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Here’s the Official 2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Wrap-Up

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Wrap Up Blog Header

The 2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop was a major success! A bench jeweler’s paradise, our two-day workshop hosted over 150 participants for a weekend of learning, training, and networking. Jewelers were able to explore our tools and technology while meeting fellow craftsmen from around the globe. This year’s event was held over two days (instead of the traditional three-day format). Yet, the energy was electric thanks to our bustling Battle of the Benches competition.

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Patrick Dobbs Workbench

Meet the Experts

The show floor was abuzz with industry experts sharing knowledge on a range of topics.

Digital Designing by Jessica Smith, Gemvision – Jessica flexed her digital design skills by explaining the various aspects of the CAD/CAM process.

Hand Engraving by Kelly Williams, KWGoldsmith – Master Engraver Kelly Williams returned to teach industry-leading hand engraving techniques.

Metal Forming with Jason Chandler, Portland Jewelry Academy Jason returned to share his insight into making cost-effective wire, tubing, and more.

Stone Setting with Roman Simantov, Globus Stone Setting Tools Master stone setters were on-hand to demonstrate advanced stone setting skills using the new Globus work holding solutions, answering any questions and sharing neat tips.

The 4th Annual Battle of the Benches Competition Begins!

 

Meet the Competitors

2019 Battle of the Benches Competitors Patrick Dobbs
Patrick Dobbs

2019 Battle of the Benches Competitors Evgenii Fedko
Evgenii Fedko

2019-Battle of the Benches Competitors Aleksey Saburov
Aleksey Saburov

2019 Battle of the Benches Competitor Joseph Kremer
Joe Kremer

Read more about the 2019 Battle of the Bench competitors and their fascinating work here.

Judging Criteria

Competitors were judged from 1-10 on the following categories:

  • Creativity/Artistic Expression
  • Wearability
  • Craftsmanship
  • Difficulty Level
  • Sellability

Day 1: Parts & Pieces Challenge

The first day of our 2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop required challengers to build a piece of their choosing from an array of raw materials like sheet, sizing stock, and mill products. The competitors could create their designs using any tools on the demo floor. Equipment ranged from fully-stocked model benches, laser welders, engravers, plating units — everything they needed. These skilled artisans were glued to their benches on the demo floor as they worked to create something special.

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Patrick Dobbs Day 1 Piece
Patrick Dobbs

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Evgenii Fedko Day 1 Piece
Evgenii Fedko

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Aleksey Saburov Day 1 Piece
Aleksey Saburov

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Joe Kramer Day 1 Piece
Joe Kremer

 

And the winner is . . . Aleksey Saburov

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Aleksey Saburov Day 1 Piece

Day 2: Ready, Set, Challenge

To enter the Battle of the Benches challenge, competitors submitted a qualifying CAD design to catch our attention. Then, Stuller cast their creations in time for the second day of competition where each competitor brought their designs to life in real time. With a crowd of onlookers and distractions at every turn, our four challengers forged these stunning masterpieces.

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Patrick Dobbs Day 2 Piece
Patrick Dobbs

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Evgenii Fedko Day 2 Piece
Evgenii Fedko

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Aleksey Saburov Day 2 Piece
Aleksey Saburov

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Joe Kramer Day 2 Piece
Joe Kramer

 

And the winner is . . . Evgenii Fedko

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Evgenii Fedko Day 2 Piece

The Grand Champion: Evgenii Fedko

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Tammy Lail and Evgenii Champion

Meet Susan Rabinovitz

2019 Battle of the Bench Competitor Susan Rabinovitz 2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Susan Rabinowitz Day 1 Piece

Susan was an on-site alternate for the Battle of the Benches competition. She had her own workbench and worked diligently throughout the event to create the stunning piece above.


2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Competitors
Meet the competitors from the 2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop

A Few Favorite Sessions

Benefits of Laser Welding: Jeremy Thibodeaux, Stuller’s Tools and Supplies Technical Support Manager, explained in detail the multitude of benefits laser welders bring to your workspace. They’re invaluable tools. He even gave a hands-on demo with our line of Coherent-ROFIN® and Orotig laser welders.

Social Media Uncovered: Nichole Guillory and Chris Leonard, two of Stuller’s marketing experts, discussed social media strategy. They addressed the three questions we get asked most often: when, what, and how to post on social media. They explained how to use your social media insights to answer these burning questions. Plus, they went over the latest changes to the social space.

The Repair Business of the Future: Tammy Lail, Vice President of Tools and Equipment, Metals, and Packaging and Display, discussed how repair work is changing and how you need to protect yourself in the take-in process. She also covered the different pricing strategies that exist in valuing your labor.

Casting Demonstration: Dennis Busby, Casting Director, took visited through the process of casting white gold trees utilizing the RDO and TopCast casting machines.

2019 Bench Jeweler Workshop Dennis Busby Casting Demo
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Albert

I've been with Stuller since 1995 • Stuller's resident watch battery changer • Never miss a workout • Never met a car that was too fast • Favorite meal: Protein • Avid Ragin Cajun Football Supporter.