International News
The Jewelry Symposium to spotlight AI, traceability, and sustainable practices
The Jewelry Symposium (TJS), formerly known as the Santa Fe Symposium, the premier international event for jewellery manufacturing technology, will convene at the Detroit Marriott Troy from 17-20 May 2025, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and sustainability.
This year’s symposium will expand beyond its traditional focus on metallurgy and craftsmanship to address critical industry issues like responsible sourcing, AI integration, and advanced manufacturing processes.
“We had an unprecedented number of proposals and abstracts for 2025, and we are delighted that many of our respected presenters will be focusing on timely and important issues like sustainability and technology,” says Linus Drogs, TJS Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful to the experts who will be sharing the latest information on CAD, AI, and additive manufacturing (3-D printing), as well as the group of professionals focused on sustainability related to a responsible supply chain and the tracing of coloured gemstones.”
The symposium will feature presentations from leading experts worldwide, catering to a diverse audience of bench jewellers, designers, manufacturers, students, retailers, and press. Among the technology-focused sessions, Scott Bradford of Gesswein will explore CAD techniques and software for enhanced jewellery design, while Jenny Luker of the Platinum Guild International (PGI) will unveil a new platinum alloy. Consultant Anne Miller will delve into the potential of generative AI, and Joseph Strauss of HJE Company, Inc. will discuss advancements in sinter-based 3-D printing.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing will also take centre stage, with Eric Branwaurt of Columbia Gem House and consultant Frank Cooper examining the traceability of coloured gemstones.
International News
Democrats Win In Midterm Polls Could Significantly Lift Industrial Demand For Silver
World Gold Council Data Going Back To 1970 Show Gold Rising 62% Of The Time In The Six Months After A Midterm, With A Median Gain Of Just 2%,
· Midterm Election Snapshot: Americans are voting for 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and 36 governorships. Forecasters expect Democrats to win the House (~90% chance), while the Senate remains a toss-up driven by voter concerns over inflation, tariffs, and the Iran conflict.
· Government Gridlock: A Democratic House would constrain President Trump’s agenda, leading to potential gridlock over spending and taxes.
· Impact on Precious Metals: Election outcomes matter to gold and silver mainly through their impact on Treasury yields and the US dollar. Silver enters the vote under weaker pressure, while gold holds up better.
· Historical Pattern: Since 1970, gold rises 62% of the time in the 6 months following a midterm, with a median gain of 2%—though past patterns are not guaranteed to repeat in 2026.
· National Debt Factor: A full Democratic sweep (“blue sweep”) could focus trader attention on the $40.5 trillion national debt ($120,000 per US citizen), which could eventually boost investment demand for both metals.
· War & Geopolitics: Funding for the 250+ day conflict with Iran would face heavy resistance in a Democratic Congress. An earlier end to the conflict would help gold and silver regain their traditional safe-haven status.
· Industrial Boost for Silver: Democratic policies prioritizing social infrastructure and green energy legislation would significantly lift industrial demand for physical silver, potentially aiding its effort to break back above the historic $50 mark.
· Interest Rate Risks: Higher federal spending could widen deficits and weaken the dollar (bullish for metals), but higher real interest rates and elevated Treasury yields could weigh on gold more than silver.
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