MJSA Journal LIVE Sponsored by MJSA
Jewelers Bench Sponsored by A&A Jewelry Supply
Wednesday, February 5 through Friday, February 7, 2025
Tucson Convention Center, Meeting Room 204
MJSA, the trade alliance dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, will continue its MJSA Journal LIVE series with three bench demonstrations at the 2024 AGTA GemFair Tucson. Each demo will run from 3 to 4 p.m. and feature a past contributor to the alliance’s monthly magazine (mjsajournal.online).
Picture Perfect: Colored Pencil Techniques for Gemstones
Wednesday, February 5
Meeting Room 204
4:00 – 4:55
Sketching out designs can help to explain concepts to customers—and creating a sketch in color can make those concepts come alive. In this interactive session, artist Rémy Rotenier will show how to use colored pencils to make a gemstone shine. This session will focus how to illustrate a cabochon and a faceted emerald, using a simple step-by-step process that can be applied to any colored stone. All drawing materials will be supplied. No drawing experience necessary.
Presented by Rémy Rotenier
On the Surface: Techniques for Texturing Metal
Thursday, February 6
Meeting Room 204
4:00 – 4:55
Discover how to transform metal surfaces, as metalsmith Melissa Muir demonstrates ways you can enhance your jewelry through texture. Learn how to effectively use common bench tools—sandpaper, finely crafted hammers, the flex-shaft’s array of accessories, including the versatile hammer handpiece—to create stunning patterns. Explore how you can use a rolling mill to achieve diverse effects on a range of metals. And delve into graver techniques to create patterns that range from the precise to the abstract. These techniques can open up unlimited decorative possibilities.
Presented by Melissa Muir
Mark of Imagination: Engraving Jewelry Designs
Friday, February 7
Meeting Room 204
4:00 – 4:55
Elevate your jewelry decoration skills to new heights. This session will explore the different machines available for jewelry engraving and identify the essential factors for setting up your engraving bench (including cost considerations). It will also cover the various graver geometries, sharpening techniques, and materials. Watch as Melissa Muir demonstrate how to create stunning effects, from bright cuts to beautifully shaded designs.
Presented by Melissa Muir