(PRESS RELEASE) TJS (The Jewelry Symposium), the jewelry industry’s annual international event dedicated specifically to the advancement of jewelry manufacturing technology, was held in Detroit, MI across three full days, May 17 – 20, 2025 with over 100 attendees. The event kicked off with an important roundtable discussion amongst 48 concerned professionals about the critical shortage of skilled labor in the fine jewelry industry. Twenty esteemed international speakers from across the globe presented 21 papers to the gathering of jewelry makers, students, and specialists. Hot topics included technological advancements (AI, new platinum alloy), sustainability, traceability of gemstones, and responsible sourcing. Networking sessions were also hosted to allow for private discussions, mentoring of students and young professionals, as well as relationship building and sharing of ideas, inspirations, and best practices. Sponsors included Au Enterprises, C&J Jewelry, CAD BLU, CLIQ, David H. Fell & Co., Dougherty Charitable Fund, Dynasty Casting, Eddie Bell, Gesswein, Hoover & Strong, John Berg Solutions and Aletto & Company, Krohn Industries, Legor Group, MJJ Brilliant, MJSA, Mano Acero Jewelry, Mataci, Platinum Guild International, Progold, Ransom & Randolph, Romanoff, Stuller, Sunjewels, TechForm Casting, Uni-Design, and United Precious Metal Refining.
“We are encouraged by the positive responses to the symposium this year,” says Linus Drogs, TJS Board Chairman. “The historic roundtable discussion on the issues we face attracting and retaining skilled workers in our industry was a lively jumpstart to the event. Given the uncertain economic times and the geopolitical turmoil, TJS this year felt like an assembly of solidarity, where we could discuss the difficult issues and learn from the lively exchange of ideas and information. This type of discourse is not really happening anywhere else, making an event like TJS all the more important for our industry.”
Attendees shared enthusiastic responses, as well. Presenter Marisol Jimenez Gonzalez, Managing Director at Legor Mexico commented, “It was an honor to share our Legor knowledge, connect with brilliant minds, and contribute to such a valuable platform for education and innovation in jewelry manufacturing. This event is truly a gem for anyone in the industry who values technical excellence, community, and staying ahead in our craft.”
TJS Scholarship attendee Lucas Shoffner, apprentice and emerging goldsmith at Studio D Jewelers remarked, “The jewelry symposium has been an immensely valuable experience for me, providing an opportunity to network, foster relationships, and connect with industry leaders who are dedicated to supporting young professionals like me. I have had the privilege of engaging in discussions on a wide range of topics and gaining insights into diverse viewpoints within the jewelry industry. I strongly recommend that young jewelry professionals consider attending TJS.”
Longtime TJS attendee and presenter Chris Ploof, founder of Chris Ploof Designs, commented, “The Jewelry Symposium gets better every year. This year was a great mix of papers. There was knowledge shared that appeals to everyone in the jewelry industry. This really is the place to come to level up your game, if you want to make better jewelry.”
Presenter Katie Aboul-Hosn, Product Development Engineer at Ransom & Randolph, agrees with Ploof and Shoffner. “The things that TJS is accomplishing are outstanding. It can be very scary to newly enter such a large event where everyone knows each other. I felt fully welcomed with open arms. This speaks to the culture that the event organizers have helped to instill. I am so thankful for my experience here over these last few days! I had so much fun, and I look forward to coming back again.”
Advertisement
TJS is now accepting abstract submissions for presentations at its 2026 event until July 1st, 2025. Abstract forms may be downloaded from https://www.thejewelrysymposium.com/be-a-speaker.
For more information regarding TJS, visit www.thejewelrysymposium.com, or email Jessa Cast at [email protected].
