On Saturday, September 8, four contestants in the "INSTORE Bench Pressure Challenge: CAD" are given just two hours to complete a CAD design for a wedding ring that meets the exact specifications of a hypothetical customer.

 

After a break, the four jewelers return to work on a suite of earrings and pendants, which must also follow requirements announced at the start of competition. A CAD winner will be crowned at the end of the day.

 

During the next two days, the other group of competitors take the stage for the "INSTORE Bench Pressure Challenge: All-Around." They will demonstrate their skill with challenges that cover palladium, engraving, and wax carving. The all-around winner will be announced on Monday, September 10.

 

"Taking place on the floor of the jewelry show, the Bench Pressure Challenge seeks to elevate the professional status of bench jewelers by showing the audience the expertise required to turn basic ideas into brilliant finished pieces," InStore said.

 

The four jewelers competing in the Bench Pressure Challenge: CAD are:

Brett Edmondson (Besco Custom Jewelers, College Station, TX)

Charlie Herner (Green Lake Jewelry Works, Seattle, WA)

Curt Vinson (Tory Vinson Jewelers, Granbury, TX)

Mike McGee (Dolmen Metalworks, Little Canada, MN)

 

The four competing in the Bench Pressure Challenge: All-Around are:

Isaac Kornhauser (Bella Cosa Jewelers, Willowbrook, IL)

Marc Williams (MarcCo Jewelers, Luzerne, PA)

Amber Worley (Green Lake Jewelry Works, Seattle, WA)

Jason Marchiafava (J. Fava, Allen Town, PA)

 

Stuller, Gemvision and Palladium Alliance International are the competition sponsors.

 

The SMART Jewelry Show Dallas takes place September 8 - 10, 2012, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.