Press Releases

The INSTORE Show Announces the Return of the Bench Pressure Challenge in Partnership with MJSA

(PRESS RELEASE) MONTCLAIR — INSTORE, the leading publication for American jewelry retailers, announces the comeback of the Bench Pressure Challenge in partnership with MJSA to be held during the inaugural INSTORE Show, Aug. 13-15 in Rosemont, IL.

A favorite feature of the past SMART Jewelry Show, the challenge returns with a twist! Hosted once again by jeweler Mark Loren and built by MJSA, this year’s competition will include two separate challenges: one featuring a mystery box of materials, and the other taking place live onsite. Bench jewelers will go head-to-head in this two-part, friendly competition to see who’s the best at the jewelry bench.

Challenge #1 – The Mystery Box: Prior to the show, a single or two-person team (CAD designer and jeweler) will receive a mystery box of materials, including one unusual item, which our competitors will turn into jewelry that will be displayed at the show. There, they will explain their vision and techniques to the audience.


Challenge #2 – Onsite Challenge: Participants will have three hours to resize a bypass ring shank, attach differently sized and shaped basket heads to the ring, set the heads with stones and apply a final finish using materials given out onsite while show-goers watch live.

When the challenges aren’t running on the show floor, the stations will be used by bench jewelers for daily demonstrations where attendees can learn new techniques and ask questions.

Fine jewelry professionals are invited to register for a free badge for The INSTORE Show here to watch the competition live on the show floor and enjoy three days of learning, buying and making new industry connections.

Bench jewelers who are interested in participating in the Bench Pressure Challenge or hosting a demonstration can learn more and apply here.

About The Instore Show

The INSTORE Show will take place Aug. 13-15, 2023, in Rosemont, IL, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The inaugural event will be the premier trade show for independent fine jewelry professionals including jewelry store owners, managers, buyers and designers, as well as industry suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. The three-day trade show will feature dedicated time for buying, networking and education, as well as a pre-show education program on Aug. 12. Industry suppliers, wholesale designers, manufacturers and service providers are invited to participate as exhibitors. Interested companies can download an Exhibitor Booth Application at www.theinstoreshow.com/prospectus or contact an INSTORE sales rep for more information.

About Smartwork Media


SmartWork Media is dedicated to the idea that business media should strive to inform, excite and inspire business readers, and that a good business magazine can (and should) have the energy and compulsive readability of a top consumer publication. The company publishes INSTORE, INVISION, PETS+, VMSD, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, BIG PICTURE, SCREEN PRINTING and BXP magazines, as well as their respective websites and events — The INSTORE Show, IRDC, EyeInnovate, PETS+ Thrive!. Shop! MarketPlace and the Garden Center Show. Learn more at smartworkmedia.com.

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