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Brand News: Stuller’s Winning Bench Jeweler; CLIQ’s New Sizing Kit; Brosway’s Design Contest March 28, 2018 (1 comment)
Texas Jeweler Wins Battle Of The Benches At Stuller Workshop
Lafayette, LA—More than 200 jewelers participated in Stuller Inc.’s annual Bench Jeweler Workshop, held at the company’s Louisiana headquarters March 23-25. The event also featured Stullers’ third annual Battle of the Benches competition, consisting of three different challenges: polishing and finishing with Swarovski gemstones; parts and pieces; and CAD and rendering. The jewelers selected for this year’s competition were: 2017 defending champion, Jyothi Forman of Georgies Fine Jewellery in Australia (who fell ill after the first competition and could no longer compete); David Adamson of David Adamson Designer Jewelry, Lynn Haven, FL; Patrick Dobbs representing the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, Paris, TX; Craig Farley of FCF Jewelry Designs, and alternate Brian Clark of All American Jewelry Designers, Inc. The winners were as follows:
- Polishing and Finishing Challenge – Craig Farley
- Parts and Pieces Challenge – Patrick Dobbs
- CAD and Render Challenge – Patrick Dobbs
- Overall Winner – Patrick Dobbs
From left: David Adamson, Patrick Dobbs, Craig Farley, and Brian Clark:
“It was a tough decision because they were all amazing,” says Battle of the Benches judge, Angela Busby. “The competitors gave their all, and it definitely showed in the final product.”
“It’s a huge honor,” says Patrick Dobbs, the overall winner. “The jewelers that I competed against, they are all very talented, it could have been any of them too.” To see a video of the event, click here or visit Facebook.com/Stullerinc.
“Having two hundred talented bench jewelers from across the country all under one roof for an entire weekend definitely makes for a one-of-a-kind event,” says Tammy Lail, Stuller vice president of tools, metals, and packaging. “Everyone leaves with something, whether it’s innovative ideas to implement in their shop, tools and equipment to improve efficiency, or new connections that will last a lifetime.”
CLIQ Unveils Hinged Sizing Set To Find Finger Size Beyond The Knuckle
Philadelphia, PA—CLIQ has developed a sizing set that takes the guesswork out of finding a customer’s true finger size beyond the knuckle, for CLIQ custom-fit rings or any other hinged shank.
“Forcing a ring over a stubborn knuckle is like trying to remove shoes without unlacing them,” says Eric Alulis, president of Superfit Inc.. Unlike a pair of sneakers, however, jewelry is the most expensive thing most people wear, says Alulis. “It should fit perfectly.”
The CLIQ sizing rings open and close on a hinge just like a CLIQ shank, and securely wrap around the base of the finger with a strong closure. The sizers range from size 2 to size 13.5, in half-size increments. The set comes with an upscale presentation case, and is designed to be elegant enough for front-of-store presentation.
The CLIQ sizing set is available now and can be seen on display at the upcoming JCK Las Vegas show at booth #B31173. For further information, contact marissa@cliqjewelry.com or call 1-800-765-7111.
Brosway Jewelry Partners With College For Student Design Contest
Miami, FL—Brosway, a trend-setting Italian jewelry brand, partnered with Miami International University of Art & Design (MIU) for a design contest for junior and senior design students. The MIU students were challenged to design a set of three jewelry pieces, including a ring, necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ankle bracelet. The winner, Judith Cabrera, was announced at the University’s Annual Student Fashion Show, Style 2018, and will have her design manufactured by the jewelry brand and sold in its flagship store in Miami and on its website.
Judith Cabrera with her winning designs. Below, a closeup of her designs.
“This was an incredible experience for our students to learn first-hand what it means to design for a major European retailer,” said Charlene Parsons, Academic Director of Fashion Programs at MIU. “It’s not only about the design and creativity of a particular field of study like fashion; the students need to think about the manufacturing process and create a collection that can be mass produced.”
Students’ work was judged on overall design, originality, creativity, production viability and the usage of Brosway design codes. The judging panel was comprised of executive members from both the brand and the school.
Cabrera received a $1,500 tuition scholarship in addition to having her designs produced by the brand. Brosway also announced Jana Davis as runner up ($1,000 tuition scholarship) and Evelyn Ponce for third place ($500 tuition scholarship).
“A truly beautiful and relevant piece of jewelry combines the modern vision, research, innovation, and artistic creativity of the jewelry designer with the skill and execution of the fabricating jeweler,” said Beatrice Beleggia, Brosway export and communication manager. “Our goal is to help students realize both the creative and business practices behind a global jewelry brand.”