Shows
Jewellers Academy Podcast291. My Jewellery Business Journey: How I Launched My Collection and Sold My First Pieces with Liz LloydIn this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by Liz Lloyd, founder of Liz Lloyd Jewellery, to talk about her journey into jewellery and what it takes to build a confident, professional jewellery business. Liz shares how an early love of making jewellery led her back to the bench after a long career in teaching and creative work. During lockdown, she rediscovered jewellery making and found Jewellers Academy which helped her move from experimenting to building a business with intention. She talks about completing the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, describing it as...
2025-12-2241 minJewellers Academy Podcast289. How Jewellers can use Pinterest to drive traffic and sales With Trona FreemanIn this episode, Anna Campbell chats with Pinterest and SEO consultant Trona Freeman about how jewellers can use Pinterest as a powerful visual search engine - not just another social platform. Trona breaks down how Pinterest users are intentional, slower scrollers, and often ready to shop, making it an ideal place for jewellery businesses. She shares practical tips on: Optimising your profile and boards for search Creating keyword-rich, high-performing pins Using product shots, lifestyle content, and text pins strategically Leveraging Pinterest Trends and Pinterest Predicts Avoiding common mistakes like broken links and low-quality images If you want long-lasting traffic, more visib...
2025-12-0829 minJewellers Academy Podcast288. Diploma in Wax Jewellery: What to Expect From Our Brand New CourseIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose shares all about the brand-new Diploma in Wax Jewellery. This is the fifth online one-year Diploma to be created. Whether you're completely new to wax or an experienced jeweller ready to dive into wax jewellery, this episode gives you a full behind-the-scenes look at what to expect from this year-long programme. Jess walks you through how the Diploma works, from the flexible weekly time commitment to the unique 'wax to metal' process where you'll carve your designs, send them to a caster, and then learn the...
2025-12-0125 minJewellers Academy Podcast287. The Magic of Wax: Exploring Organic Textures with Jo HuntJessica Rose chats with Jo Hunt, founder of Rockpool Jewellery, about her creative journey and her love for working with wax. Jo shares all about her brand-new course, Rings, Pendants and Charms in Wax: The Build-Up Technique - the first course at Jewellers Academy dedicated entirely to this organic, textured method. It's currently on pre-sale for a limited time at 50% off. Jo shares how jewellery making became an essential creative outlet during her struggles with anxiety and OCD, and how wax offered the perfect low-pressure medium to explore ideas freely. Jess and Jo talk about the differences between...
2025-11-2434 minJewellers Academy Podcast285. Train as a Jeweller in 2026: New Wax Diploma + Enrolment Now OpenDiplomas are open for enrolment - and we have a brand new Diploma. In this special episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell share some exciting news - enrolment is now open for all five Jewellers Academy Diplomas starting in September 2026, including the launch of a brand new course: the Diploma in Wax Jewellery! Join Jessica and Anna as they reveal everything you need to know about this long-awaited programme - from its focus on creating commercially viable jewellery collections to its accessible, beginner-friendly structure and expert tutors like Scott McIntyre, Jane Taylor and Joanne Hunt. Le...
2025-11-1027 minJewellers Academy Podcast283. 7 Benefits of the Rising Cost of Metals to Handmade JewellersIn this week's episode, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell explore the unexpected advantages behind the rising costs of silver and gold. While many jewellers worry about affordability and holding stock, Jessica and Anna reveal that these changes can actually strengthen your business and the handmade jewellery industry as a whole. They discuss seven key benefits, including: - The increased inherent value of your jewellery - customers now see handmade pieces as not only beautiful but a smart long-term investment. - A boost in the value of any metal stock you already own - some...
2025-10-2741 minJewellers Academy Podcast281. Making Jewellery In Antarctica, with Kasey Williams of Nunatak SilverThis week's host jeweller Kelly Twigg, speaks with Kasey Williams, founder of Nunatak Jewellery, who is currently deployed in Antarctica. Kasey talks about her passion for both her environmental engineering career and her jewellery-making hobby. Kasey shares her unique experience of making jewellery in an extreme environment, discussing how she adapts her techniques to the cold and dry conditions, and how she sources her materials. She also talks about her journey into silversmithing, her inspirations from nature and her travels, and her plans for Nunatak Jewellery after returning to Australia. This is a fascinating insight in...
2025-10-1332 minJewellers Academy Podcast279. How Jewellers Grow: Tools, Techniques & Truths from the Diploma DiariesEver wondered what it's really like to take a jewellery diploma? In this week's episode, host Jessica Rose sits down with this year's Jewellers Academy Diploma Diarists - Tori Foster, Jane Taylor, and Emma René to talk about their experiences studying, teaching, and creating jewellery as part of the Jewellers Academy Diploma programs. The Diploma Diaries is an Instagram initiative where selected students and tutors share their year-long journeys with the wider jewellery-making community. This year's diarists represent three different perspectives: Tori Foster, a jewellery business owner and teacher from Yorkshire, is...
2025-09-2931 minJewellers Academy Podcast278. Advanced Stone Setting: How the Masterclasses Took Iain Sainsbury's Skills to the Next LevelIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose talks with jeweller and community member Iain Sainsbury to explore his journey through the Advanced Stone Setting Masterclasses program, an advanced training series designed for jewellers ready to refine their fine jewellery and stone-setting skills. Iain shares how he discovered jewellery-making after career burnout, and why the Masterclasses became the perfect next step in his learning. From tackling the challenges of piercing and decorative collets with Anelia Kuprina, to pushing his stone-setting skills further with Scott McIntyre, and making tiara wedding rings with April Dace, Iain reflects on the b...
2025-09-2241 minJewellers Academy Podcast273. Advanced Stone Setting: Learn to Make Tiara Wedding Bands with April Dace in BrightonIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with fine jeweller and experienced instructor April Dace about her upcoming three-day in-person masterclass in Brighton (2nd - 4th October 2025). Designed for intermediate to advanced jewellers, the course focuses on creating a stunning Tiara wedding band with five claws - a perfect project to refine your stone setting skills and elevate your engagement ring designs. April shares what students can expect, from shaping and fitting rings for stones to creating precise settings, soldering, and claw work. While the project will be completed in silver during the class, th...
2025-08-1828 minJewellers Academy Podcast271. From Beginner to Maker: Inside the Foundation in Silver Jewellery with Tutor Laura-JayneIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with tutor and mentor Laura-Jayne of Small Dog Silver about the Foundation in Silver Jewellery course - the perfect starting point for beginners wanting to make beautiful jewellery from home. Laura-Jayne shares her passion for mentoring new makers, watching them grow from total novices to confident creators. Together, Anna and Laura-Jayne dive into what the 5-week online Foundation course offers, from learning essential techniques like saw piercing, soldering, and stone setting, to creating five stunning finished pieces: two rings, two necklaces, and a pair of earrings. They al...
2025-08-0434 minJewellers Academy Podcast270. The Visibility Retreat: A Game-Changer for Your Jewellery BusinessIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by Anna Campbell, Kelly Twigg, and Emma René to introduce something brand new: the first-ever Jewellers' Visibility Retreat, happening this September in Brighton, England. This intimate, in-person, three-day event is designed for jewellery business owners who are ready to get seen, connect deeply with their brand, and confidently attract customers, just in time for the busy Christmas sales season. You will learn about what to expect from this immersive retreat: powerful hands-on workshops in email marketing, social media strategy, smartphone photography, and vision s...
2025-07-2831 minJewellers Academy Podcast269. Overcoming Obstacles: How Jane Taylor Built a Thriving Jewellery BusinessIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with fine jeweller and tutor Jane Taylor, to talk about her creative journey into jewellery making. From childhood badge-making to running her own boutique jewellery store in Godalming, UK. Jane shares about the winding road that led her to jewellery. From early experiments with polymer clay, to leaving an apprenticeship in search of creative freedom, to building her own brand and shop that's now part of a thriving creative hub. Jane shares the lessons she's learned through decades in the industry, including working for other jewellers, surviving...
2025-07-2131 minJewellers Academy Podcast267. Pricing, Stockists & Standing Out: Why Alternative Events Could Be Your Secret Weapon with Hannah from Slab JewelleryIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Elin Horgan is joined by Hannah Royce-Greensill, founder of Slab Jewellery, whose path to becoming a full-time jeweller began in an unexpected place, freelance web design. Hannah shares how she balanced both careers in the early stages, using her digital skills to support herself while slowly and steadily growing her jewellery business. Hannah opens up about the power of being bold in growing her jewellery business and how a single, heartfelt Instagram post about her dream to be stocked at Clifton Rocks in Bristol led to real-world r...
2025-07-0738 minJewellers Academy Podcast262. Redesigning Her Life: How Jeweller Risza Found Confidence, Craft, and CommunityIn this inspiring episode, Jess spoke with jewellery artist and tutor Risza Lopes da Cruz, whose creative journey spans continents—from East Timor to Brighton, England. Risza shares how her love of jewellery making began with beading in Southeast Asia and evolved into a thriving business rooted in cultural heritage and personal meaning. Discover how she navigated the challenges of starting over in a new country, overcame imposter syndrome, and transformed her passion into a profession through the structured support of Jewellers Academy's Diploma programs. Now a tutor herself, Risza opens up about the emotional depth behind he...
2025-06-0236 minJewellers Academy Podcast260: The Power of Small Steps: How a Diploma Changed Jessica Croft's CareerIn this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell sits down with diploma graduate and full-time jeweller Jessica Croft of Homebird Jewellery to reflect on her incredible 11-year journey in the world of jewellery making. Jess shares how the Jewellers Academy Diplomas reignited her creative spark, helped her build technical skills, and gave her the confidence to fully embrace her identity as a jeweller. From silverwork to metal clay, we explore the power of incremental learning, mindset shifts, and the value of community in transforming your jewellery journey. Whether you're just starting out or...
2025-05-2653 minJewellers Academy Podcast259. Polishing Secrets for Jewellers: Tools, Techniques & Finishes with Jessica Rose and Kelly TwiggIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and jeweller Kelly Twigg dive into the often underappreciated craft of polishing and finishing jewellery. Drawing on Kelly's experience from the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, they explore the techniques, tools, and creative choices that bring a piece to life. From filing and sanding to hand polishing and finishing styles, this conversation covers the essentials for jewellers at all levels. You'll learn why quality tools matter, how different finishes influence the final look, and what safety measures are crucial in your workspace. Whether you're refining your skills or...
2025-05-1927 minJewellers Academy Podcast257. 10 Things No One Tells You about Setting Up and Running a Jewellery Shop with Tori FosterIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with jeweller and shop owner Tori Foster to talk about the real journey of opening a jewellery shop — the trials, the joys, and everything in between. Tori shares how she made the leap from maker to shop owner, revealing the ten things no one tells you about setting up and running a jewellery store. From learning that things won't always go to plan to discovering the hidden benefits of having a creative haven, Tori offers insights for any jeweller dreaming of their own space. Th...
2025-05-0532 minJewellers Academy Podcast255. Learning Never Stops: The Surprising Benefits of Revisiting Jewellery Skills with Iris Van SteenwinckelIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Kim Thomson talks with goldsmith and educator Iris, whose unique journey through jewellery and cultural sciences has shaped two distinct jewellery brands and a passion for teaching. Iris shares how her creatively rich upbringing and formal training led her to a multifaceted career, balancing bespoke design with a commercial line, all while running hands-on workshops for aspiring makers. Covering the art of jewellery making, the value of continuous learning, and how the Jewellers Academy Silver Diploma helped Iris refine her skills and grow in confidence. This is an episode packed...
2025-04-211h 02Jewellers Academy Podcast253. Creating Fine Jewellery - Advice from a Goldsmith with April DaceIn this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, jeweller and tutor April Dace dives into the art and precision behind her Tiara Wedding Ring masterclass. With over a decade of experience in fine jewellery, April shares invaluable insights into bespoke design, stone setting, and how to craft bands that perfectly frame existing rings. From sketching with accuracy to selecting the right jewelry tools, she covers the must-know techniques and pricing strategies that help elevate both your work and your business. Whether you're new to jewellery making or deep into your journey, this episode is packed with practical advice on...
2025-04-0736 minJewellers Academy Podcast251. 10 Mistakes Jewellers Make with Their Pricing - with Jessica RosePricing your jewellery correctly is one of the most important—and challenging—aspects of running a successful business. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess breaks down the 10 biggest pricing mistakes jewellers make and how to avoid them. From undercharging for your time to overlooking hidden costs, we cover the most common pitfalls that could be holding your business back. You'll learn why comparing prices with competitors can be misleading, how discounting impacts your brand value, and why pricing is an ongoing process rather than a one-time decision. If you're ready to take cont...
2025-03-2439 minJewellers Academy Podcast250. SEO for Jewellers: How to Optimize Your Website with Aime Cox from Studio CottonIn this week's episode, Kim Thomson chats with Aime Cox from Studio Cotton about her journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of passion in business, and how to make SEO accessible and engaging for small businesses. They discuss the power of SEO over social media, the significance of optimizing product descriptions, and leveraging trends for product collections. Aime also shares practical tips for enhancing online presence, including the importance of product descriptions, photography, and regular website updates. Takeaways SEO can be more effective than social media for conversions. Sharing expertise builds...
2025-03-1750 minJewellers Academy Podcast249. 5 Top Tips for Making Sea Glass Jewellery with Kelly TwiggIn this week's episode, I'm joined by Kelly Twigg, and we're talking all things sea glass. She shares her top 5 tips including how to find the best pieces, different ways to set them, and the do's and don'ts of drilling (because yes, sea glass can crack if you're not careful!). Whether you're just starting out or already working with sea glass, Kelly's expert advice will help you take your designs to the next level. Plus, she spills the details on her brand-new sea glass jewellery course—currently at a special discounted price! We talk about: How to...
2025-03-1025 minJewellers Academy Podcast248. Opening my Dream Jewellery Shop After Completing the Diploma in Silver Jewellery - with Alice Catherine JewelleryThis week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess is chatting with the amazing Alice of Alice Catherine Jewellery about her journey from total beginner to running her own thriving jewellery business on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Alice shares the highs and lows of building her brand, growing her team, and what it's really like to run a jewellery shop in a remote location. We also dive into her experience with the Diploma in Silver Jewellery — how it shaped her skills and gave her the confidence to go pro. Plus, we talk about the power of community, mentoring, and the le...
2025-03-0337 minJewellers Academy Podcast246. Get Creative with Silver Metal Clay: Join Our Free 5-Day ChallengeIn this week's episode, Jess and Anna discuss the exciting world of silver metal clay, a versatile material for creating beautiful jewellery at home. They introduce a free five-day course designed for beginners, covering various techniques and projects, including personalized jewellery, embellishments, eco-friendly practices, adding gold, and finishing techniques. Metal clay is a really accessible way for making silver jewellery and offers so many creative possibilities. Listen now to find out more! Takeaways Silver metal clay is a versatile material for jewellery making. Every jeweller, regardless of experience, should try metal clay.
2025-02-1729 minJewellers Academy Podcast245. Mastering the Art of Advanced Stone Setting with Scott McIntyreReady to take your stone-setting skills to the next level? This week on the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess sits down with master stone setter Scott McIntyre to dive deep into the precision, tools, and artistry behind advanced techniques—especially fishtail setting. From the intricacies of high-level craftsmanship to the ongoing evolution of jewellery design, Scott shares expert insights on: 🔹 The power of precision and magnification in setting 🔹 How proper technique beats brute force every time 🔹 Choosing between affordable vs. high-end tools—what really matters? 🔹 The joy (and frustration) of learning through mistakes 🔹 Why even masters never stop honing their craft W...
2025-02-1050 minJewellers Academy Podcast244. How Much Should Your Spend on Your Jewellery Training? - How to Finance Your Diploma & TrainingIn this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and Anna discuss the financial aspects of jewellery training, exploring how much one should invest in their education and the importance of continuous learning. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming financial fears, the value of investing in oneself, and practical solutions for financing training, including payment plans and selling jewellery. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-belief and the potential for growth through education in the jewellery industry. In this conversation, they discuss various strategies for managing finances and give some ideas including de-stashing, making sacrifices, asking for help...
2025-02-0341 minJewellers Academy Podcast243.Upskilling in Jewellery: The Power of Masterclasses for Learning Advanced Stone Setting with jeweller Iain SainsburyIn this week's episode, jeweller Iain Sainsbury shares his journey from corporate career to full-time jeweller, covering his unique signature style that incorporates advanced techniques like sand casting and stone setting. He reflects on his experiences of the Jewellers Masterclasses, the importance of community support, and the motivation behind his creative process. Iain also delves into the challenges of learning new skills and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming obstacles and mastering jewellery making techniques. Takeaways from this episode - Jewellers Academy Masterclasses provide not only technical skills but also confidence to explore new p...
2025-01-2731 minJewellers Academy Podcast241. 10 Things I Wouldn't Do If I Was Starting a Jewellery Business in 2025 with Jessica RoseIn this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess dives into the lessons she's learned from years in the jewellery industry to share 10 things (and a bonus 1!) she wouldn't do if starting a jewellery business in 2025. Whether you're just beginning your journey or already running a jewellery business, Jess's insights offer valuable reminders and fresh perspectives on avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on what truly drives growth. Drawing parallels between her experience launching a new jewellery school, Jewellers Academy Brighton, and the challenges of starting a business, Jess discusses how to steer clear of...
2025-01-1347 minJewellers Academy Podcast240. Kickstart: 5 Days to Plan 2025 in Your Jewellery Business - Join the FREE Challenge with Jessica RoseIn this week's episode of the podcast, Jess, invites you to join the FREE Kickstart Challenge, a five-day program designed to help jewellers set intentions and goals for their businesses. On this course, you will set a vision and action plan for your business in 2025 as well as plan your revenue generating activities for bringing in the money. What is included in Kickstart? Day 1: Monday 6th January - SETTING YOUR VISION Day 2: Tuesday 7th January - 4 JUICY GOALS Day 3: Wednesday 8th January - YOUR ACTION PLAN Day 4: T...
2025-01-0623 minJewellers Academy Podcast237. 10 Fun Things to Make over Christmas - Free Jewellery Courses for YouThis week on the podcast we have an early Christmas present for you - free jewellery making courses. With something for everyone at every level from beginner to intermediate level jewellers, in silver, metal clay, wax and beading - there is bound to be a new creative project for you. Have a listen to find out more and choose your next jewellery making challenge. The free courses included are: Make a Wax Signet Ring Introduction to Claw Setting Silver Jewellery for Absolute beginners 10 Days of Silver Jewellery - starts on Monday 13th Jan 2025, enrol now to access the too...
2024-12-1632 minJewellers Academy Podcast233. Double Gallery Claw Setting - Learn from the Master Stone Setter Scott McIntyreIn this week's episode, Jess introduces an exciting new online stone setting course covering double gallery claw settings, taught by master stone setter Scott McIntyre. This technique combines collet setting and claw setting to enhance the visibility and sparkle of the gemstone. This is a fantastic course designed for intermediate-level jewellers with gemstone setting experience, and you can hear more about it in the episode. Takeaways This new online stone setting course focuses on advanced techniques. Double gallery claw setting enhances the visibility of stones. Scott McIntyre is a master stonesetter teaching the...
2024-11-1820 minJewellers Academy Podcast231. 'Follow your heart, make what you love' Successfully transitioning from a hobby to a jewellery business with jeweller Natalie FurlongIn this weeks episode, jeweller Natalie Furlong shares her inspiring journey from a creative hobbyist to a successful jewellery business owner. She discusses her background in ceramics, the challenges she faced during her transition from ceramics to jewellery, and how the Jewellery Business Academy has supported her growth. Jess and Natalie touch on lots of important issues including the importance of following your passion, struggles with social media marketing, and the significance of community and accountability in entrepreneurship. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring jewellers and highlights her unique design philosophy. Takeaways N...
2024-11-0424 minJewellers Academy Podcast224. Advanced Stone Setting - Introducing the Jewellers MasterclassesIn this week's episode of the podcast, we at Jewellers Academy introduce our brand-new advanced stone setting classes, the Jewellers Masterclasses, designed for experienced jewellers ready to enhance your skills. The conversation covers the structure of the masterclasses, the support provided, and highlights the projects: Decorative Collets, Fishtail Setting, and Tiara Wedding Bands. Anna Campbell and I talk about the importance of community and mentorship in the learning process, as well as the accessibility and pricing options for you. If you are an advanced level jeweller looking for your next challenge or your a beginner looking to be inspired, this e...
2024-09-1636 minJewellers Academy Podcast223. 10 Top Tips for Photographing Jewellery using a Smartphone with Karen YoungThis week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and product photographer Karen Young. They discuss Karen's top 10 tips for getting great photos of your jewellery with your smartphone. Covering the basics like don't forget to clean your camera lens! They also cover lighting, equipment, how to plan your shots and more. We would love you to join our free 5 day Jewellery Photography Challenge, starting on 16th September 2024 and you can find the daily prompts now on the link below so you can make a start. Plus right now, you can get 50% off o...
2024-09-0938 minJewellers Academy Podcast218. Learn the Art of Wax Carving to Create Silver & Gold Jewellery with Elin HorganIn this week's episode, Jess and Elin Horgan delve into the art of wax carving, a technique used in jewellery making to create detailed designs that are later cast into metals like silver or gold. The episode also highlights Elin's updated courses on wax carving, which include a Level 1 workshop covering basic ring and pendant making, and a Level 2 course focused on stone setting in wax. These courses are designed to help both beginners and experienced jewellers enhance their skills. Jess and Elin discuss the benefits of wax carving, such as its low cost and the ease...
2024-08-0525 minJewellers Academy Podcast209. 10 Reasons to Join the Jewellery Diplomas (Last Chance for 2024) with Jessica Rose & Anna CampbellThe deadline to sign up for a Jewellery Diploma course with Jewellers Academy is fast approaching. You have until midnight on Friday 7th June to get yourself on the list. In this week's podcast, Jessica Rose is talking with Community Manager Anna Campbell all about the ten reasons to join a Diploma this year. If you've been on the fence about it do have a listen so you can decide whether one of the four Diploma courses is right for you. Find out more about the Diploma courses and enrol now https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas
2024-06-0348 minJewellers Academy Podcast206. Experiments with Melting Gold over Diamonds with Alexandra von Widdern - Advanced Jewellery Diploma AlumniIn this bonus podcast episode, Jess interviews Alexandra, an Advanced Diploma graduate and jeweller who runs her own business called Von W Jewellery. Alexandra specializes in creating fine jewellery pieces using gold and diamonds, employing an experimental technique of melting diamonds into gold. She shares her journey, starting from her early experiences in silversmithing and her advanced studies on the Jewellers Academy Diploma courses, which equipped her with the skills to work with precious materials. Alexandra also talks about her passion for gold and how she alloys her own metals to control the colour and properties of...
2024-05-2433 min
The Resilient Retail Game Plan75 | Creating Communities With Jessica Rose In the age of Coronavirus, we’re fortunate enough to be better connected than ever. Social media platforms, online forums and community-centric apps have given us the tools to enjoy, learn and share our interests and passions with like-minded people from all around the world - but when it comes to product businesses, it's a surprisingly under-utilised engagement tool. Online communities can not only extend your reach far beyond a traditional brick-and-mortar store but can help produce organic and long-lasting brand engagement with customers who will willingly champion and support your brand. In today’s epis...
2022-01-0637 min