The Atlanta Jewelry Show’s nonprofit status means we exist solely to serve the industry, not the bottom line of some other entity with its own agenda. It’s what allows us to bring you a show that addresses the needs of the industry holistically, from sales to business resilience to bench skills, through one-of-a-kind events like RetailFusion and BenchFusion. This dedication to the industry extends to the next generation of jewelers through our FutureFusion program.
Addressing the Bench Jeweler Shortage
The jewelry industry could soon be facing a crisis. Manufacturers and retailers alike need to hire bench jewelers to meet demand, but they both struggle to find qualified applicants. The industry is already in the midst of a shortage of qualified bench jewelers, and with a generation of jewelers approaching retirement, it’s only going to get worse in the coming years unless we find a way to attract new talent to the profession.
While our industry is facing a talent shortage, young people are changing their attitudes toward the traditional college education, with some foregoing higher education altogether in favor of the trades. This turn away from higher education is driven mainly by two factors: the cost of college and the increasing instability and insecurity of white-collar work.
Big businesses over-hired during the pandemic, and the waves of layoffs we’ve seen over the past few years are the result. Because of the ease with which these workers were cast off, young people find themselves disillusioned with their parents’ idea of long-term, stable employment in a corporate career. College has been sold to young people as the hoop you have to jump through to land a secure, well-paying job. If there’s no job waiting at the end of four years of study, a high school senior might ask themselves, what’s the point?
It’s true that this attitude misses the point of education: to develop your capabilities, to understand yourself and the world you live in, to become a well-informed citizen in a democracy. But that’s almost beside the point when a college diploma has been presented merely as a means to an end, and that end—a stable career—is no longer in reach.
As a result, only 44% of high school students in 2025 expected to earn a college degree, as Forbes recently reported. In 2002, that number was 72%. Furthermore, only one third of recent college graduates felt their degree was worth the cost. Faced with the proposition of insurmountable debt and no career to show for it, the skilled trades have become an attractive alternative for these disillusioned young people.
The Role of FutureFusion
What young people want, above all, is meaningful, fulfilling work. Those with both a creative bent and a desire to do hands-on work would thrive as jewelers, if only they knew what the profession entailed. FutureFusion gives young people a chance to experience the rush of discovery and the joy of creation.
It’s never too early to start creating. FutureFusion is split into two programs: one for younger children (ages 7-11) and one for older children and teenagers (ages 12-17). In a program developed by Atlanta-based art administrator, curator, writer, and current president-elect of SNAG (the Society of North American Goldsmiths) Mindy Spritz, experienced instructors will guide students through safe, age-appropriate projects designed to spark a lifelong passion for jewelry.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Atlanta Jewelry Show exists to strengthen the jewelry industry. Creating a space for exhibitors to meet qualified buyers is just one part of our mission. We’re also here to augment your business skills through RetailFusion, expand your bench knowledge through BenchFusion, and inspire the next generation of jewelers with FutureFusion. For more information on the program and to register, follow this link.
