The Atlanta Jewelry Show (AJS) will debut an expanded youth education initiative during its upcoming event on 23–24 August 2025 at the Cobb Galleria, Atlanta, GA.
The development includes the launch of Kids Jewelry Camp 2.0 for children aged 7–11, alongside a newly enhanced version of the Next GEM Academy for teens aged 12–17.
Expansion of Youth Programming
Originally introduced in 2018, the AJS Kids Jewelry Camp was the first programme of its kind within a jewelry trade show setting. Now rebranded and expanded as Kids Jewelry Camp 2.0 and Next GEM Academy (Next Generation Emerging Makers), the initiative has been divided into two distinct age-appropriate tracks, designed to introduce younger participants to both jewelry making and entrepreneurship.
Libby Brown, Executive Director of the Atlanta Jewelry Show, stated:
“Our goal is simple. We want to inspire a love of the craft, introduce them to the idea of owning or contributing to a business, and hopefully help raise the next generation of jewellers. The passion is already there — we just give it a place to grow.”
Kids Jewelry Camp 2.0 (Ages 7–11)
The Kids Jewelry Camp 2.0 programme provides younger children with hands-on experience in fundamental techniques including metal folding, stamping, surface texturing, resin work, bezel setting, and wire wrapping. Participants also begin to explore brand-building concepts, such as creating a business name and logo, within a personalised Maker Notebook.
Campers will complete multiple pieces of wearable jewelry, with the programme focused on instilling early confidence through skill acquisition and tangible outcomes.
Next GEM Academy (Ages 12–17)
The Next GEM Academy offers a more advanced, immersive experience for older participants interested in jewelry making and business development. Attendees will engage in brand concept creation, pricing strategy, packaging design, and social media planning. They will also meet working jewellers and mentors, and begin building a portfolio in either printed or digital format via a personalised Maker Hub.
Participants in this programme are eligible to apply for the Emerging Artist Spotlight table at a future Atlanta Jewelry Show, offering early exposure to industry trade environments.
Implications for the Trade
The expansion of these youth-oriented initiatives highlights a broader effort within the jewelry industry to invest in generational continuity and workforce development. By introducing younger demographics to both craftsmanship and commercial strategy, the AJS Maker Program seeks to address a key challenge facing many independent jewelry businesses — succession planning and industry sustainability.
These programmes may also present an opportunity for independent jewellers to consider mentoring or supporting youth development schemes within their own communities, particularly in areas where skills transfer and recruitment remain ongoing concerns. Registration for the AJS Maker Program is now open, with limited space available. The initiative will run alongside the main Atlanta Jewelry Show in August.
