NEW YORK CITY–Jewelers of America (JA) has awarded (in 2002) Stephen Hale, owner of Jewelry Doctor in San Angelo, Texas, the designation of JA Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ). Hale is the 18th bench jeweler in Texas, and the 74th nationwide, to ever receive this distinction.

The Bench Jeweler Certification program sets uniform standards for testing and evaluating a bench jeweler’s talent, ability and proficiency. The program tests a broad range of professional knowledge and technical bench skills (stone setting, soldering, polishing, etc.). To become certified, the candidate must demonstrate proficiency in each skill area to an acceptable national standard.

Hale studied geological science at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Paris, Texas. Over the last 18 years, Hale has worked in retail sales and management in privately owned jewelry stores in Texas. He started working as a bench jeweler three years ago.

Hale now owns Jewelry Doctor, which opened this past Thanksgiving weekend (Thanksgiving 2002), in San Angelo, Texas. Jewelry and eyglasses repair are done on the premises, and customers are invited to stay and watch the repair work.

“Being a JA Certified Jewelry Professional is an important designation,” says JA President and CEO Matthew Runci. “There is a fundamental difference between a JA Certified Jewelry Professional and someone who just happens to make, sell or repair jewelry. Stephen Hale’s successful completion of the JA Certification exam attests to his proficiency as a bench jeweler, lets consumers know that he is qualified to craft or repair their fine jewelry and demonstrates Jewelry Doctor’s commitment to providing superior service.”

Jewelry Doctor is located at 4106 Sherwood Way, Suite 6, in San Angelo, Texas. For additional information about JA Certified Bench Jeweler Stephen Hale, contact Jewelry Doctor at 325-223-1100.

For information about JA and the JA Bench Jeweler Certification program, call 800-223-0673 or visit www.jewelers.org.

Jewelers of America, Inc., is the national trade association for retail jewelers. With more than 10,000 members nationally, JA also works locally through its 42 state and regional affiliates. JA advocates high social, ethical and environmental standards, promotes professional business and leadership skills, and enhances its members’ profitability by offering education, certification, marketing and cost-saving programs.

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