s submission to the FTC requesting changes in the "Made in USA" rules. Speakers include: Mark Hanna of Richline Group; Peggy Jo Donahue of MJSA; and Suzan Flamm of Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

* Fair Trade & Ethical Practices: What You Need to Know. A panel of speakers will discuss the adoption of responsible business practices by companies throughout jewelry supply chain, and the surge of interest in fairly mined and fairly traded gems and metals. This panel will include panelists David Bouffard of Signet Jewelers Ltd., Torry Hoover of Hoover & Strong; Anna Bario of Bario-Neal; and Suzan Flamm of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

For more information about MJSA Expo New York, and for free online registration, click here:

http://www.mjsa.org/events_and_programs/mjsa_expo_new_york/

ABOUT MJSA EXPO NEW YORK

Held every March at the Hilton New York, MJSA Expo New York is the show dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design. It features the latest bench tools, laser welders, casting machines, alloys, CAD/CAM systems, gemstones and beads, component parts, stamping equipment, jewelry making subcontractors, and business services.

MJSA ConFab 2013 - Profit Lessons for Jewelry Designers

Are you registered?  2013 MJSA ConFab looks like THE event for Designers!

Get ready to be ConFabulous! MJSA will present its second annual MJSA ConFab conference Nov. 3 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Offering a full-day of "profit lessons" for jewelry makers and designers, this year's event will feature some of the industry's top designers, marketers, contractors, and consultants, offering insights that get to the heart of what it takes to run a successful business.

Topics include targeting niche markets, creating a digital marketing plan, developing sales skills (even if you're selling challenged), working with subcontractors, and maintaining margins with low-cost metals. Presenters range from business gurus Andrea Hill and Cindy Edelstein to such acclaimed designers as Alex Woo and Lisa Jenks. (Actually, we have a dozen experts who will share what they know; while we can't list them all here, you can read all about them by clicking here. Believe us, you'll be amazed at how much talent we've assembled.)

Attendees will also be able to access the ConFab Online Extras, a collection of articles, videos, and other resources that extend the ConFab experience. As a special preview, we're offering a video flashback of last year's ConFab: Watch Andrea Hill, Cindy Edelstein, Bree Richey, and Malak Atut discuss what it takes to run a successful business. Just click here to get started.

Mystery Box" Raffle Raises Over $1,700 for MJSA Education Foundation

"Mystery Box" Raffle Raises Over $1,700

for MJSA Education Foundation

  

In addition to an eclectic set of materials (including niobium discs, spiny oyster shells, and colored ribbons), the jewelry created for MJSA Journal's "Mystery Box Challenge" shared two traits. First, the pieces were all expertly made. Second, they all ultimately contributed to the mission of the MJSA Education Foundation, raising $1,745 in raffle sales during MJSA's Expo New York trade show (March 10-12 at the Hilton New York).

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds, Stow, Ohio

The Journal--MJSA's monthly magazine dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design--annually sponsors the "Mystery Box Challenge," which has become a reader favorite since its debut in 2012. Inspired by the "Chopped" cooking show, it presents jewelry designers with eclectic, unfamiliar materials (all donated by industry suppliers) and asks them to create original jewelry pieces in four weeks' time. The results, published in the magazine, have been case studies of the creative process in action.

This year, five of the "Mystery Box Masterpieces" were displayed at Expo New York, and tickets were sold for a raffle conducted after the show. The participating designers were:Gregoré Morin, Santa Barbara, California; Michelle Pajak-Reynolds, Stow, Ohio; Geoffrey Giles, Asheville, North Carolina; Erik Stewart, Tucson, Arizona; and Ryan Roberts/Robin Waynee, Santa Fe, New Mexico. (A sixth piece, made by Davina Romansky, had been previously sold and was unavailable.)

Erik Stewart, Tucson, Arizona

The raffle winners are:

* Steven Adler, A3DM (Ryan Roberts/Robin Waynee ring)

* Alan Bell, Rio Grande (Geoffrey Giles ring)

* Andy Holwell, Johnson Matthey (Erik Stewart domed earrings)

* Yvonne Padilla, Rio Grande (Michelle Pajak-Reynolds necklace)

* Scott Raskin, Kemp Metals (Gregoré Morin drop earrings)

The suppliers that donated materials are:

Boston Gems, Boston, bosgems.com 

(moonstone cabochon)

Downeast Trading, Middlebury, Vermont, downeasttrading.com

(6-inch length of silver link chain)

Findings Inc./Leach Garner, Keene, New Hampshire, findingsinc.net

(a pair of leverbacks, a lobster claw, and a toggle clasp, all sterling silver)

Hoover & Strong, Richmond, Virginia, hooverandstrong.com

(18 gauge sheet of 4-inch-square TruSilver)

National Chain Group, Warwick, Rhode Island, natchain.com

(18-inch sterling silver round box chain)

Reactive Metals Studio, Clarkdale, Arizona, reactivemetals.com

(purple and blue niobium discs, blue and purple niobium wire)

Rings & Things, Spokane, Washington, rings-things.com

(Heishi spiny oyster shell beads; 12 round amethyst beads; 12 faceted amethyst beads)

Rio Grande, Albuquerque, New Mexico, riogrande.com

(2 mm silk cords in different colors; 6 mm silver and black mesh ribbon; #3 Stringth bead cord in different colors)

United Precious Metal Refining, Alden, New York, unitedpmr.com

(1-mm-thick sheet of 4-inch square Sterlium Plus silver)

Proceeds will be used to fund student scholarships offered by the MJSA Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports programs developed to enhance the skills of current workers and develop the next generation of jewelry makers and designers.

To learn more about MJSA Journal and "The Mystery Box Challenge," including articles about the creation of the pieces, go to MJSA.org.

Ryan Roberts and Robin Waynee, Santa Fe, New Mexico

About MJSA

MJSA is the U.S. trade association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It provides the resources to achieve professional excellence and maintain a competitive edge. For more information, call MJSA at 1-800-444-6572 or visit

www.mjsa.org.

MJSA Announces 2013 Vision Award Winners

MJSA recently announced the 2013 winners of its Vision Awards competition, which annually recognizes creativity and technical excellence in jewelry making and design. Adam Neeley of Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry in Laguna Beach, California, took first place in the Professional Excellence category for his hand-fabricated Spectra earrings (right, top), which transition seamlessly through seven gold colors (from rich yellow to white) and feature the adularescence of rainbow moonstones. The earrings also took top honors in the competition’s Gold Distinction category.

Mark Schneider of Mark Schneider Design in Long Beach, California, took second place in Professional Excellence for an 18k white gold pendant with a marquise-shaped, bubble-cut white quartz (right, bottom). The piece is accented with white diamonds as well as three cabochon moonstones.

Besides Professional Excellence and Gold Distinction, the competition included four additional Distinction categories—Palladium, Platinum, Laser, and Custom Design—as well as a "Future of the Industry" award, which recognizes students enrolled in jewelry making and design programs.

“This year’s MJSA Vision Awards illustrate an impressive commitment to jewelry making and design in the 21st century,” said MJSA President & CEO David W. Cochran. “The winners’ authoritative command of metals, gems, and contemporary materials is matched by the imagination they demonstrated in creating their pieces.”

The other winning entries include:

• Gold Distinction, Second Place: Ezra Satok-Wolman of Atelier Hg & Co. Inc. in Ontario, Canada, for an 18k white gold torus brooch created through anticlastic raising.

Platinum Distincton,
First Place: Mark Schneider

• Platinum Distincton, First Place: Mark Schneider for earrings featuring two pear-shaped tanzanites, accented with tsavorite garnets, yellow diamonds, and white diamonds.

• Platinum Distinction, Second Place: Susan Drake of Spectrum Art & Jewelry in Wilmington, North Carolina, for a ring inspired by the vivid hues and dramatic ruffled wings of the large and colorful tropical sea mollusk called “Spanish Dancer.”

• Palladium Distinction, First Place (tie): Susan Drake for her “Glacial” ring, which features a 15.91 carat trillion-cut aquamarine and a flowing “glacial melt stream” of natural colored sapphires, white diamonds, and green tsavorite garnets; and Ezra Satok-Wolman for his “Mandarin” ring, forged in 950 palladium and 18k green gold and featuring a 3.16 carat fancy-cut mandarin garnet and a pistachio-colored Tahitian pearl.

 Nghi Nguyen of NGHI Design in Brooklyn,
New York, for his “Hephaestus” ring. 

 • Laser Distinction, First Place: Nghi Nguyen of NGHI Design in Brooklyn, New York, for his “Hephaestus” ring. Created to honor the Greek god of manufacturing and metalsmithing, it features a bezel-set, 150-carat rock crystal (representing an anvil) hovering above a bed of reverse-set diamonds that radiate out on an arc (to represent tongs).

• Laser Distinction, Second Place: David Alvarado of Irthly Jewelled Adornments in Los Angeles, for his “Cycles” pendant, in which rose gold and diamonds are inlaid in vegetable ivory and hung on a 16-inch rose gold chain.

• Custom Design Distinction, First Place (tie): Andrea Carnahan-Koenig of Annie K Jewelry in Louisville, Kentucky, for the “Navaho Bug Collection” necklace, which features a customer’s collection of 21 varied antique sterling Navaho Indian bugs; and Patricia Daunis-Dunning of Daunis Fine Jewelry in Portland, Maine, for a “Gold Egg” presented as a retirement gift to a CEO.

• Custom Design Distinction, Second Place: Patricia Daunis-Dunning for an anniversary neckpiece crafted from the shards old 33 1/3 vinyl LPs— a gift for his wife on their 33 1/3 anniversary.

Jiarui Lu, Savannah College of Art and Design, 

Savannah, Georgia - "Auspicious Cloud" Brooch

• Future of the Industry, First Place winner: Jiarui Lu of the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, for the “Auspicious Cloud” brooch, which honors the traditional ivory carving and kingfisher feather inlay that were popular in China’s Ming and Qing dynasties.

• Future of the Industry, Second Place: Jinbee Park of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, for “Persistence of Unity”—a three-pendant set marrying fine and sterling silver, shibuichi, copper, garnet, citrine, and diamonds

The judges of this year’s Vision Awards competition were Chris Ploof, Chris Ploof Designs; Michael Coan, Fashion Institute of Technology; Cindy Edelstein, Jeweler’s Resource Bureau; Sarah Graham, Sarah Graham Metalsmithing; Marlene Richey, consultant; and Tina Snyder, MJSA Journal editor in chief.

The sponsors of the awards were: general sponsor, Rio Grande; Gold Distinction sponsor, Hoover & Strong; Platinum Distinction sponsor, Platinum Guild International; Palladium Distinction sponsor, Palladium Alliance International; Laser Distinction sponsor, LaserStar Technologies; Custom Design Distinction sponsor, TechForm Advanced Casting Technology; and media sponsors, Instore and Metalsmith magazines. The MJSA Education Foundation sponsored the Future of the Industry awards.

Edward DeCristofaro to Chair MJSA Board of Directors

MJSA Elects Edward DeCristofaro to Chair Board of Directors

Three new directors also join the board

MJSA, the association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, has elected Edward N. DeCristofaro, president of LDC Inc. in Providence, as chair of the association’s board of directors. Ann Arnold, vice president of Lieberfarb in Rahway, New Jersey, and Darrell Warren, vice president at Stuller Inc. in Lafayette, Louisiana, are the new vice chairs of the board. Michael Toback, president of Myron Toback Inc., becomes treasurer, while Stuart Lee continues as secretary. The new MJSA Foundation chair is Dave Meleski, president of the Richline Group Inc.; the former Foundation chair, Richard V. Powers, becomes an officer at large.

Joining the MJSA board of directors are Molly Bell, director of The Bell Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Steven A. Cipolla, president of National Chain Group in Warwick, Rhode Island; and Joseph Esposito, managing director of LeachGarner in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Re-elected for a three-year term is James A. Troiano, a Cranston, Rhode Island, industry consultant.

DeCristofaro has a history of service to industry organizations. He is president of the Providence Jewelers Club, serves on the board of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and is a member of the Twenty-Four Karat Club of the City of New York and the Boston Jewelers Club. An early entrant to the jewelry industry, DeCristofaro joined his father’s then-new company at the age of 17. He took over the company’s operations, and in 2003 he became full owner. LDC today is a full-service jewelry manufacturer specializing in sterling silver, gold-filled, and fashion jewelry. During his time at the company, DeCristofaro has built many of LDC's machines and tools, developing proprietary technology.

“I am honored to take on the chair of the MJSA board, as the association celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2013,” says DeCristofaro. “Our industry is going through a period of extraordinary change, which has provided new and different opportunities for jewelry makers, designers, and their suppliers. MJSA works every day, via education, networking, and trade events, to help our members identify those opportunities. I will do everything in my power to increase MJSA’s engagement with its members, so we can better understand what they need to succeed—and be profitable—in this new environment.

“One of my goals, amid high precious metals prices, is to support MJSA’s efforts to enhance the opportunities that exist for jewelry makers and designers who use alternative materials for their creations,” says DeCristofaro. “Though MJSA remains firmly committed to the makers of fine jewelry and all of their information and networking needs, today’s jewelers are also exploring an array of non-precious metals and other high-tech components in their jewelry.

“I applaud MJSA’s work in enlarging its tent to include information and services for these members of our industry, which include our larger suppliers and retailers of fashion jewelry. The latter companies have a wealth of knowledge and success in using all materials for jewelry adornment, and they are welcome to MJSA’s networks, benefits, and ranks,” says DeCristofaro. 

For more information about MJSA’s benefits and services, e-mail info@mjsa.org, or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).

MJSA conFab - Profit Lessons for Jewelry Designers

SERIOUSLY - if it is being presented by MJSA - it is always worth the time...and Members get some pretty great perks!  ;)

Only 9 Days Left until MJSA conFab--Have You Registered?

This is your chance to make a better living doing what you love! Thanks to some conFabulous presenters (see list at left), you'll get to the heart of what it takes to create a successful business:

* Sit in as Andrea Hill leads Cindy Edelstein, Malak Atut, and Bree Richey on a freewheeling discussion about strategicplanning, marketing, branding, and other business topics in The Business of Design. After this session, you'll find that making a profit just got a whole lot easier.

* Watch as Arthur Skuratowicz and Gary Dawson address the crucial issues of pricing jewelry, game-show style, in The Price Is Right. Plus, as an added bonus, you'll receive theconFab Pricing Checklist--formulas, factors, and other considerations that you can apply when pricing your own work!

* Play along as Andrea Hill conducts From INventory to OUTventory: The Game, in which the winners will be able to better control their inventory and speed stock turns. The best part: Everyone who attends this session will be a winner.

* Listen as Lee Krombholz describes how you can Put the "Custom" in "Customer" and deliver personalized designs that not only meet but surpass customer expectations.

* See Gary Dawson and Eugene Brill critique some of the many websites submitted by fellow conFabbers, in their Websites That Work for You session. Discover what you can do to make your site more effective.

The Best Part--Every Day Can be a conFab Day, All Year Long

Thanks to our conFab Online Extras, which we'll keep adding  to all year long, you'll be able to continue the conFabexperience. The conFab ID and passcode you receive upon registering will enable you to view articles, interviews, web apps (such as our Inventory Analysis Aide), andeven videos of all the 2012 conFab sessions, whenever you want.

New Online Extra: The Designer as Entrepreneur

An interview with designer Bree Richey, winner of the 2012 Future of Design competition, on what it takes to get a jewelry design business to the next level. (You'll need to be a registered conFabber to access this article; if you're not, click here to register and receive your conFab login and passcode.)

Source:  MJSA Email Reminder...

MJSA Education Foundations Awards over $5,000 in Student Scholarships

MJSA Education Foundations Awards over $5,000 in Student Scholarships  ATTLEBORO FALLS, MA--To further the next generation of talented jewelry makers and designers, the MJSA Education Foundation recently awarded $5,400 in scholarships to six students enrolled in degree programs across the United States. They are: William Sammut ($900, top left) of Sterling Heights, Michigan, who is working toward a BFA in Crafts-Metals at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. He is scheduled to graduate in spring 2013. Sara Cochran ($900, right) of Brooklyn, New York, who is completing a BFA in Jewelry at the Pratt Institute in New York City. She is scheduled to graduate in 2013. Kristen Glanzman ($900) of Maplewood, New Jersey, who is pursuing a graduate degree in Metalwork and Jewelry at Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. She is scheduled to graduate in 2015. Alexander Walker ($900, left) of Reed City, Michigan, who is completing a BFA in Metals/Jewelry Design at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A past MJSA scholarship winner (2010), he is scheduled to graduate in 2013. Chelsey Hammersmith ($900) of Temperance, Michigan, who is pursuing an MFA in Fine Arts at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2013. Jessica Armstrong ($900, right) of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, is working toward an MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2013. Since 1997, the MJSA Education Foundation, a 501(c) 3 subsidiary of MJSA, has awarded nearly $165,000 in scholarships to students enrolled in jewelry design, jewelry making, or other jewelry-related degree programs at colleges, universities, and technical schools throughout the United States. Funds for the scholarships are generated through the MJSA Education Foundation Scholarship Group, which consists of six permanent endowment funds managed by the Rhode Island Community Foundation on behalf of MJSA and the MJSA Education Foundation. Any student enrolled in a jewelry program, who intends to pursue a career in the jewelry industry, and who can demonstrate financial need is eligible to apply for an MJSA Education Foundation scholarship. Applicants are assessed on the basis of course of study, academics, career plans, recommendations, and industry experience. Students must be U.S. citizens. To learn more about the MJSA Education Foundation and various educational and professional opportunities, click here. http://www.mjsa.org/career_center.

About MJSA  MJSA is the U.S. trade association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It provides the resources to achieve professional excellence and maintain a competitive edge. For more information, call MJSA at 1-800-444-6572 or visit www.mjsa.org.

MJSA Online Honored For Website Content

MJSA Online Honored For Website Content    ATTLEBORO FALLS, MA--MJSA, the association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, has received a 2012 APEX Award for the content and writing of its website, MJSA Online (mjsa.org). The annual competition recognizes outstanding achievement in graphic design, editorial content, and overall communications effectiveness and excellence. More than 3,300 entries were evaluated overall for the prizes, with the website category attracting 215 entries. The competition is sponsored by Communications Concepts, the publisher of Writing That Works: The Business Communications Report. In addition to information about the activities of the association and its members, MJSA Online offers a wide range of technical, business, and legislative expertise. Among the site's offerings:  MJSA Journal Online and MJSA Custom Jeweler Online. Visitors can find exclusive online articles related to jewelry making, design, marketing, and business management. Articles are posted regularly and often relate to or enhance the articles from the association's two peer-reviewed publications of the same names. Past articles can be found in the MJSA Online Article Archive. Beginning in August 2012, a digital edition of MJSA Custom Jeweler will be available. MJSA Tech Sheets. Published periodically as special inserts in MJSA Journal and distributed at industry shows, the collectible Tech Sheets offer insights into all aspects of jewelry making and design. The sheets are available to members as PDF downloads. MJSA Compliance Guides. These members-only guides address such issues as lead and cadmium content in children's jewelry, the affordable health care law, and, forthcoming, diamond and metals sourcing MJSA Buyer's Guide and Guide to Subcontractors. Listing MJSA members by the products and services they offer, the two guides are augmented by in-depth articles on how to source effectively. The MJSA Bookstore features an A-Z archive to help trade visitors find what they need, whether it's a short how-to article or a book-length guide. The archive features hundreds of MJSA Journal and MJSA Custom Jeweler articles, as well as industry books on everything from alloying and bench tips to stone setting and wax work. Although the archive is open to the public, MJSA members can order articles free of charge and receive discounts on books.  MJSA Online also includes a Career Center with a job board; searchable guides to trade shows and educational programs; and scholarship information. For more information, go to mjsa.org, e-mail info@mjsa.org, or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).

About MJSA  MJSA is the U.S. trade association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It provides the resources to achieve professional excellence and maintain a competitive edge. For more information, call MJSA at 1-800-444-6572 or visit www.mjsa.org.