TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller Employees
The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

TJS will present the awards to Dennis "Buzz" Busby, former casting director at Stuller, and Randy Welch, former senior tech process engineer at Stuller.
The awards recognize their decades of work supporting, educating, and advancing the fine jewelry industry, said the organization.
The awards will be presented at its 2026 symposium in Detroit, slated for May 16-19.
“We are honored to present Mr. Busby and Mr. Welch the TJS Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s symposium,” said Linus Drogs, chairman of the board at TJS.
“Both men have contributed much to the progress of fine jewelry manufacturing.”
Busby has been a regular at TJS, a continuation of the long-running Santa Fe Symposium (SFS), attending 29 of its 34 years.
Busby and Welch have always been eager to share the latest advancements in the jewelry making process, said Drogs.
The pair have authored and co-authored presentations for SFS and other industry conferences throughout the years, both separately and together.
“Whether shared with hundreds of people at the symposiums or shared in thousands of individual conversations over the years, their goodwill and ongoing endeavors for knowledge sharing represent the embodiment of the TJS mission,” said Drogs.
The two are longtime friends and colleagues, joining Stuller in the 1980s.
Welch retired in August 2024 after 43 years with Stuller, while Busby retired in December 2024 after 41 years.
The lifetime achievement award is not presented annually, and is instead given to recognize exceptional industry leaders “when the timing is right,” said TJS.
Previous honorees include gold technical expert Dr. Christopher Corti, who was honored in 2025, and SFS founder Eddie Bell in 2023.
Lifetime achievement award winners receive a commemorative plaque and a free, full-access pass to TJS' annual symposium for life.
For more information about TJS, visit its website, or email Jessa Cast at jessa@thejewelrysymposium.com.
The Latest

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.


Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.























