Jewellers Academy Podcast

Starting a jewellery business is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming when you don't know what to focus on first. In this solo episode, Jessica Rose shares 7 things she wishes she had known before starting her first jewellery business over 20 years ago - along with what she would do differently if she were starting today. If you're building or growing a jewellery business, this episode will give you clarity, reassurance and practical direction on what really matters. In this episode, you'll learn: Why building a jewellery business takes longer than you think (and why that's OK) How to manage overwhelm when you're doing everything yourself What it really means to price your jewellery for profit Why marketing - not just your designs - is key to making sales How trust and connection influence buying decisions Why photography and video are essential for growing your brand A simple approach to staying consistent without burning out Key moments from this episode 02:02 Welcome and introduction to the episode 04:05 1. Building a jewellery business takes time 08:30 Fine jewellery businesses often take even longer to grow 11:00 2. You do not have to do it all alone 15:00 3. Managing overwhelm as a jeweller and business owner 17:16 The 'one thing a day' approach 21:26 4. How to price your jewellery for profit 25:47 5. Why marketing is the key to selling jewellery 30:18 6. Jewellery is a trust and connection based business 34:25 7. Why photography and video matter so much 38:32 Final reflections on growing a jewellery business 39:02 The Jewellery Business Starter Kit 43:00 Free Starter Kit bonus with Diploma enrolment before 1st May 44:59 Final thoughts and outro Resources mentioned in this episode: Jewellery Business Starter Kit Jewellers Academy Diploma Programmes If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - it helps more jewellers find the podcast. Follow Jewellers Academy: Instagram: @jewellersacademy

If you've been thinking about trying silver jewellery making, this podcast episode is a great place to begin. In this conversation, Jessica is joined by Jewellers Academy tutor Laura-Jayne to talk about how beginners can get started, the foundational skills that matter most, and how the new beginner and intermediate silver jewellery courses help students build confidence at home. Laura-Jayne shares why learning jewellery making step by step is so important, especially when you're new to tools, soldering and saw piercing. She also explains how online learning can make things easier for beginners, with clear close-up demonstrations, the ability to pause and rewind, and lifetime access so you can revisit techniques whenever you need to. The episode also gives a closer look at the two new courses. The Beginners Silver Jewellery Workshop includes a pierced pendant project and a textured silver ring, helping students learn core skills such as sawing, drilling, filing, soldering and shaping metal. The Intermediate Silver Jewellery then builds on those foundations with a spinner ring and lentil bead necklace, introducing doming, hollow forms and more advanced construction techniques. One of the most encouraging parts of the episode is Laura-Jayne's reminder that there is no one perfect way to make jewellery. There are many ways to achieve a result, and the most important thing is to work safely, keep practising and enjoy the process. If you're curious about making your own jewellery, this episode is a lovely introduction. Key Moments 02:01 Introduction to the episode and the new silver jewellery courses 04:36 Laura-Jayne introduces herself and shares her jewellery background 07:12 Why clear teaching, tool guidance and safety matter for beginners 10:08 How beginners grow in confidence and start making wearable pieces quickly 12:44 Why online jewellery learning can work so well from home 15:17 Inside the Beginners Silver Jewellery Workshop 16:00 What students learn from the pierced pendant project 21:37 What students learn from making their first silver ring 24:43 Why foundational skills like soldering and filing matter so much 27:45 Inside the Intermediate Silver Jewellery 28:23 How a spinner ring works and what students will learn 33:14 The lentil bead necklace project and learning to create domed forms 36:31 Laura-Jayne's advice for anyone starting jewellery making at home 38:09 Final thoughts and where to find the courses Learn more: Beginners Silver Jewellery Workshop https://www.jewellersacademy.com/beginners-silver-jewellery-workshop Intermediate Silver Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/intermediate-silver-jewellery Enrol on both courses and save - Course Bundle

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by Goldsmith and Jewellers Academy tutor April Dace to explore how to run a successful fine jewellery business in a time of rising gold and precious metal prices. April shares honest insights from her own business, including how she has adapted her pricing, systems and mindset to stay profitable without compromising on quality or client experience. They discuss the importance of confidence in pricing, why not every client needs to be the right fit, and how a bespoke, relationship-led approach can create a sustainable and thriving business. You'll also hear how April has built her reputation through word of mouth and trust, why transparency with clients matters more than ever, and practical advice for jewellers looking to move into fine jewellery or navigate changing material costs. Key Moments From This Episode 00:03:39 Introduction to April and the impact of rising metal prices 00:05:22 How gold price changes affect a fine jewellery business 00:06:24 Practical pricing updates and system adjustments 00:07:43 Using price ranges and managing client expectations 00:10:38 Pricing confidence and handling customer objections 00:13:01 Why not competing on price leads to better clients 00:17:19 Building a sustainable business with commissions and repairs 00:20:08 Creating a personal, trust-led client experience 00:24:52 Marketing that works: word of mouth and Google 00:32:27 Advice for moving into fine jewellery and building confidence If you'd like to train to be a fine jeweller, check out our 1 year online Diploma in Fine Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-fine-jewellery

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by award-winning fine jeweller and Jewellers Academy mentor Anelia Kuprina to introduce some exciting new projects coming to the Diploma in Fine Jewellery. They explore the skills behind two key updates to the course: a change to the tennis bracelet project and an updated totem pendant design. These projects help students develop confidence working with precious metals while building essential stone setting and fine jewellery techniques. Jess and Anelia discuss what students will learn through these projects, from constructing double gallery claw settings and connecting bracelet links to working with shaped stones such as pear, princess and trillion cuts. They also share advice for jewellers tackling more advanced projects, including how to approach complex pieces, why patience and precision matter, and the importance of investing in good tools. If you're interested in developing your fine jewellery making and stone setting skills, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what students learn inside the Diploma in Fine Jewellery. Learn more about the Diploma in Fine Jewellery: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-fine-jewellery Key Moments 02:05 Introduction to the episode 04:45 The new tennis bracelet project 06:20 Why making a tennis bracelet is such a milestone 09:55 Tips for approaching complex jewellery projects 11:50 The updated totem pendant project 14:00 Learning to work with shaped stone settings 15:20 Advice for students joining the Fine Jewellery Diploma 17:00 The importance of good jewellery tools 19:00 Seeing students develop their own style 20:00 Learn more about the Diploma in Fine Jewellery

This week marks a very special milestone as we celebrate one year of Jewellers Academy Brighton. In this episode, Jessica is joined by School Manager Lisa Hagen and tutors Ellinor Sixtensdotter and Mahroz Hekmati to reflect on what it's been like to build a jewellery school from the ground up and welcome a thriving in-person community. Over the past year, more than 2,000 students from across the UK and around the world have joined classes in Brighton, learning everything from their very first silver ring to advanced stone setting, enamelling, and fine jewellery techniques. Together, the team shares their favourite moments, the transformations they've witnessed in students' confidence and skills, and the unique energy that comes from learning jewellery in a shared studio space. You'll hear about the most popular classes, the experience of mentoring diploma students in person, and how teaching can deepen your own skills as a jeweller. They also discuss the importance of creating a welcoming, supportive environment where complete beginners and experienced makers alike can grow creatively and technically. In this episode, we cover: • Building a jewellery school and community from scratch • Supporting beginners through their first jewellery projects • Mentoring students through Diploma programmes • Teaching advanced techniques including stone setting and enamelling • How in-person learning complements online jewellery education • The power of creative community in developing confidence and skills Find out more about Jewellers Academy Brighton and upcoming classes at: Learn more about classes and Jewellers Academy Brighton: https://www.jewellersacademybrighton.com/

This week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Anna Campbell is joined by website designer and e-commerce specialist Helen Rawlinson (HR Digital Design) to talk about when and why jewellers should move from platforms like Etsy to their own website. They explore how third-party marketplaces have changed over the years - becoming more crowded, more price-driven, and harder for genuine handmade businesses to stand out - and why relying on 'being discovered' on these platforms is far less realistic than it once was. Helen talks about the positives of having your own website, including giving you control over your branding, your customer experience, and the story you tell about your work and pricing. They discuss the long-term value of owning your customer relationships and data, especially through email marketing, so you can build repeat sales, credibility, and a sustainable jewellery brand. The episode also covers practical considerations like platform choice and why 'done is better than perfect' when it comes to getting your site live and improving it over time. 02:04: Introduction and today's topic 03:13: Meet Helen from HR Digital Design 05:14: The downside of third-party platforms 07:43: Why customer experience matters 08:40: Price comparisons on marketplaces 10:02: Your website as the hub of your business 10:47: Why handmade shouldn't compete on price 12:15: Educating customers on your own site 15:38: Why discovery on Etsy is harder now 17:02: Marketplace fees explained 19:30: Website costs as an investment 21:00: Reviews, stress, and lack of control 24:00: Owning your customer data 26:10: The power of email marketing 28:54: Social media vs email for sales 30:18: Repeat customers and loyalty 32:39: Credibility and trust online 34:26: You don't need huge sales volumes 35:05: Branding and design on your website 39:43: Done is better than perfect 42:44: Shopify vs Squarespace 48:24: Sunk cost bias and getting stuck on Etsy 49:25: The reality of running your own site 51:40: How Helen helps clients 54:20: Where to find Helen 55:10: Closing thoughts About Helen I'm Helen, the founder of HR Digital Design, and I work primarily with ambitious and growing small businesses who are ready to take their online presence a bit more seriously. A lot of my work is with creatives who've grown their businesses on platforms like Etsy or on home-made websites and then reach a point where they want more control, more stability, and a website that actually supports their business rather than complicating it. I build and advise on websites that are practical, sustainable and designed to grow with the business, without unnecessary jargon or pressure to do everything at once. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hrdigitaldesign/ Events for creatives - https://www.hrdigitaldesign.com/pages/create-and-commerce Website - https://www.hrdigitaldesign.com/ Jewellers Academy offers a range of business courses designed specifically for jewellers. Explore the options and find the right next step for your jewellery business at the link below. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/jewellery-business

In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Anna Campbell is joined by trauma therapist and teacher Anne Cheshire to explore why so many people turn to making when life feels overwhelming. They look at trauma as a nervous-system experience (not just around major life events), why we can't always think our way out of anxiety or paralysis, and how jewellery-making and other creative practices can help restore safety, focus and agency. The conversation includes practical, body-based tools you can try immediately to support yourself alongside your creative work. Key moments 01:02 – 03:02 Anna introduces the episode and reflects on why so many people turn to creativity when life becomes difficult. 03:02 – 07:02 Anne Cheshire introduces her work and reframes trauma and overwhelm as nervous-system experiences, not just major life events. 07:02 – 15:02 Why creativity can be healing: how making engages the unconscious brain through the senses and safe, purposeful action. 15:02 – 19:32 The idea of flow and why jewellery-making helps people step out of everyday pressure and mental noise. 19:32 – 25:02 Overthinking, decision paralysis and 'doing without moving forward' - what's happening in the survival brain after overwhelm. 25:02 – 29:32 Practical exercise: using gentle physical 'pushing' movements to switch on calm engagement and action. 29:32 – 37:02 Inner critic vs healthy striving: how to recognise when fear of the new is shutting you down creatively. 37:02 – 45:02 Making creativity feel safer: opening and closing routines, boundaries, and working within a clear creative brief. 45:02 – 49:02 Overwhelm, big-picture thinking, and why constraints and themes support focus, play and progress. 49:02 – 53:02 Grounding techniques for dissociation and feeling spaced out, including simple, discreet body-based tools. 53:02 – 55:22 How to find and work with Anne Cheshire, final reflections, and episode sign-off. About Anne Cheshire Anne is a trauma therapist, teacher and medical herbalist based in Edinburgh. She specialises in helping people recover from stress, overwhelm and trauma by working with the nervous system and the unconscious brain. Through her Whole-Brain Reboot approach, Anne supports creatives, founders and high-achievers to move from anxiety and paralysis into calm, confidence and purposeful action. Free cheat sheet on managing your physical responses to stress https://anne-cheshire-coaching.mykajabi.com/physical-sensations-of-stress-freebie-7607a236-349c-480e-99f0-ee0ab6f6a408

In this episode, host Anna Campbell chats with coach and neurodiversity specialist Aileen Carson about what neurodiversity really means, and why so many creative people (including jewellers) might recognise themselves in it. They talk about conditions like ADHD, autism and dyslexia, and how some people discover they're neurodivergent later in life simply by noticing they think differently, spot patterns others don't, or work in their own unique way. Aileen shares the many strengths neurodivergent makers often have, like creativity, problem-solving, incredible attention to detail and the ability to hyper-focus at the bench — a huge advantage for jewellery makers. The conversation also gets practical, with tips for running a business when you're juggling lots of roles. Aileen talks about managing your energy, finding planning systems that actually work for you, using helpful tools and tech, and setting up a work environment that supports your needs rather than drains you. They also cover something many creatives struggle with: burnout. From taking proper breaks and looking after the basics (food, water, sleep!) to setting boundaries with customers and giving yourself permission to rest, Aileen explains how small changes can make a big difference to your wellbeing and creativity. To wrap up, Aileen encourages makers to lean into what they're naturally good at, trust their creative brains, and remember that not every hobby has to turn into a business. About Aileen Aileen Carson runs a neurodiversity coaching and training business. She works with neurodivergent people, helping them harness their strengths and find strategies to navigate any challenges they're facing in the workplace or in their business. This often involves support with executive function challenges, managing stress and avoiding burnout. She helps people identify what enables them to work at their best and use this knowledge to find working patterns that work with their brain, rather than against it. She also runs neurodiversity training sessions for employers to help them become more inclusive and she speaks about neurodiversity at conferences and events. https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileencarson/ https://www.instagram.com/aileen_carson_coaching https://www.aileencarson.com/

Kickstart 2026 is a free, five-day challenge designed to help jewellery makers and jewellery business owners begin the year with clarity, confidence and calm. In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess explains how the challenge offers a gentle, structured way to reflect on your vision, set meaningful goals for your jewellery business, create simple action plans, build supportive routines and consider how money will flow into your business - without the overwhelm or pressure. How does Kickstart work? The FREE five day challenge features a video from Jess each day for 5 days, starting on Monday 5th January 2026. It also includes notes and a Canva template to create your own plan through the week. Day 1 – Get Clear on Your Vision A short exercise to reconnect with why you do what you do and what you want this year to look like. ✔️ It's time for a clearer sense of direction and motivation. Day 2 – Choose Your Focus You'll identify a small number of realistic, meaningful business goals. ✔️ Let's ditch the overwhelm and get clarity on what actually matters. Day 3 – Create an Action Plan Turn ideas into steps you can actually follow. ✔️ Leave with a simple plan instead of a head full of 'shoulds'. Day 4 – Build a Weekly Business Rhythm Define how you'll consistently work on your business, not just in it. ✔️ Feel more organised and in control of your time. Day 5 – Focus on Revenue Shift your attention to activities that help bring money into your business. ✔️ End the week knowing exactly what to prioritise next. Join Kickstart now https://www.jewellersacademy.com/kickstart Other programs mentioned in the podcast: 10 Days of Silver Jewellery Making - suitable for complete beginners or those who want to stetch themselves with new project ideas starting on 12th January 2026 Week of Wax five free wax carving tutorials starting on 2nd February 2026 Five Days of Silver Metal Clay free tutorials starting on 23rd February 2026 All of these free challenges are open for enrolment now and will start on the dates show above so register now. Jewellery Business Academy 2026 - our externally accredited one-year business program featuring monthly themes, group support, starter and growth tracks. This runs from January to December and is open now for enrolment.

In 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 a key moment in finding her style, building confidence, and developing skills in a structured, apprenticeship-style way. Liz also shares how joining the Jewellery Business Academy gave her the focus and structure she needed to grow sustainably, choosing to work on one area of her business at a time. Jess and Liz discuss the importance of communication in jewellery business, why investing in professional photography can transform how your work is perceived, and what Liz learned from creating her first full jewellery collection inspired by nature and architecture. They also explore building a website that feels calm and luxurious, pacing yourself creatively, and balancing making with promotion. This is an inspiring listen for anyone, particularly if you are coming to jewellery making after another career. If growing your jewellery business is your goal for 2026 then check out the Jewellery Business Academy. A one year comprehensive program designed for jewellers, this externally accredited program is exactly what you need to stay focused an on track. Plus get one-to-one mentoring on the topic of your choice, accountability through regular small group Zoom meet ups and more. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-jewellery-business-academy About Liz Liz Lloyd is a jewellery designer and maker creating handmade sterling silver and 9ct gold pieces from her home studio in the UK. Her work is inspired by the meeting of nature and structure, drawing on clean architectural lines and the sculptural forms of sea waves and rock strata. Using these influences, she creates minimalist jewellery designed to be worn every day as well as for special occasions. Liz works to commission and sells her collections through her website. Completing the Jewellers Academy Silver Diploma in 2023–2024, alongside two years in the Jewellery Business Academy, was a turning point that gave her the confidence and clarity to design and launch a new 24-piece silver and gold collection. www.lizlloydjewellery.co.uk @lizlloydjewellery

In 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 visibility, and a platform where your jewellery can truly shine, this episode is packed with simple, actionable steps to get started. Jewellery Business Academy 2026 If growing your jewellery business is your goal for 2026 then check out the Jewellery Business Academy. A one year comprehensive program designed for jewellers, this externally accredited program is exactly what you need to stay focused an on track. Plus get one to one mentoring on the topic of your choice, accountability through regular small group Zoom meet ups and more. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-jewellery-business-academy If you'd like to know more, join the live open day on Tuesday 9th December 2025 at 8pm UK time GMT. Here's the link you need to register (and receive the replay via email if you can't join live) https://mailchi.mp/8a09ab0822ce/jba-2026 About Trona Trona Freeman is a Scotland-based Pinterest and SEO consultant who runs her business under the name Aye Lined Digital Marketing. Originally she started out as a beauty and lifestyle blogger, sharing content on fashion, skincare and photography and through that journey she discovered the potential of Pinterest as a powerful driver of traffic. Over time, what began as a hobby and creative outlet evolved into a full-blown service: Trona now helps small businesses , including creatives and makers, to grow online by leveraging Pinterest and smart SEO strategies. Her background as a creator and MA in Art History gives her a unique perspective on how visual artists and artisans (like jewellers) can use visual platforms to reach new audiences. Connect with her: https://services.ayelined.com/ https://www.instagram.com/trona_freeman

Jessica 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 traditional wax carving and the build-up technique, why it produces such unique results, and what tools and materials beginners need to get started. You'll also hear insights from behind the scenes of Rockpool Jewellery, from slow, sustainable business growth to offering customers pieces in wax so they can choose their metal before casting. Jo is encouraging for anyone new to wax to give it a try! Enrol on the brand new online course Rings, Pendants & Charms in Wax: The Build-Up Technique with 50% off for a limited time. Learn more: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/rings-pendants-charms-in-wax-the-buildup-technique And if you want to really delve into working with wax and stone setting, check out our new for 2026 1 year online Diploma in Wax Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery About Jo Hunt Jo is based in North East England where she creates her collections and one-of-a-kind pieces from her home studio. Jo's designs are inspired by the north east coastline and coastal textures and she sells her designs via her website and in local independent stores and galleries. Jo works mainly with the lost wax casting technique, using mainly the build up technique which she teaches in this course www.rockpooljewellery.com