We are delighted to welcome Nanz Aalund as our January program presenter. Nanz has worn many hats and received countless awards in the jewelry industry. She will guide us through the mentor/apprentice program she developed for MJSA (Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, Inc.).

Nanz Aalund’s wide-ranging career as a jewelry designer, goldsmith, and educator began in high school shop classes. After serving as a fine jewelry designer and marketing consultant for Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co., Aalund taught jewelry and metals classes as the “Artist-in Residence” the University of Washington under Mary Lee Hu and at the Art Institute in Seattle. Earning a Masters of Fine Art (MFA/Metals) and a Masters of Education in College and Technical Teaching Curriculum (CTTC).

Some of Aalund’s many professional jewelry design awards include: an AGTA Spectrum Award, two Gemmy Awards, two Platinum Guild International Awards, two Saul Bell Awards, two DeBeers Diamond’s Today Awards and in 2023 a CPAA Spotlight Award for her Pearl Nebula necklace. She authored the book, Masters Gold, published by Lark Books in 2009 and served as technical author and associate editor for Art Jewelry Magazine. Nanz’s most recent publication, A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeship for MJSA, an AM&P Excel Awards, (a national book award) in 2018.