Jewellers Academy Podcast

What happens when you spend over 60 years at the bench? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton about traditional apprenticeship, jewellery repair, craftsmanship and the skills he believes every jeweller should experience before they disappear. Michael began his jewellery career in 1964 and has spent more than six decades making, restoring and repairing jewellery. Working across bespoke commissions, antique restoration and fine jewellery, he has built a remarkable career shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship and an extraordinary depth of technical knowledge. Together, Jess and Michael explore: • What it was like learning jewellery through traditional apprenticeship • How jewellery making and goldsmithing have changed over the decades • Why repair skills are becoming more valuable than ever • The techniques and ways of thinking that rarely make it into books • Why understanding metal matters as much as understanding design • How confidence is built at the bench • The importance of preserving jewellery skills for future generations Michael also shares stories from his career including creating bespoke tiaras, restoring antique pieces and the unexpected lessons learned from decades of problem-solving at the bench. If you already make jewellery and would love the opportunity to learn directly from Michael, The Goldsmith Series is now open for enrolment. This new online programme filmed with Michael brings together practical bench challenges, traditional goldsmithing techniques and over 60 years of experience in one unique learning experience. Find out more here: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-goldsmith-series

As a bonus episode, we're sharing the replay of our Diploma in Wax Jewellery Open Day and inviting you to listen in. If you've been curious about wax jewellery making, wondered how the Diploma works or wanted to hear the kinds of questions prospective students ask before joining, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look. During the session, Jewellers Academy founder Jessica Rose takes you through the structure of the Diploma in Wax Jewellery, the projects and techniques students work through across the year and the support available to help you keep progressing. You'll hear about: • Wax carving and build-up techniques • Stone setting in wax and after casting • Creating a final jewellery collection • How casting works throughout the course • Mentoring, accountability and community support • Equipment, tools and getting started • Questions asked live by prospective students Whether you're completely new to jewellery making or already creating and looking to expand your skills, this episode will help you understand what learning in wax could look like and whether this could be your next step. Enjoy listening in. Find out more about the Diploma in Wax Jewellery and watch the full replay on this link. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/diploma-in-wax-jewellery-2026-open-day-replay-your-questions-answered

One of my favourite things about our Diploma Open Days is seeing who joins us. This time we had jewellers at all different stages of their journey. Some people had never soldered before. Others had been making jewellery for 15 years. Some already had businesses and felt ready to take their work to the next level. And as always, the questions were brilliant. This isn't one of our usual podcast episodes. Instead, we're giving you the chance to listen in on our recent Diploma in Silver Jewellery Open Day. If you couldn't join us live, this is your opportunity to hear the conversation, get a feel for the course and hear the questions other jewellers asked as they explored whether the Diploma was right for them. Inside this bonus episode, we cover: • How the Diploma in Silver Jewellery works • The projects and techniques you'll learn throughout the year • How assessment and certification work • The support available to help you stay motivated and make progress • What online jewellery learning really looks like Plus I answered questions asked live on the day including: • Is this Diploma suitable if I already have experience? • Should I start with Silver, Fine or Advanced Jewellery Diploma? • Will I learn to make settings or use pre-made settings? • What if I'm worried about the cost of working with gold? • Do I need to buy all new tools? • Can I use my own stones and design ideas? • Do I need a dedicated jewellery studio? • Can I pay monthly and change payment options later? Whether you're just starting out or looking to develop your jewellery skills further, we hope this gives you a useful insight into what it's really like to study on the Diploma in Silver Jewellery. Useful links: If you fancy watching the open day, and seeing all the projects you'll learn to make, you can find the video here https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/your-questions-answered-diploma-in-silver-jewellery View the full Diploma curriculum and course dates https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma Download the tools and materials list https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-toolkit Book a no-obligation call with the team Ready to join? Enrolment for the September 2026 intake closes on Friday 12th June 2026.

What does it really take to build a full-time jewellery business from scratch? In this inspiring episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by Alice Catherine to talk about her incredible journey from complete beginner during lockdown to running a successful jewellery business and shop on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. Alice shares how she discovered jewellery making in 2021, enrolled on the Diploma in Silver Jewellery with Jewellers Academy just days later and funded her studies through selling jewellery online while she learned. Since then, she has built a thriving jewellery brand inspired by the Scottish coastline, grown an online audience of over 50,000 followers and now creates ocean-inspired jewellery in silver, gold and gemstones. She has also achieved something many jewellers dream about: building a successful bricks and mortar jewellery shop with her jeweller's bench in the back, creating and selling her work from the same space, and growing the business to the point where she now employs staff and freelance support. In this episode, Alice talks honestly about learning jewellery making online, building a sustainable handmade business, growing through social media and balancing creativity, business and motherhood. She also shares what it was really like starting out from a tiny attic workspace with no running water and why you do not need the perfect setup to begin. Key moments in the episode: 00:00: Introduction 02:00: Introduction to Alice Catherine and her jewellery journey 03:16: Starting jewellery making during lockdown in 2021 04:10: Discovering Jewellers Academy and signing up for the Diploma 07:18: Funding the Diploma through jewellery sales 08:05: Balancing the Diploma alongside full-time work 08:45: Why online jewellery learning worked so well for Alice 11:43: The jewellery making skills Alice still uses every day 13:12: Revisiting Diploma tutorials years later 17:09: Moving to the Isle of Lewis and making jewellery in an attic workshop 19:07: Why you do not need the perfect workshop to start 20:07: Opening her jewellery shop in Stornoway 22:22: Learning about stock, casting and running a jewellery business 24:48: Creating a sustainable handmade jewellery brand 26:35: Growing an audience through Instagram and TikTok 27:45: Going viral on Instagram and growing to 50,000 followers 30:00: Why repeat customers matter more than follower numbers 31:18: Creating jewellery inspired by the ocean and Scottish islands 33:38: Building a team and balancing motherhood with business 35:14: Alice's advice for new jewellery makers considering the Diploma 37:08: Where to find and follow Alice Catherine Jewellery Interested in following in Alice's footsteps and learning jewellery making? Find out more about the Diploma in Silver Jewellery — Jewellers Academy and start your own jewellery journey with Jewellers Academy. Find Alice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicecatherinejewellery Website: Alice Catherine Jewellery

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller and tutor Lorna Romanengi to explore the ancient Japanese wax jewellery technique of Mitsuro Hikime. Lorna shares what Mitsuro Hikime is, how the honey wax is made, why the technique creates such beautiful organic textures, and why so many jewellers are falling in love with this expressive way of working. They also discuss Lorna's journey with the technique, how Mitsuro Hikime can be used to create rings, pendants and sculptural jewellery forms, and what happens once your wax pieces are cast into metal. In this episode, you'll learn: What Mitsuro Hikime means How this ancient Japanese wax technique creates natural striations Why the process asks jewellers to slow down and work more intuitively How Mitsuro can be combined with traditional wax carving Why casting is only one part of the process How finishing, polishing, keum boo and patinas can enhance your final pieces The new Mitsuro Hikime course with Lorna is available now at Jewellers Academy and is also included in the Diploma in Wax Jewellery. Resources mentioned in this episode: Mitsuro Hikime online course: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/mitsuro Diploma in Wax Jewellery: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery Lorna Romanengi Jewellery on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornaromanenghijewellery

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/