Episodes
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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 studentsWhether 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
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This week on the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller Kelly Twigg for a conversation about what really happens when you commit to a year of jewellery training.
Kelly completed the Diploma in Silver Jewellery and is returning for another Diploma this year, and in this episode she shares the difference structured learning has made to her jewellery skills, confidence, creativity and business.
Together, Jess and Kelly explore the unexpected benefits of doing a Diploma: from improving technical ability and building a portfolio to finding accountability, making jewellery friends and creating space to learn just for yourself.
They discuss:
• Why structure helps you progress faster as a jeweller
• How accountability keeps creativity moving
• The role of mentoring and community in online learning
• Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome
• Growing your jewellery business through stronger making skills
• Why developing your creativity matters even if you're not building a business
• The surprising friendships that come from learning alongside othersIf joining a Diploma has been on your mind, this conversation might help you decide whether now is your time. Enrolment for a September 2026 start ends on Fri 12th June 26.
Find out more about Jewellers Academy Diploma programmes at jewellersacademy.com/diplomas
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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 likePlus 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.
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What separates the jewellers who keep progressing from those who feel stuck?
It isn't talent.
In this episode, Jessica Rose is joined by Anna Campbell to explore the real reasons many jewellery makers struggle to move forward and the practical steps that can help you build momentum, confidence and skills.
Together they discuss the challenges that can slow your progress, including lack of momentum, staying within your comfort zone, learning through trial and error without support, fear of wasting materials, comparison, self-doubt and waiting until you feel confident before taking action.
They also explore why structured learning, community, accountability and expert guidance can dramatically accelerate your growth as a jeweller.
Whether you're making jewellery as a creative hobby, developing professional skills or working towards building a jewellery business, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical insights to help you keep moving forwards.
In this episode:
• Why momentum is often more important than motivation
• How comfort zones can limit creative growth
• The hidden cost of learning alone
• Why progress can feel invisible before breakthroughs happen
• The importance of structured jewellery training
• Overcoming the fear of wasting precious materials
• Building confidence through action
• How community and support can transform your journeyIf you've ever looked at another jeweller and wondered why they seem to be progressing faster than you, this episode is for you.
In this episode we talk about the importance of momentum, support, structured learning and community when it comes to progressing as a jeweller. If you're ready to take the next step in your own jewellery journey, enrolment for our online Diploma programmes closes on Friday 12th June 26. We'd love to welcome you and support you in developing your skills, confidence and creativity over the coming year.
https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas
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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
Interested in following in Alice's footsteps and learning jewellery making?
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
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 -
What happens when you realise the career you've built no longer feels creatively fulfilling?
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by Michaela to talk about starting a jewellery business later in life, discovering jewellery making after years in office work, and how studying the Diploma in Silver Jewellery completely changed the direction of her life.
Michaela shares her journey from evening classes and wax carving workshops to jewellery markets, Etsy and building her own jewellery brand. Together they discuss learning jewellery making as an adult, changing careers creatively, studying jewellery making in Brighton, building confidence at the bench and the realities of starting a jewellery business from scratch.
In this episode, we cover:
Starting jewellery making later in life
Changing careers into a creative business
What it's like to study the Diploma in Silver Jewellery in person
Learning stone setting and jewellery techniques
Why in-person jewellery training can make such a difference
Building confidence as a jeweller
Jewellery markets, Etsy and Instagram
Creating organic and meaningful jewellery pieces
Finding fulfilment through creativity and making
Michaela also shares honest advice for anyone starting out on their jewellery journey:
"Just stick with it."Whether you're dreaming of becoming a jeweller, thinking about taking a jewellery course, or wondering if it's too late to start something creative, this episode is a wonderful reminder that there is no single path into jewellery making.
02:00 : Introduction to Michaela and her jewellery journey
05:25 : How a trip to Bali sparked an interest in jewellery making
07:30 : Evening classes, wax carving and wanting to learn more
09:25 : Why in-person jewellery training mattered
11:30 : Discovering her creative style and organic jewellery design
12:40 : Creativity, fulfilment and making meaningful jewellery for others
17:50 : Working in travel, office jobs and feeling creatively unfulfilled
20:10 : Redundancy, career change and finding the Diploma in Silver Jewellery
22:45 : Why Michaela chose the 7-week intensive diploma in Brighton
25:55 : Learning stone setting and developing technical skills
29:10 : Creating the final diploma project
32:20 : Starting a jewellery business after the diploma
34:10 : Etsy, markets, Instagram and building a jewellery brand
36:40 : Advice for anyone starting jewellery making later in life
38:20 : Why Michaela recommends studying at Jewellers Academy Brighton
39:35 : Where to follow Michaela and final thoughtsIf you'd love to learn jewellery making in-person like Michaela, you can join us in Brighton at Jewellers Academy Brighton.
We offer two ways to study for your Diploma in Brighton:
one day a week over the course of a year, or
a 7-week full-time intensive course, like Michaela completed.
The intensive option is especially popular with students travelling from further afield, and we've welcomed jewellers from all over the world to study with us in Brighton.
And if travelling to Brighton isn't possible, or you need more flexibility around work and family life, our online Diploma courses offer a highly supportive alternative. With mentored support, accountability and flexible learning, our online students achieve consistently high success rates while studying from home.
You can explore our online Diploma courses here:
Jewellers Academy Online DiplomasFollow Michaela and her jewellery journey on Instagram: @nymferojewellery
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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 -
Have you ever felt guilty about investing in yourself?
Whether it's signing up for a jewellery course, joining a diploma, or simply taking time to learn something new, it's so common for doubt and guilt to creep in.
In this episode, Jess is joined by Anna Campbell to explore why investing in yourself is so important and why it's something you don't need to feel guilty about.
Together, they share their own experiences of investing in training, creativity and personal development, and talk through the mindset shifts that can help you move forward with more confidence.
You'll hear about how investing in your skills can open up new opportunities, help you find your path as a jeweller, and connect you with a supportive community who truly understand your journey.
They also dive into the real reasons people hold back - from imposter syndrome and lack of time to waiting until you feel "ready" - and why those moments are often the exact time to take action.
If you've been thinking about learning jewellery making, developing your skills, or taking your next step but something has been holding you back, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we cover:
Why investing in yourself expands your options (even when you don't know the end goal yet)
How training can help you discover your unique path as a jeweller
The power of learning from experts instead of figuring it all out alone
Why community is one of the most valuable parts of any course or programme
How investing in yourself supports your wellbeing and creativity
The difference between self-confidence and self-trust
How training can help you overcome imposter syndrome
Why you don't need to wait until you feel "ready"
Thinking about taking the next step?
If one of our Diploma programmes has been on your mind, this could be your moment to go for it.
We offer five online Diploma courses designed to support jewellers at different stages, from beginners through to advanced makers:
Diploma in Silver Jewellery
Diploma in Fine Jewellery
Advanced Jewellery Diploma
Diploma in Silver Metal Clay
Diploma in Wax Jewellery
✨ Explore the diplomas and find the one that's right for you:
https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomasConnect with us:
Instagram: @jewellersacademy
Instagram: @annaccampbellIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the podcast and share it with a fellow jeweller 💛
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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 episode02:02 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 outroResources 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 -
This week on the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller, tutor and sea glass specialist Kelly Twigg.
Kelly shares how she went from a career in the Royal Navy to building a jewellery business, growing a supportive community on Instagram, and completing the Diploma in Silver Jewellery at Jewellers Academy. She also talks about why she is joining the new Diploma in Wax Jewellery, what drew her to wax as a medium, and why investing in your skills can have such a big impact on your confidence, creativity and business.
If you have ever wondered whether a diploma is the right next step for you, this episode is full of honest insight, encouragement and practical reflections from someone who has lived the journey.
In this episode, we cover:
Kelly's path into jewellery making and sea glass jewellery
building community through Instagram
what she learned from sharing her Diploma Diaries
how the Diploma in Silver Jewellery improved both new and existing skills
why she chose wax jewellery as her next step
learning as a self-employed jeweller
the value of accountability, structure and community
why investing in training often gives a bigger return than buying more tools
Key moments in this episode
00:02:00: Introduction to Kelly Twigg
00:03:15: Kelly's journey from the Royal Navy into jewellery making
00:04:46: How Instagram helped build connection and community
00:06:45: Kelly's Diploma Diaries and sharing the learning journey publicly
00:10:29: Why Kelly chose to do the Diploma in Silver Jewellery
00:11:49: How the diploma improved her soldering and core bench skills
00:14:23: Why Kelly is joining the Diploma in Wax Jewellery next
00:17:45: What excites her most about wax, gemstones and design possibilities
00:22:11: The projects she is most looking forward to in the Wax Diploma
00:26:54: Kelly's advice for anyone considering a jewellery diploma
00:31:58: Why investing in skills can be more valuable than buying more tools
00:34:15: Where to follow Kelly and final thoughtsLearn more about our jewellery Diploma programs here https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas
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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 coursesLearn 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
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If you are feeling stuck or ready for more in your jewellery journey, upskilling could be the key to moving forward in 2026.
Jess is joined by jeweller Emma René, founder of Narratorium, who shares her journey from building a jewellery business with minimal formal training to investing in her skills through the Diploma in Fine Jewellery. They discuss the realities of reaching a plateau, the limits of learning through trial and error, and how structured learning, mentoring and feedback can transform both your confidence and your work.
Emma also shares how upskilling is shaping the future direction of her business, as she moves towards creating more refined, high-end pieces and working with new techniques such as stone setting.
If you are ready to improve your skills, pivot your business or take your jewellery to the next level, this episode will give you insight and inspiration.
Key Moments
00:02:00 – Introduction to the episode and upskilling as a jeweller
Learn more about the Diploma in Fine Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-fine-jewellery About Emma Emma René is the founder of Narratorium, a jewellery brand she launched after leaving her career as an art director in advertising to pursue her own creative path. Over the past ten years, she has built her business while developing her skills in silversmithing alongside raising a family. She is currently expanding into fine jewellery as a student on the Diploma in Fine Jewellery, focusing on advanced techniques such as stone setting and higher-end design. https://www.narratorium.co.uk/ Follow her @narratorium
00:03:57 – Emma's journey and starting her jewellery business
00:06:11 – Early challenges and working with manufacturers
00:08:35 – Balancing business, family and growth
00:08:58 – Reaching a plateau and deciding to upskill
00:11:14 – The value of structured learning
00:11:58 – Expanding into gemstones and stone setting
00:14:17 – First experiences of the Fine Diploma
00:16:08 – Mentoring, community and support
00:16:22 – The impact of expert feedback
00:18:23 – Growth in confidence and skills
00:20:41 – Shifting towards fine jewellery
00:23:28 – Navigating business changes and industry shifts
00:25:19 – Building confidence with higher-value materials
00:27:42 – Favourite projects on the Diploma
00:29:45 – Sharing the journey through Diploma Diaries
00:32:04 – Advice for jewellers considering upskilling -
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 confidenceIf 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
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In this week's episode, host Anna Campbell is joined by Vicky Barclay of Silver Snail Jewellery to talk about her journey from a high-pressure university career into jewellery making and business ownership through silver clay.
Vicky shares how discovering silver clay during a difficult period in her life gave her a creative outlet, a new direction and eventually a business. What started as a single workshop quickly grew into a passion, and then into a jewellery business built through craft fairs, community and continuous learning.
They discuss why silver clay is such an accessible and exciting medium, the realities of building a jewellery business, and the importance of investing in your skills and confidence. Vicky also shares her experience of the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay and how it helped her deepen her knowledge and build confidence in her work.
The conversation also explores the importance of visibility in business, and Vicky reflects on her experience of attending the Jewellers Visibility Retreat at Jewellers Academy Brighton, where she developed skills in photography, social media and marketing, and gained clarity on how to grow her business.
Key Moments02:56: Vicky's life before jewellery and the stressful university career that led her to seek a creative outlet
04:37: Discovering silver clay for the first time and the moment it clicked for her
07:04: What silver clay is and why it's such an accessible medium
10:44: Realising silver clay was "her thing" and beginning her jewellery journey
13:35: How Silver Snail Jewellery started and building confidence through craft fairs
17:15: Deciding to leave her university job and focus on her jewellery business
25:24: Why Vicky enrolled on the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay
28:19: What she learned from the Diploma and the value of community
30:13: Vicky's experience of the Jewellers Visibility Retreat
37:19: The biggest lesson from the retreat: why you don't have to do everything yourself
Jewellers Visibility Retreat at Jewellers Academy Brighton https://www.jewellersacademybrighton.com/jewellers-visibility-retreat
Diploma in Silver Metal Clay https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-silver-metal-clay
Silver Snail Jewellery https://silversnailjewellery.co.uk/
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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-jewelleryKey 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 -
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by fine jeweller and tutor Jane Taylor to explore the advantages of working in wax as a fine jeweller.
Jane has been running her jewellery business for nearly 25 years and shares how wax carving has played an important role throughout her career. They discuss how wax allows jewellers to create sculptural, three-dimensional designs that would be difficult to achieve in sheet metal alone, as well as how it can reduce metal waste and make working with unusual gemstones easier.
Jane also shares several of the projects she teaches on the Jewellers Academy Wax Diploma, including shaped signet rings, claw settings in wax, a dramatic cocktail ring and an organic grain-set ring. These projects help students understand the full journey of a piece of jewellery, from design and carving through to casting, stone setting and finishing.
The conversation also explores how wax models can be used in bespoke jewellery commissions to help clients visualise designs in three dimensions before casting. Alongside the practical benefits, Jane talks about the creative freedom and satisfaction that comes from carving wax and seeing a piece transform from a simple block of wax into finished jewellery.
Key moments in the conversation
00:02:06: Introduction to Jane Taylor and the focus on wax in jewellery making
00:03:49: Jane's jewellery journey and building her workshop and jewellery business
00:06:18: Project spotlight: carving shaped signet rings in wax
00:10:37: Learning claw setting in wax and understanding stone setting from the start
00:16:04: Creating a sculptural cocktail ring with a large oval stone
00:21:07: Grain setting in wax and designing colourful, organic cluster rings
00:26:38: Jane's wax journey and how it shaped her work as a fine jeweller
00:30:30: Using wax models to communicate designs with clients
00:34:30: Why wax is an accessible and cost-effective material for experimentation
00:35:02: What Jane loves about teaching wax and seeing students' creativity growWhether you are a beginner jeweller or an experienced maker, this episode offers insight into how wax carving can expand your design possibilities and deepen your jewellery making skills.
Learn more about the Diploma in Wax Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery
Jane Taylor's website https://www.jewelled.co.uk/
Jane's Instagram @jewelledgodalming
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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 skillsFind out more about Jewellers Academy Brighton and upcoming classes at:
Learn more about classes and Jewellers Academy Brighton:
https://www.jewellersacademybrighton.com/ -
In the 300th episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell is joined by jewellery artist and Diploma mentor Vicki Ralph for a relaxed, inspiring conversation about their shared love of silver metal clay.
They talk about how they each discovered metal clay, why it felt different from traditional silversmithing, and what makes this medium so empowering for beginners and experienced makers alike. From practical tips on keeping clay hydrated to the magic moment when a soft piece of clay transforms into solid silver, this episode explores both the technical and emotional sides of working with metal clay.
You'll also hear about favourite techniques including carving, botanical moulds and reverse-set stones, as well as an inside look at the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay and the supportive mentoring community behind it.
If you've ever been curious about metal clay, this episode will leave you feeling confident, inspired and ready to jump in.
Key Moments
02:03: Celebrating Episode 300 and 300 consecutive weeks of the podcast
04:56: Vicki's origin story; flying to Germany to learn metal clay with Anna Mazon
07:56: Anna discovers metal clay after silversmithing did not feel like the right fit
10:01: What is metal clay; shaping, drying and firing clay that becomes real silver
13:00: How accessible it is; starting with minimal tools and torch firing
15:52: What surprises beginners; creating beautiful silver pieces quickly
17:21: Troubleshooting drying clay; hydration tips and staying calm in the process
21:30: 'Everything is fixable'; the zero waste and forgiving nature of metal clay
22:01: Different forms of metal clay; lump clay, paste, syringe and slip
28:20: Favourite techniques; carving, botanical textures and meditative flow
30:32: Reverse-set stones; building fantasy scenes with vines and embellishments
35:09: Letting the clay lead; how designs evolve during the making process
37:58: Inside the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay; beginner friendly and skill-building
42:44: Mentoring and community; watching confidence and signature style emerge
52:42: Advice for beginners and aspiring professionals; jump in and just startLinks mentioned in this episode
Free 5 Days of Silver Metal Clay https://www.jewellersacademy.com/5-days-of-silver-metal-clay
Diploma in Silver Metal Clay https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-silver-metal-clay
Vicki's website http://victoriaralphjewellery.com/
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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
About Helen
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
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 episode, Jessica and Anna talk about how to start and grow a jewellery business using silver metal clay. They share practical tips on keeping startup costs low, developing a signature style, pricing your work confidently, and choosing a business model that suits you. You'll also hear ideas for scaling your designs through moulds and casting, adding teaching as an income stream, and using social media to share your process and attract customers.
The conversation covers everything from hallmarking and batch making to the importance of confidence and finding the right audience for your work. Whether you're completely new to metal clay or already making and selling your jewellery, this episode is full of useful insights to help you build a creative and sustainable business.
If you'd like to try metal clay for yourself, join our free 5 Days of Silver Metal Clay challenge. You'll learn to create five silver jewellery projects in five days and receive the tools and materials list in advance so you can be fully prepared to make alongside us.
Join the free 5 Days of Silver Metal Clay challenge starting on 2nd March https://www.jewellersacademy.com/5-days-of-silver-metal-clay Explore the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay for a full year of guided learning. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-silver-metal-clay Links and resources mentioned in this episode: Teaching Jewellery Making online course https://jewelleryschoolonline.teachable.com/p/teaching-jewellery-making Free jewellery pricing masterclass and calculator https://www.jewellersacademy.com/pricing Hallmarking for jewellers https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/hallmarking-for-jewellery-designer-makers Alliance for Metal Clay Arts Worldwide https://amcaw.org/ - Show more
