Rick Sanders, popular local jeweler, certified as JA Master Bench Jeweler
NEW YORK CITY — Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for retail
jewelers, has awarded Rick Sanders, owner of Sanders Jewelers, in Gainesville, FL, the
designation of JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ), the fourth and highest level of
the JA Bench Jeweler Certification program. The JA Bench Jeweler Certification program
sets uniform standards for testing and evaluating a bench jeweler’s talent, ability and
proficiency.

JA Certified Master Bench Jewelers are artisans who demonstrate jewelry creation and
repair skills to the peak of professional proficiency. Sanders is only the third bench
jeweler in Florida to ever receive this distinction; there are less than 130 CMBJ jewelers
in the United States.

“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. By completing the JA Master Bench Jeweler Certification exam, Rick has
defined his proficiency as a master of his trade, which demonstrates he is expertly
qualified to craft or repair fine jewelry and illustrates his commitment to providing
superior service to customers.”

A Gainesville local, Rick Sanders is well known in the community as the jeweler “who
can make or repair most anything.” His store, Sanders Jewelers, specializes in high-end
custom designs and diamond sales. Sanders’ 26 years of bench experience make him

expert at jewelry repairs, and customers seek him out for intricate antique jewelry repair
and restoration.

Sanders performs all design and repair work in-house at Sanders Jewelers – a unique
feature in jewelry retail stores. “When a customer comes in, they get to talk to the jeweler
that is going to be repairing or making their piece of jewelry. No matter what is needed
their jewelry never leaves our store,” he explains. Customers can even watch as
Sanders works on their jewelry, since the high-tech Repair Center is visible from the
showroom.

Prior to opening Sanders Jewelers in 2006 with his wife Melinda, Sanders worked for a
retail jewelry and repair store in Gainesville for 20 years. During his career, he has
completed multiple jewelry courses to continuously advance his bench jewelry skills. He
has received certificates in Advanced Stone-Setting (Gemological Institute of America),
Hand Engraving (GRS), and Casting.

Since opening his store, Sanders has used his custom-design talent to give back to his
community, by donating custom jewelry to the Children’s Home Society Puttin’ On the
Ritz gala auction in 2006 and 2007.

Sanders Jewelers is located inside Haile Plantation at 2725 SW 91st Street, Suite 140, in
Gainesville, FL. For additional information about JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler Rick
Sanders, contact the store directly at 352-331-6100 or visit www.haileguide.com and
click on “Sanders Jewelers.” Sanders Jewelers is a member of Jewelers of America and
the Florida Jewelers Association.

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 11,000 members nationally, JA also works locally through its 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.

52 Vanderbilt Avenue • 19th Floor • New York, NY 10017
Tel: 646-658-0246 • Toll Free: 800-223-0673 • Fax: 646-658-0256
Website: www.jewelers.org • E-mail: info@jewelers.org