-
Must-Have Tools for the Bench: A Panel Presentation
Frieder Lauer, Kyle Sharos, Melissa Muir, Moderated by Elesa DillonDone
-
Jewelry Through Time: Identifying Eras, Styles, and Motifs
Gail Brett LevineDone
-
Understanding the Jeweler's Divider: Precision Marking Exercises for Bench Jewelers
Jason ChandlerDone
-
Incorporating the Art of Engraving Into Your Work
Melissa MuirDone
-
Transforming Handmade Gold Stock into a Custom Solitaire Shank
Jason ChandlerDone
-
Jewelry Finishing: From Traditional Techniques to Emerging Technologies
Melissa MuirDone
-
Demystifying the Making of White Gold Stock
Jason ChandlerDone
-
Metal Testing with XRF: From Identifying Elements to Analyzing Results
Mike MageeDone
-
The Genie in the Shop: I Get By with a Little Help from AI
Andreas ArgentinisDone
-
The Business of Platinum: Practical Bench Skills that Drive Sales
Jenny Luker (Platinum Guild International USA), Josh Helmich (Helmich Luxury Group)Done

Pulse arc welding uses a brief, high-energy electrical discharge to fuse metal at a precise point, with minimal heat spreading to surrounding metal or stones. When used with an argon atmosphere, it leaves a clean surface with little to no oxidation, which makes it ideal for repairs near stones or on finished surfaces.
This session teaches the fundamentals of pulse arc welding and how it differs from traditional soldering and welding methods while exploring practical applications for common jewelry repair and manufacturing tasks. Attendees will discover techniques for achieving clean, durable welds on a variety of metals and best practices for equipment setup, operation, and maintenance.
About Melissa Muir
Melissa Muir is a designer, metalsmith, and educator known throughout the jewelry industry for her expertise in tools, techniques, and jewelry fabrication. Often referred to as the "Queen of Tools," she has spent more than a decade helping jewelers better understand the equipment, methods, and processes used in modern metalsmithing.
Melissa is an active content creator who regularly publishes educational videos on YouTube, sharing tool reviews, demonstrations, technique tutorials, and practical advice for jewelers ranging from beginners to experienced professionals. Through workshops, online education, and industry events, she has helped thousands of jewelers develop their technical skills and confidence at the bench.
In addition to teaching, Melissa creates distinctive one-of-a-kind jewelry and continues to share her passion for metalsmithing through workshops, articles, social media, and industry education. She operates from her studio in Utah, where she works with students and jewelry professionals from around the world.