Wubbers University Courses by Jurgen Maerz
Jurgen J. Maerz was born and raised in Germany. He learned the trade of Gold-and Silversmith at a young age through a formal apprenticeship. After immigrating to the United States, he worked in all phases of jewelry making and held numerous positions, from production manager to the owner of his own studio.
For more than four years, Jurgen was in charge of the Jewelry Manufacturing Arts Extension department of the Gemological Institute of America, and he taught jewelry techniques in cities throughout the United States. (He was responsible for the creation of the platinum educational Program offered by GIA.) He joined Platinum Guild International in 1996 and has become a recognized expert on working with platinum; he specializes in platinum casting issues, and has spearheaded several new casting techniques. Before opening Jurgen Maerz Jewelry Industry Consulting service, he held the position of Director of Technical Education for PGI for over 15 years
Jurgen has lectured around the world, including in India, China, Italy (at the Jewelry Technology Forum in Vicenza, Italy), South Africa (at the Universities of Cape Town and Johannesburg), and the United Kingdom (at the University of Central England in Birmingham). His was especially honored to speak at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, home of the renowned Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.
A frequent contributor to magazines and journals internationally, Jurgen is also the author of the two award-winning books The Platinum Bench: An Illustrated Guide to Easy Platinum Repairs and Fabrication (MJSA Press, 2001) Adventures at the Bench, Tips and Tricks for the Platinum Smith (MJSA Press 2005) These books are based on a series of “how to” articles that still appear regularly in MJSA Journal, the monthly magazine of Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America). In addition, Jurgen has published several papers at the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, and he is a frequent presenter there.
Jurgen holds a Standard Designated Teaching credential for jewelry making from the state of California, as well as an honorary Ph.D. in Jewelry Manufacturing Arts from the Cosmopolitan University. He is a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler, the fourth person in the United States to receive this designation.
As independent consultant for the jewelry industry, he offers help and support in all phases of jewelry making from the bench to the factory, especially with platinum issues.
His love for teaching has brought him back to local Art and Craft schools where he enjoys teaching basic jewelry making techniques, casting, stone setting and hand fabrication. He is currently writing tutorials and plans to publish another book on bench tricks and hand fabrication.
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