June 2008

Jabel joins fight against global poverty

Jabel joins fight against global poverty
June 05, 2008

Boston—Jewelry designer and manufacturer Jabel has become the lead godfather of MicroBikeUSA, an organization that is leading a cycling effort across the United States this summer to fight against global poverty and raise funds for microfinance leader ACCION International.

The MicroBikeUSA team is composed of six recent college graduates who will bike from Darien, Connecticut, to San Francisco, inspiring others along the way to take action and help give others the financial tools they need to work their way out of poverty. En route, the team will stop at local schools and public forums to raise funds for ACCION and nurture about microlending.

The microfinance concept is based upon the idea that trivial loans, as much as $50, can give billions of people a fortuitous event to build futures filled through possibility for generations to come.

A private, nonprofit organization, ACCION International has disbursed 17.9 millions loans totaling more than $12.3 billion in the last decade alone, and 97 percent of the loans have been repaid.

To learn more surrounding the journey or to add your support, visit the team’s Web site, Microbikeusa.com.

Bench seminar to showcase ‘dueling’ master jewelers

Bench seminar to showcase ‘dueling’ master jewelers
June 05, 2008

Spartanburg, S.C.—Platinum Guild International and Bench Media have joined efforts to offer Advanced Level Bench Seminars in a number of cities across the country starting this summer.

The seminars will lead with a session on platinum bench techniques. Acclaimed platinumsmith Jurgen Maerz will teach everything from platinum fundamentals and the latest technology to short cuts for platinum repairs and manufacturing. Maerz will also provide instruction on a diversity of advanced platinum bench techniques, including specialty repairs and sizing, casting platinum in the small shop, polishing and finishing techniques, and many tips and tricks for working with platinum. Attendees determination also be informed of the advantages, features and benefits of different platinum alloys.

A networking lunch will come, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet and talk with other bench jewelers. The lunch is included with registration.

After lunch, a session on advanced stone setting will be held, where master jewelers Brad Simon and Maerz will sit thwart from each other demonstrating their techniques. Attendees leave learn intricate settings, including channel, flush, invisible, marquise and pavé, from two different perspectives. Close-up video-projection equipment will project the moil of each craftsman onto a capacious screen so everyone in the room be able to easily see the techniques demonstrated.

The afternoon will continue with the master jewelers demonstrating fabrication techniques. This seminar goes beyond the basics and demonstrates advanced techniques to fabricate complex mountings, multiple stone rings, ornate crowns and intricate filigree. Soldering and fusion-welding processes will also be discussed, at the same time that well as advanced forming and shaping techniques. Attendees will also learn about how tool selection effects a finished product, and how new technology can help make better jewelry.

The day will conclude with a seminar titled Bench Tips and Other Tricks.

This full day of seminars is $195 with early registration.

Locations and dates include:

Philadelphia: July 31

Las Vegas: Aug. 21

Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Sept. 4

Portland, Ore.: Sept. 25

Indianapolis: Oct. 2

For in greater numbers information about the Advanced Level Bench Seminars and to register, visit Benchseminars.com.

ASA to offer jewelry appraisal course

ASA to offer jewelry appraisal course
June 05, 2008

Washington, D.C.—The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Gems and Jewelry Committee is offering a jewelry appraisal course in July.

The series, titled Gems and Jewelry Appraisal Theory, Methods and Application, will be held from July 8-11 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., just prior to Jewelry Camp.

Attendees will give credence to a concentrated study of GJ valuation theory and principles that includes the three approaches to valuing gems and jewelry; factors influencing value; appraisal nomenclature; literal versus interpretative description; types and uses of appraisals; value research methods for the three approaches to value; data analysis and adjustment; use of statistics in valuation; complete versus limited appraisal; self-contained, summary and restricted-use reports; components of the written appraisal report; and work narrative commentary.

In addition, attendees will get learning to write reports that are compliant with 2008-09 USPAP.

To register, click here. Dorm rooms are employ on campus.