Metalsmith BenchTalk with Jurgen Maerz

On the January 7th, 2010 broadcast my guest is Jurgen J. Maerz. Jurgen is a Certified Master Bench Jeweler the fourth one in the US to receive this designation. For the past 13 years he was Director of Technical Education for Platinum Guild International USA. Jurgen holds credentials as an instructor and has taught for the Gemological Institute of America and several other schools in Southern California. He was responsible for the creation of the platinum educational Program GIA is offering to this day. Born and raised in Germany, Jurgen learned the trade of Bench jeweler at a very young age through a formal apprenticeship. After immigrating to the US, he worked in all phases of jewelry making, ranging from production manager to his own studio, His love for platinum brought him to PGI in 1997, where he has become a recognized expert on working with platinum. For more information see: http://jurgenmaerz.com/home or view “Adventures at the Bench” here: http://www.platinummetalsreview.com/pdf/52-53-pmr-jan08.pdf. Please join us!