In an effort to educate consumers on custom design options and hold jewellers accountable to the training needed for high-level and quality craftsmanship, the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) has assembled a group of jewellers specializing in custom design, and called it the Council of Custom Jewelers.
The group includes industry leaders such as Lee Krombholz, Gary Dawson, David Dorian, Tom McLaughlin, and Greg Stopka amongst others. Together, they will help the MJSA advance the art of custom design jewellery. Current initiatives include:
- Developing and promoting a new way of defining custom jewellery with a three-tier system grouping design projects by the level of design involved.
- Promoting education and craftsmanship through designated MJSA mentor jewellers, MJSA members with a proven commitment and dedication to the industry and sharing their custom-design expertise.
- Creating and launching a consumer-facing website with a guide to designated MJSA custom jewellers who will be able to meet consumer needs based on the levels of custom design.
“By creating and publicizing standardized levels, custom jewellers can better stand apart from ‘order takers’ and create a better understanding of true custom design among consumers, “ says Lee Krombholz, chair of the Council of Custom Jewelers.
Indeed, through defining the different levels of design projects and expertise, the MJSA adds credibility and accountability to the custom jewellery industry, offering consumers the best experience and results possible.
