![Eventer image](https://theinstoreshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/bench-pressure-24.png)
Things are Heating Up at the Jeweler’s Bench!
Designed in partnership with MJSA, this year’s Bench Pressure Challenge will feature two separate challenges. The first involves a “mystery box” of materials — including one unusual item —sent to either a single person or a two-person team (CAD designer and jeweler) who must then design a piece using the materials and bring it to the show. The designers and jewelers will then explain to the audience how and why they used the materials and techniques in the way that they did. The second challenge will involve resizing, setting and finishing a piece using materials given out at the beginning of the three-hour contest.
When the challenges are not running, the jewelers’ stations will be used by bench jewelers throughout the show days to demonstrate various skills.
The Competition – Mystery Box Challenge
![Susan Eisen](https://theinstoreshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Susan-Eisen.jpg)
Susan Eisen, Designer and Owner, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches, El Paso, TX
Susan Eisen began designing jewelry prior to opening her retail jewelry store in May 1980 (then called Tiara). She is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and has received 11 trademarks and one design patent for her creations. She has published a book, entitled CRAZY ABOUT JEWELRY: THE EXPERT GUIDE TO BUYING, SELLING AND CARING FOR YOUR JEWELRY. Susan has been named Woman Retailer of the Year by the Women’s Jewelry Association, one of “Americas Best Jewelers” by National Jeweler Magazine, and Best of the Best Jeweler in El Paso for multiple years.
![Chris Ploof](https://theinstoreshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chris-Ploof.jpg)
Chris Ploof, Designer and Owner, Chris Ploof Designs, Leominster, MA
Chris Ploof is the owner and principal designer at Chris Ploof Designs, a manufacturer of high-quality wedding rings and other jewelry specially created using laminated materials such as mokume gane. He began making jewelry in the 1990s and had opened his own business by 2004. He is a recipient of the Santa Fe Symposium Ambassador Award, a two-time recipient of the Industry Leader Award and a three-time recipient of the Collaborative Research Award.
![David Thorp](https://theinstoreshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/David-Thorp.jpg)
David Thorp, Designer and Co-Founder, Mercurius Jewelry, Oakland, CA
David Thorp is a passionate maker and formally-trained metalsmith with more than 25 years of experience as a bench jeweler, and he brings his skills and expertise to every piece of Mercurius jewelry. David utilizes time-honored techniques like lost wax casting and lapidary work in conjunction with cutting-edge technologies like CAD rendering, laser welding and 3D printing. He has worked in the world of fine jewelry since 1997, after receiving a BFA from the California College of Arts and Crafts. David has taught metalwork and jewelry courses at the Crucible in Oakland and at Sierra Nevada College. He has pioneered several innovative casting techniques and is currently co-authoring a book on this subject.
The Competition – Timed Challenge
![Jimmy Butts](https://theinstoreshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jimmy-Butts.jpg)
Jimmy Butts, Master Jeweler, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Jimmy Butts has been a custom goldsmith since 1990. He’s worked and taught across the country and describes himself as “a lifelong student” who gives back where he can. He’s also a champion archer, with three gold medals, two silver medals, and a couple of world records.
![Patrick Dobbs](https://theinstoreshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Patrick-Dobbs.jpg)
Patrick Dobbs, Master Jeweler, Jamie Turner Designs, Austin, TX
Patrick Dobbs, master jeweler and co-founder of Jamie Turner, leads the brand’s Austin, Texas-based design studio. Dobbs grew up in Sonora, Texas, where he fell in love with the art of jewelry making. To pursue this passion, he attended Paris Junior College, where he honed his craft. Over the past 30 years, Dobbs has perfected his skills, winning Battle of the Benches in 2018 and working across the U.S. and abroad to design world-class pieces. In 2022, he partnered with fellow Texas native Robert Turner to launch the fine jewelry brand, Jamie Turner.
![Katie Manak](https://theinstoreshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Katie-Manak.jpg)
Katie Manak, Goldsmith and Designer, Dragonfly Jewelry Studio, Saint Charles, IL
Katie Manak is Deaf, but she doesn’t let that hinder her from pursuing her passion as a goldsmith. She owns Dragonfly Jewelry Studio in Saint Charles, IL. With over 16 years of experience, she has extensive knowledge in various aspects of jewelry making, including CAD design, casting, advanced stone setting, finishing, engraving, and general repair/restoration.
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