A new educational conference has been announced by Rio Grande, in collaboration with Bench Media, Ganoksin (parent to the Orchid Forums), Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, and The Society of North American Goldsmiths. “Clasp—A Convergence of Jewelers” is designed to be a purely educational forum that embraces a broad cross-section of industry members.

According to its organizers, Clasp will be the first conference designed to serve small manufacturers, metalsmiths, designing jewelers, and bench jewelers. Clasp is intended to explore all aspects of jewelry-making art in a casual, collaborative setting that provides networking opportunities and offers speakers from inside and outside the industry.

Clasp will present topics in three theme tracks: Muse, Method, and Money. Offerings in the Muse track will present ideas for nourishing creativity, in the Method track will enhance jewelry-making skills at all levels, and in the Money track will explore business topics.

Rio Grande will finance and produce Clasp. Bench Media, Ganoksin, MJSA, and SNAG will provide advisory support.

The inaugural conference will be held in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 15–17, 2006. For details and more information, visit www.claspconvergence.com.