Are You Ready for the Ultimate Bench Challenge?
A favorite feature of The SMART Jewelry Show returns — with a twist! 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.
Questions about the Bench Pressure Challenge? Please email us at editor@instoremag.com.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Sunday, Aug. 13 – Day One
11 a.m. – Welcome, introductions and video presentation
11:30 a.m. – Mystery Box competitor 1 commentary and demonstrations
12:30 p.m. – Break
1:15 p.m. – Mystery Box competitor 2 commentary and demonstrations
2:15 p.m. – Break
3:00 p.m. – Mystery Box competitor 3 commentary and demonstrations
* Finished pieces will be on display throughout show.
Monday, Aug. 14 – Day Two
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Three jewelers will work side by side over a three-hour period, with the following tasks:
1. Resize a bypass ring shank
2. Attach differently sized and shaped basket heads to the ring
3. Set heads with stones
4. Apply a final finish; possible textures could be added (jeweler’s choice)
In partnership with:
SPONSORED BY:
MATERIALS SPONSORED BY:
