By Denise Perreault
PBN Staff Writer
PROVIDENCE – Many people presume the jewelry industry in Rhode Island is dead as a doornail but that’s not the case, according to organizers of the third annual Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) Trade Show for Jewelry Making, set for Sept. 17 and 18 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
“Since we launched this show in 2006, the jewelry-maker market has been growing faster than ever,” said Bruce Coltin, sales and marketing director for MJSA. “Jewelry-makers and designers who have attended [previous trade shows] have called to tell us how the event has benefited or even saved their businesses.”
This year’s event will feature seminars conducted by some of the jewelry industry’s most renowned professionals on topics such as soldering, glass-casting, photographing jewelry, metal-refining techniques and avoiding pitfalls when selling jewelry. For instance, Nick Regine of Swarovski will present a seminar on “Designing with Beads” and Linus Drogs of Au Enterprises Inc. will speak about “Lost-wax Glass Casting.”
Vendors who will present their wares for this year’s show include such diverse companies as A to Z Bohemian Glass, Downeast Trading, Gemological Institute of America , Legor USA, Mode International, ProGold USA and Signature Engraving.
Advance registration for the show is free. On-site registration is $10 for non-MJSA members and free for MJSA members. Registration can be done online at www.mjsa.org. For more information about the show visit the MJSA Web site or call 401-274-3840, toll-free 800-444-6572.
Founded in 1903, Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America is a national trade association for jewelry industry members, headquartered at 45 Royal Little Drive in Providence.
