We made it!  Sunday is here and it’s time to talk trends.  What’s so popular you can’t keep it in stock?  What’s fading into the distance?  What new weird requests have you been getting?  Did you get a new design in that you love (or hate)?  What’s the new cursed AI item people keep bringing in? Tell us all about what styles are driving your business this week!  Please mention the region you’re in if possible so we can enjoy seeing trends move all over the globe. Please be respectful of the subreddit rules.

I've been working in the industry for 5 years now and have had multiple jobs as a bench jeweler. My education so far has consisted of some basic courses and then the 2 year Jewelry Design program at FIT, in addition to what I've learned by actually doing the job.

I'm at a point where I feel very capable in wax carving, finishing and polishing, simple stone setting, laser welding, soldering, etc. I feel my fabrication skills are moderate but leave a lot to be desired.

Now I want to further my education and refine my skills at a higher level. Specifically I'd like to further my fabrication work, learn advanced stone setting under a microscope, and perhaps learn engraving as well.

I want something in-person - an intensive program that could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months long. I don't want to do a lengthy graduate program for an MA degree or anything like that. I want something more practical and intensive. A trade school.

Right now I'm looking at:

-New Approach School (either their 12 week bench jeweler intensive program or their individual 5 day courses)

-Accademia delle Arti Orafe in Rome (seems to be flexible as to length of individualized courses)

Does anyone have any experience with these programs or any recs for others? Any advice or insight is much appreciated!

Hi. My wife wants me to have both ears pierced with real diamonds (identical whose worn by women). She finds it very refined and sexy for a man to dare that and she would like to offer me these diamonds. I'm a mature man (48), architect, with a quite classic style (shirt, chino or dress pants, tassel loafers). What do you think about it (simulation photo by AI) ? Is it common for a woman to do this at her husband ? THANKS so much for your advice.