When is a repair more than a repair? Many jewelers measure it by the challenges involved. This can be particularly true when repairing antique jewelry. Lance Campbell, Lang’s Antiques jeweler, finds himself replacing 100- to 150-year-old design elements assuring that they blend seamlessly. Or the challenge can be sizing a diamond-accented read more…
Khadijah Fulton, owner and designer of White/Space, has had a busy six months. On the one hand, the small group of manufacturing artisans that helped her with large orders and busy seasons had to close for California’s stay-at-home order. She found herself filling all orders from her successful e-commerce business. read more…
Every year, on August 19, we celebrate all things photography: the art, the craft, the science, and the history of this beloved medium. As an industry, we have much to thank photography for. After all, perfectly captured jewelry photos can drive unprecedented traffic to your store or site, help you read more…
It’s a given that managing your business’s social media platform is hard, especially when you have more important things to do (like run a business). But did you know that in 2019, at least 90% of U.S. businesses used social media for marketing purposes? That’s why it’s important to stay read more…
We feature Heidi Lowe in the new ftb on education, which is out now. During her 30 years as a jeweler in Rehoboth, Delaware, she has divided her time among custom jewelry for her clients, creating her own designs, and teaching jewelry classes both at her studio and universities. With read more…
In late February 2019, Doug Meadows left the comfort of his Atlanta store far behind and traveled to Lusaka, Zambia. He’s there to teach a class of eager pupils, a group of young women ranging in age from 18 to 30. This was no ordinary class and not just because read more…
In 2014, Dianna Rae opened Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette, Louisiana, and it soon became the city’s custom design mecca. Its custom made interior is an airy, light-filled space that exudes her welcoming presence. And the cases feature stunning custom designs by Dianna and the store’s other two designers. Custom Creation read more…
You’ve heard of tumbling media for finishing jewelry; you’ve probably even used it. But there are many kinds, and each one has characteristics that make it better suited for one type of project, finish, or tumbler. This handy guide, featured in From the Bench’s Repair Issue, will help you make read more…
As Stuller celebrates 50 years in the industry, it’s a perfect time to look back on our history and the numerous milestones we’ve achieved. Among them, we’re proud to have earned both the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Certification and the SCS Global Services Certification for 100% recycled metals. RJC certifies read more…
You’ve briefed yourself on your game plan, you’ve started stocking your bench, and you’re gearing up for the approaching customer tidal wave. The holiday season is on the horizon and it’s time to prepare your workspace for the slew of jewelry it’ll be seeing. Here are 10 jewelry-making tools for efficiency to read more…
