Press Releases

MJSA Launches “Why I’m a Jeweler” Videos to Encourage Careers in Jewelry

The “Why I’m a Jeweler” video series provides businesses with the tools to attract, train, and retain workers.

Published

5 months ago

November 30, 2023

Press Releases

Amor Pleasant of Heirloom&Heritage was among the jewelers interviewed for the “Why I’m a Jeweler” series.

(PRESS RELEASE) MJSA, the trade alliance dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, has launched a new video series promoting the creative opportunities, community connections, and personal rewards found in a career making and designing jewelry.

Titled “Why I’m a Jeweler,” the series presents jewelers of all types—from students to longtime designers and manufacturers—talking about why they love what they do and how aspiring jewelers can share in that joy. The first three videos focus on the personal connections made through jewelry (“An Intimate Experience“), how the craft offers many paths for a fulfilling career (“From an Ember to a Flame“), and how jewelry inspires creativity (“Telling a Story“).

“A jewelry career offers so many rewards,” says MJSA President/CEO David W. Cochran. “Not only does it meld artistry, science, and business in a unique and exhilarating way, but jewelers also have customers who are often experiencing some of life’s happiest moments: weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and other celebrations. We want that message to get out. We’ve heard from so many members how difficult it is to find workers, but these testimonials show how fulfilling a jewelry career can be.”

The videos can be found on the MJSA website hereas well as on MJSA’s social media channels. To ensure they reach as wide an audience as possible, MJSA will upgrade and relaunch its consumer-facing BEaJEWELER.com website and related social media channels. It will also make the videos available to schools with jewelry programs and to career counselors through the National Career Development Association.

The “Why I’m a Jeweler” video series is part of the MJSA Education Foundation’s Mentor & Apprenticeship Program, which provides businesses with the tools to attract, train, and retain workers. The series was produced by Werx.Marketing (a brand of the Hill Management Group) and supported by a grant from the JCK Industry Fund, the mission of which is to support the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing grant funding to organizations with the vision and programming to drive sustainable improvements across the industry.

To learn more, go to MJSA.org or contact Rich Youmans, executive director of the MJSA Education Foundation, at 1-800-444-MJSA (6572), ext. 3025, rich.youmans@mjsa.org.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”