Oct 11, 2007

Jewelry designers attend trade show in Providence

Several hundred jewelry designers and crafters came to Providence this week for a trade show at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Sponsored by the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, the show was geared to matching up the owners of small jewelry businesses with suppliers and manufacturers.

Attendees sifted through strands of beads and semiprecious stones, examined new jewelry-making tools, and were able to take production classes and seminars on the business aspects of the craft.

MJSA revived its Providence show last year after a five-year hiatus.

MJSA runs shows and training sessions for industry members and speaks for the industry on trade matters and legislative issues. The association represents more than 1,900 jewelry companies around the country.

Joanne Pinto, left, of J.Leslie Designs of New Jersey, picks out colored stones with Elaine Cyr, of Cranston, who is working with A to Z Bohemian Glass Inc. of New York, yesterday at the show.
The Providence Journal / Steve Szydlowski

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