Industry Leaders Recognize-and Answer-An Unmet Need.

Rio Grande, in collaboration with Ganoksin (parent to the Orchid Forums), Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA), The Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG), and Bench Media, proudly announces Clasp - A Convergence of Jewelers. The jewelry industry continues to need purely educational forums that embrace a broad cross-section of industry members - these industry leaders developed Clasp to answer that need.

Clasp will be the first conference of its kind - an educational conference designed to serve small manufacturers, metalsmiths, designing jewelers and bench jewelers. Clasp will explore all aspects of jewelry making art, striving to educate and inspire jewelry-makers across the industry in a casual, collaborative setting that provides extensive opportunities to network with peers and to hear and interact with speakers from inside and outside the industry.

Clasp is committed to presenting topics in three theme tracks: Muse, Method and Money. Offerings in the Muse track will help each jewelry-maker tap more effectively into their creativity by inspiring and energizing them with compelling ideas for nourishing the creative center. Offerings in the Method track will enhance jewelry making skills at all levels. Offerings in the Money track will explore the business topics that are essential to jewelry makers. Working together, these three tracks will provide tangible, valuable information that each attendee can apply immediately for improved business and creative results.

In addition, Clasp will serve to invigorate and reinvest in the jewelry industry. Rio Grande finances and produces Clasp; Ganoksin, MJSA, SNAG and Bench Media provide advisory support. This effort will build individual jewelry makers' success and will strengthen the entire jewelry industry. Every person working within the industry - from home-based bench to production manufacturing - will benefit by Clasp.

The inaugural conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from September 15-17, 2006.

For details and more information, visit ClaspConvergence.com