Wednesday, May 27, 2026

The Art of Making Jewelry: THe MJSA news update:crafting, setting, and designing!

MJSA Up to Date

May 2026 | MJSA.org

MJSA 

New Members


The following is a list of MJSA members who have joined recently.


Diamond Q Jewelers

Dallas, TX


Karg Art Glass

Kechi, KS


G n W Designs

Carlsbad, CA


Pacem Jewelry

Washington, DC


Weston Hailey Jewelry Design

Annapolis, MD



Click here to see the full list of new MJSA members.

In this month's MJSA Journal...

Custom, Defined

By Sharon Elaine Thompson

Bespoke, made to measure, or simply one-of-a-kind—the answer depends on whom you ask.

Thank You, Come Again

By Sharon Elaine Thompson

How jewelry businesses can turn first-time buyers into repeat customers.

Redesign Rising

By Deborah A. Yonick

With metals prices high and uncertainty lingering, heirloom jewelry is finding new life as customers choose to remake what they already own.

Members Only

Marking a Milestone

By Tina Snyder

A detailed gold bangle that pairs celestial inspiration with meticulous craftsmanship and personal touches.

Members Only


Prevent That Dent!

By Helen I. Driggs

Making a set of nonmarring plier sleeves.

Members Only

Get Into the Grooves

By Melissa Muir

By swapping rotation for a rapid reciprocating stroke, the Diprofil Dipromini Filer allows jewelers to refine tight, hard-to-reach areas.

Members Only

MJSA Challenge 2026: Responsibly Sourced Designs 

A Quiet Turning

MJSA's Responsible Design Challenge—in which several designers create a custom piece of jewelry for a fictitious "client"—this year focuses on Mara Ellsworth, a naturalist and educator who inspires others with her quiet resilience and deep connection to place. Click here to read Mara's story. The gemstones—once again supplied by the challenge's sponsor, Columbia Gem House in Vancouver, Washington—have been sourced from around the world:

The third entry is from Ambreen Tyeb-Daud, owner of Mereen Studio in Seattle, WA.

"After I read Mara’s story, I kept thinking about how life moves—how it flows, how things change, and how we adapt. Sometimes we’re ready for those shifts, and sometimes we’re not. I wanted to make a piece that could hold that idea: the many changes, the way a life can turn, and the way we keep going anyway." Ambreen Tyeb-Daud


To read more about the inspiration behind Tyeb-Daud's piece, click here.

The fourth entry is from Rowan Keylock, a goldsmith at Red Clover Custom Jewelry in Aberdeen, Scotland.

"I approached this project by putting myself in Mara’s place and thinking about what might feel meaningful to wear. The size of the stones pushed me toward designing a pendant, as I wanted enough space to create something larger, more of a showpiece that could really carry the idea." Rowan Keylock


To read more about the inspiration behind Keylock's piece, click here.

These entries will be be joined by others on MJSA.org throughout the year, with readers voting for their favorite in October.

Our thanks to this year's sponsor of the competition:

Dynamic Design Duo Series

Introducing our new video series: Dynamic Design Duo!


In each episode, jewelry designers spotlight two of their favorite creations while sharing the inspiration, craftsmanship, and personal stories behind them. From creative concepts to finished pieces, discover the artistry and passion that bring each design to life.


Click the links below to watch each episode and explore the stories behind the jewelry.

NEW EPISODE

Susan Eisen

Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches

Click here to watch this video

NEW EPISODE

Brenda Smith

Brenda Smith Jewelry

Click here to watch this video

Our thanks to this year's sponsor of the series:

MJSA Jobs Board

Below are a few of the recent job opportunities offered by MJSA members.

Bench Jeweler

Rings True is seeking a Bench Jeweler with experience in custom jewelry, fabrication, and repair. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented craftsperson comfortable working with gold, platinum, and silver, contributing to custom pieces, production, and repair work in a highly collaborative environment.

 

Software Developer

Stuller Inc. in Lafayette, Louisiana, is seeking a Software Developer to spearhead the development of its CounterSketch product and enhance the systems that support it.


Technical Support Specialist III

Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is seeking an experienced Technical Sales Support Specialist III to join its Customer Support team, supporting RioPro+, manufacturers and professional customers who want advice on products and processes and invest in capital equipment.


Associate Jeweler

Hamilton Hill, a Durham, North Carolina–based jewelry gallery, is seeking an Associate Jeweler to join its in-house workshop. This opportunity is ideal for a mid-level jeweler who is eager to grow, refine their craft, and be mentored to meet the exceptional standards Hamilton Hill clients expect.

Sign up for the Career Connections e-newsletter—stay informed about all of the latest job opportunities, educational programs, and scholarships.

Our Address Has Changed!

Please note our new address for all correspondence (including membership renewals, advertising orders, and subscription payments).

 

MJSA

120 Broadway, Suite 2820

New York, NY 10271


Questions? Call us at 508-818-0930 or e-mail lucy.ferreira@mjsa.org.

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 800.223.0673, MJSA.org

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