FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Popular event is slated for return August 6 – 8, 2018
ATLANTA, Ga.—April 13, 2018—
Gold, gemstones and cupcakes created the perfect recipe for the innovative and hugely successful, first-ever AJS Kids Jewelry Camp. The event, held during the Spring edition of the Atlanta Jewelry Show, has set the stage for a fall encore. Nearly 20 children attended the spring camp, which featured educational programs and hands-on, kid-friendly events over 2 days, and provided camp attendees with education, fun and an opportunity to join their parents on the show floor for a real life buying experience.
Camp attendees participated in a number of jewelry, gem and safety related programs, including wire ring wrapping, metal stamping, treasure hunting for gemstones in sand, practical self defense and an introduction to trade show security. Both days ended on a sweet note, with cupcake decorating, sprinkles and lots of fun.
As part of the camp experience, the children also had an opportunity to get creative with International Award-Winning Jewelry Designer Link Wachler, who led a special class on jewelry design. Link, born and raised in Michigan, began working in his family’s jewelry business at the age of 12, and by 15 was creating custom designs for the company. In 2008, he left the family business and formed Link Wachler Designs. The talented designer has received more than 3 dozen awards in national and international design competitions, including the prestigious Diamonds Today award, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Awards, and the World Facet Award, among others.
During their session with Link, the children were asked about to share their favorite colors, shapes and activities, and then were allowed to create a series of drawings. Link took the drawings back to Michigan with him and had his grandchildren pick their favorite among them, which he then decided to recreate into a finished piece of jewelry.
The lucky winner, Christina Hunter, had her original design of a merging sun and moon carved, cast and completed personally by Link, who gifted her with the final product.
Link said his experience with the Atlanta Jewelry Show Kids Camp has inspired him to do more work with children in his community to help inspire them to follow their creative dreams. He is looking into putting together a series of “Milk, Wine & Jewelry Design” events for parents and their kids, and is excited about motivating children to explore their creative side through jewelry design.
The Spring Kids Camp was supported in part by generous donations from a number of companies who stepped up and provided products and donations. Those companies include Alan Colussy Designs, The Atlanta Jewelry Show, Beads By Design, Best in Gems, Cargo Hold, Darling Imports, Diamond Traders International, Diamondology, Gem World International, GIA, Glines & Rhodes, Grice Showcases, InStore Magazine, Jewel Craft, Jewelers for Children, Link Wachler Designs, Luca by Lecil, Simplex, Southern Jewelers Guild, Southern Jewelry News, Sterling Reputation, Stuller, Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology and United Precious Metals Refining.
Libby Brown, Executive Director of the Atlanta Jewelry Show said the March event was a huge hit with Atlanta Jewelry Shows buyers and their children, and will definately be back during the fall show edition. “Over the last 25 – 30 years, changes in the economy as well as changes in the retail industry as a whole have made owning and operating a family-owned business challenging at best. Growing up in my parent’s retail jewelry store left an unforgettable imprint on my life. I am so happy that the Atlanta Jewelry Show Kids Camp gives us an opportunity to connect with children whose families are in the industry, and help them nurture their interest in a career in jewelry by identifying and cultivating excitement and passion for the jewelry industry.”
The cost of the two-day AJS Kids Jewelry Camp event is $100 per child and children MUST be registered in advance. For more information on children in your family can participate in the AJS Kids Jewelry Camp, or to register your children to take part in this innovative program, please contact Libby Brown at 800-241-0339 or 404-634-3434 or email her at: LBrown@AtlantaJewelryShow.com
To register now and save the date for the August 4 – 6, 2018 Atlanta Jewelry show, please visit www.AtlantaJewelryShow.com
About the Atlanta Jewelry Show
Produced by the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), the Atlanta Jewelry Show is the longest running regional jewelry show in the country. SJTA was established in 1950, and is the nation’s oldest association for independent jewelry representatives. For information about the spring show, March 2-4, 2019, and pre-show conference March 1, visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com, email info@atlantajewelryshow.com or call 800-241-0399.
Contact:
Helen Blase, Marketing Manager
helen@atlantajewelryshow.com
(404)634-3434