Jewellers Academy Podcast

Jaksot

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  331. Scared to Show Your Face? How Lauren Gunning Grew to Nearly 30,000 Instagram Followers 14.09.2026 40min

  Scared to show your face on Instagram? Jewellery designer Lauren Gunning knows the feeling. In this episode, Jess speaks to Lauren about how sharing her personality helped her grow to nearly 30,000 followers, having originally set herself a goal of just 1,500. They explore finding confidence on camera, building connections through honest, imperfect content and the pricing mistake that almost made Lauren give up her jewellery career. Lauren also shares how she transforms found sea glass into gems and builds her business around family life. An encouraging conversation about being yourself, valuing your work and giving your jewellery business a chance to grow. In this episode, we discuss: Lauren's journey from her grandmother's bead collection to starting a jewellery business. How she turns found sea glass into handcrafted jewellery. Moving beyond product photographs and showing the maker behind the jewellery. Overcoming the discomfort of seeing and hearing yourself on camera. Growing an Instagram community through humour and honesty. Learning to price handmade jewellery to support a sustainable business. Returning to jewellery making after having children. Discover Lauren's jewellery and connect with her on Instagram through her website: Lauren Gunning Jewellery Explore jewellery courses, free tutorials and business support: Jewellers Academy
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  330: How to Find the Story in Your Jewellery Business: What Journalists Actually Want to Hear 07.09.2026 37min

  What makes a jewellery business newsworthy and why would a journalist want to write about yours? In this episode, Anna Campbell is joined by PR and visibility expert Amanda FitzGerald, also known as Major Visibility, to explore how jewellers can uncover the compelling stories already hiding inside their businesses. Amanda explains why announcing a new collection is not always enough to attract media attention. Instead, journalists are looking for engaging human stories, unusual details and ideas that matter to their readers right now. In this episode, you'll learn: Why press coverage remains valuable in the age of social media and AI How to turn your personal journey into a compelling PR story Why your materials, provenance and creative process matter How meaningful commissions and customer stories can attract attention Ways to use local heritage, specialist niches and collaborations How to connect your story to a trend, event or awareness day How to identify the right publication and journalist What to include in a short and effective press pitch When and how to follow up with journalists Why local, niche and online coverage can be so valuable Amanda also shares the remarkable story of her mother Janet Coles, whose bead business grew from a hand-drawn A4 mail-order sheet into a million-pound company, with press coverage playing a major part in its success. If you have ever wondered, "Why would anyone be interested in my business?", this episode will help you recognise the stories that make your jewellery brand distinctive—and give you the confidence to share them. About Amanda FitzGerald Amanda FitzGerald is a PR and visibility expert who helps business owners get seen, heard and recognised through press coverage, podcasts and speaking opportunities. She is passionate about helping women become more confident about self-promotion and turn their expertise into meaningful visibility. Find Amanda online: Website: https://amandapr.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaprexpert
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  329: Back to the Bench: How to Ease Back Into Your Jewellery Business After Summer 31.08.2026 38min

  If you're getting back to your jewellery business after the summer, you might already have a long list of things you think you should be doing. But going from zero to overwhelmed isn't the way to build momentum, especially when you're heading towards one of the busiest times of the year for jewellery businesses. In this episode, Jessica Rose shares her favourite ways to ease back into work, jewellery making and business after a summer break. She talks about: why starting small can make it easier to get back into the flow simple rituals for resetting your jewellery bench and workspace what to do when your motivation has disappeared the power of choosing just one thing to move your business forward each day how to decide what really matters between September and Christmas choosing three key goals for your jewellery business focusing on high-impact tasks rather than trying to do everything preparing your jewellery, website, commissions and marketing for Christmas creating start-of-day and end-of-day rituals that make running your business more sustainable how to keep making progress when you only have a small amount of time available If you've had a proper summer break, been juggling work around school holidays or simply found yourself out of your usual routine, this episode will help you get back to the bench without piling on the pressure. Remember: you don't have to do everything today. Start with one thing and build from there. Follow Jewellers Academy on Instagram to join our September challenge, where we'll be sharing one manageable prompt each week to help you reconnect with your audience and build towards the Christmas sales season. https://www.instagram.com/jewellersacademy
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  328: What NOT to Spend Money on in Your Jewellery Business (and What to Invest in Instead) 24.08.2026 49min

  There are so many things you could spend money on when you're starting or growing a jewellery business. New tools, packaging, paid ads, magazine features, more stock, a fancy website... it's very easy for your money to disappear before you've worked out what is actually going to help your business grow. In this episode, Jessica Rose is joined by Anna Campbell to talk about some of the common places jewellers spend money that may not give them the return they're hoping for. We talk about paid magazine features, paying for social media exposure, making too much stock, buying packaging in huge quantities, investing in every tool you want, paid advertising, expensive websites and awards. We also share some of our own experiences of spending money on things that, looking back, probably weren't the best investment at that stage of the business. More importantly, we look at where your money can make a real difference, including investing in your skills, increasing your capacity and building useful business assets such as great photography, your website and your email list. If you're wondering where to invest your next £500, £1,000 or £2,000 in your jewellery business, this episode will help you make that decision much more consciously.   In this episode, we cover: What to ask yourself before making a big business purchase Why paid magazine features may not deliver the sales you expect Why more followers doesn't necessarily mean more customers How much jewellery stock you really need when you're starting out Why buying packaging in bulk can be a false economy How to decide whether an expensive jewellery tool is worth the investment Why paid advertising may not be the best place to start How simple your first jewellery website can be What to look for when entering business and jewellery awards The three areas we believe are worth investing in: skills, capacity and assets   Jewellery Business Academy If you're serious about growing a sustainable and profitable jewellery business, enrolment for the next Jewellery Business Academy will be opening soon. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-jewellery-business-academy The Academy is our year-long programme supporting jewellers with the business side of growing their jewellery brand, with training, mentoring and support throughout the year. Sign up to be informed when Jewellery Business Academy enrolment opens: LET ME KNOW!
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  327: Which Craft Fairs Are Right for Your Jewellery? How to Choose Events Worth Your Time and Money 17.08.2026 50min

  How do you know which craft fairs, markets and selling events are right for your jewellery business? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by Emma René, founder of jewellery brand Narratorium, to talk about how to choose events that suit your jewellery, your customer and the stage your business is at. Emma has been selling her jewellery at events for around ten years, from larger trade shows and established craft fairs to local markets, art fairs, collaborative pop-ups and more niche events. She shares what she has learned about starting local, researching events before you apply, finding the right mix of makers and understanding whether your ideal customer is actually likely to be there. Jess and Emma also explore why a successful event isn't only about the sales you make on the day. Craft fairs can give you invaluable customer feedback, help you become more confident talking about your jewellery, build awareness of your brand and create connections that lead to sales and opportunities much later. Plus, they run through some of the UK jewellery and contemporary craft fairs worth having on your radar, from Goldsmiths' Fair and Desire to Handmade Chelsea, Craft Festival Bovey Tracey and more.   In this episode, we cover: How to choose the right craft fairs for your jewellery business Why starting with smaller local events can be so valuable What to look for when researching a fair Why the other exhibitors and overall curation matter How to tell whether your ideal customer is likely to attend Using events to learn more about your customers and your jewellery Talking about the story and inspiration behind your work Finding niche selling opportunities beyond traditional craft fairs Choosing jewellery and price points to suit different events Why one disappointing fair doesn't necessarily mean the event is wrong for you UK jewellery and craft fairs to explore How to strengthen your application and improve your chances of being selected Listen now to discover how to choose selling events that are a good fit for your jewellery, your customers and your business.   Looking for more places to sell your jewellery? Check out our directory of UK jewellery and craft events to have on your radar. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/uk-craft-fairs-for-jewellers-where-to-sell-your-handmade-jewellery
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  326: How To Build a Jewellery Collection That Sells with Kirsty Pruce 10.08.2026 36min

  How do you build a jewellery collection that feels creatively exciting but also makes commercial sense? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Elin Horgan is joined by fashion business consultant Kirsty Pruce to talk about range planning and how to build a jewellery collection that sells. Kirsty has worked in buying and product development for brands including Whistles, COS and The White Company, and now brings that expertise to independent jewellery and accessory businesses. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ What range planning actually means ✨ Why every piece in your collection needs a job ✨ How to balance creativity with commerciality ✨ How to create a cohesive jewellery collection ✨ Entry, mid and higher price points ✨ Why starting small can be a smart move ✨ Using your sales history to decide what to design next ✨ How to build on your bestsellers ✨ Knowing when it's time to retire older designs ✨ Why looking at bigger jewellery brands can help you make better decisions in your own business Kirsty also shares some simple principles you can use when reviewing your existing collection or planning your next one. If you've ever found yourself designing one piece at a time and then wondering how everything fits together, this episode will help you zoom out and look at your jewellery range as a whole. About Kirsty Kirsty Pruce is a jewellery and accessories consultant and industry expert with over 15 years of experience specialising in buying, product development, and commercial strategy. She works with jewellery brands and designers to develop compelling collections, build balanced and profitable ranges, and shape product strategies that support sustainable brand growth. Kirsty is passionate about helping creatives gain the commercial clarity and confidence they need to turn their vision into a successful brand. https://www.kirsty-pruce.co.uk/   
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  325: How Kathryn Reid Built a Jewellery Brand People Remember 03.08.2026 42min

  Award-winning jewellery designer Kathryn Reid joins Kelly to share how she turned inspiration from her family farm into a distinctive jewellery business with customers around the world. Kathryn talks about finding her way into jewellery making after initially planning to study photography, beginning university without any previous jewellery experience and nearly dropping out when she felt behind the rest of her class. She explains how the freedom of her final year helped her find her creative direction, discover her love of wax carving and develop work inspired by the animals, landscapes and memories of her Northern Irish home. After returning from travelling in 2020, Kathryn decided to give her jewellery business a proper go. Her first TikTok video, showing the making of her cow ear tag earrings, reached around 1.3 million views. As her audience grew, orders began arriving from around the world, and redundancy from her retail job gave her the push to take the business full-time. Kathryn also shares the personal stories behind her sculptural animal nose rings, including the childhood dog who inspired the first design. She talks honestly about managing demand when collections began selling out, the pressure of limited restocks and how tariffs and changing customer behaviour led her to create a steadier and more sustainable way of selling. In this episode, you will learn: • How Kathryn found her way into jewellery making and developed her own creative style • Why wax carving became the central technique in her jewellery practice • How personal memories and life on the family farm inspire her designs • What happened when her first TikTok video reached 1.3 million views • How she managed growing demand and international jewellery orders • Why she moved away from limited restocks towards a more sustainable business model • What Kathryn learned from trying to outsource parts of her production • Why she continues to finish every piece of jewellery herself • How she has adapted to Brexit, US tariffs and rising precious metal prices • Why growing a successful jewellery business does not have to mean building a large team • Kathryn's advice for anyone considering training as a jeweller • The importance of recognising challenges, learning from them and celebrating the small wins Kathryn and Kelly also discuss product photography, creating social media content, winning awards at the Goldsmiths' Craftsmanship and Design Awards and Kathryn's ambition to take her jewellery to an international pop-up or exhibition.   Find Kathryn and her work https://kathrynreidjewellery.com/ @kathrynreidjewellery on Instagram and TikTok Learn jewellery making and grow your jewellery business with expert online courses, diplomas and support from Jewellers Academy at jewellersacademy.com.
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  324: What Every Jeweller Should Know About Gemstones With Gemmologist Marie Chalmers 27.07.2026 52min

  Gemstones are at the heart of so many jewellery designs, but how much do you really know about them? In this episode, Kelly Twigg is joined by award-winning gemmologist Marie Chalmers for a fascinating conversation about diamonds, coloured gemstones and the science behind them. Together they explore what gemmology is, how diamonds are graded, the differences between natural, lab-grown and recycled gemstones, and why understanding the stones you work with can help you become a more confident jeweller. Marie also shares practical advice on sourcing gemstones, working with suppliers and building your knowledge throughout your jewellery career. If you're just beginning your jewellery journey or have years of experience, this episode is packed with insights you'll be able to apply to your own work. About Marie Chalmers Marie Chalmers is an award-winning gemmologist with over 20 years' experience in the jewellery industry. Through her business, Chalmers Gems, she specialises in responsibly sourced gemstones and diamonds while sharing her passion for gemmology through education and industry expertise. Find out more: https://chalmersgems.com/ About Jewellers Academy Jewellers Academy offers online jewellery making and jewellery business courses, from beginner workshops to one-year professional diplomas, helping jewellers develop their making skills and build successful creative businesses. Find out more at www.jewellersacademy.com.
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  323: How to Design a Jewellery Collection: From Inspiration to Finished Pieces with Elin Horgan 20.07.2026 36min

  Have you ever wondered how jewellery collections come together? Where do the ideas come from? How do they develop into cohesive designs? And how do you create work that people instantly recognise as yours? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell is joined by jewellery designer, maker and Jewellers Academy mentor Elin Horgan to explore the creative process behind designing a jewellery collection. Elin shares how she finds inspiration in architecture, why she gathers ideas long before she starts designing, and how she transforms simple geometric shapes into timeless jewellery collections. She also takes us behind the scenes of using CAD and casting, planning a professional brand photoshoot, refreshing her visual identity and building a recognisable style that has evolved over years in business. If you're just beginning to design your own jewellery or you're looking to create a more cohesive collection, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiration. In this episode, you'll discover: How to gather inspiration without forcing creativity Developing a cohesive jewellery collection from one central idea Designing with production and manufacturing in mind When outsourcing can strengthen your jewellery business The value of professional photography when launching a collection How branding evolves as your jewellery business grows Why your signature style develops naturally over time   About Elin Horgan Elin Horgan is a jewellery designer and maker based in Bristol. Inspired by the geometry of architecture, she creates understated contemporary jewellery in recycled silver and gold using traditional silversmithing techniques alongside wax carving, CAD and casting. Elin is also a Jewellers Academy mentor and tutor on the Diploma in Wax Jewellery. Find Elin: Website: https://www.elinhorgan.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinhorgan Discover more jewellery making courses, workshops and the Jewellers Academy community at: https://www.jewellersacademy.com
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  322: How to Have a £20K Christmas in Your Jewellery Business: Your 6-Month Sales Plan 13.07.2026 31min

  Christmas might still feel a long way off, but if you want your best sales season yet, now is the time to start preparing. In this episode, Jessica Rose shares a practical six-month plan to help handmade jewellers build towards a successful Christmas. Rather than trying to make, market and sell everything at once, you'll learn how to spread the workload across the coming months so you can stay organised, avoid burnout and maximise your sales. Jess covers: How to set a realistic Christmas sales goal How much jewellery you need to make to reach your target When to focus on making, photography, marketing and selling Simple ways to prepare your website and email marketing Why planning ahead leads to more sales and less stress Whether your goal is £3,000, £20,000 or even £100,000, the same principles apply. Start with a clear plan, work backwards from your sales target and give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your busiest season. Free Christmas Planning Resources Ready to put your own plan together? Enrol on our free 20K Christmas in Your Jewellery Business course to watch the video lessons and download your free Christmas Sales Planner. https://jewelleryschoolonline.teachable.com/p/how-to-have-a-20k-christmas-in-your-jewellery-business
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  321: The Modern Alternative To The Jewellery Apprenticeship 06.07.2026 33min

  What does it really mean to train as a goldsmith today? For generations, the traditional route into the jewellery industry was through an apprenticeship, spending years alongside an experienced goldsmith, learning techniques, repairs and bench skills through observation and practice. But apprenticeships aren't always accessible, and many jewellers today are looking for a more flexible way to develop those same professional skills. In this episode, Jess is joined by Anna Campbell to explore why Jewellers Academy created The Goldsmith Series with Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton, and how it offers a modern alternative to a traditional apprenticeship. They discuss what apprenticeships were really like, why repair skills are becoming increasingly valuable, how jewellers can build confidence at the bench and why learning how an experienced goldsmith thinks can be just as valuable as learning individual techniques. In this episode, you'll discover: What a traditional jewellery apprenticeship involves. Why apprenticeships aren't the right fit for everyone. The story behind The Goldsmith Series. How Michael Lynton's 60+ years of bench experience shaped the programme. Why jewellery repairs are such an important skill for modern jewellers. How The Goldsmith Series differs from project-based jewellery courses. Who the programme is designed for and what you can expect.   Learn more Find out more about The Goldsmith Series and learn directly from Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-goldsmith-series
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  320: How To Diversify Your Income As A Jeweller with Anna Campbell and Kelly Twigg 29.06.2026 57min

  If you're relying solely on selling your jewellery, you're not alone. But it doesn't have to be the only way to build a successful jewellery business. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell is joined by jeweller, tutor and author Kelly Twigg to explore the many ways jewellers can diversify their income while staying true to the craft they love. From selling jewellery through different channels to teaching workshops, affiliate partnerships, repairs, supporting other jewellers and making better use of the skills you already have, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you build a more resilient and sustainable business. Whether you're looking to reduce the pressure on jewellery sales, create additional income streams or simply spark some new ideas for your business, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the opportunities available to you. In this episode, we discuss: Different ways to sell your jewellery Teaching workshops and online courses Affiliate partnerships and brand collaborations Offering specialist services to other jewellers Repairs and remodelling Using your wider business skills Unlocking value from scrap metal, tools and equipment Finding income streams that fit your skills and interests   About Anna Campbell Anna Campbell has worked with the London Jewellery School and Jewellers Academy since 2012, helping thousands of jewellers develop both their making skills and their businesses. She has taught on many programmes, including the Jewellery Business Academy, and is the founder of Jewellery School Scotland, host of the Good Girl Rebellion podcast, co-host of the Full of Ourselves podcast and an international bestselling author.   About Kelly Twigg Kelly Twigg is the founder of Willow & Twigg Jewellery and a jewellery tutor at Jewellers Academy Brighton. Best known for her beautiful sea glass jewellery and practical educational content on social media, she enjoys sharing the tools, techniques and business lessons she's learned throughout her jewellery journey. Kelly is also the author of an upcoming book on making sea glass jewellery.
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  319: 60 Years at the Bench: What Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton Wants the Next Generation of Jewellers to Know 22.06.2026 34min

  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
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  318. How to Recycle Your Silver and Why It's an Essential Skill for Every Jeweller 15.06.2026 35min

  What happens to all those tiny pieces of silver left behind when you're making jewellery? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller and Jewellers Academy tutor Mahroz Hekmati to talk about one of the most valuable workshop skills a jeweller can develop: learning to recycle silver scrap. With rising metal prices and increasing awareness around sustainability, understanding how to reuse silver has never felt more relevant. Mahroz shares why she believes recycling is an important skill for jewellers at every stage, from beginners learning to make the most of their materials through to experienced makers creating commissions and remodelling heirloom jewellery. Together, they discuss how to think differently about silver scrap, why separating your offcuts matters, what happens when silver is melted and reused, and how understanding these processes can help build confidence at the bench. This isn't a step-by-step technical tutorial, but an introduction to the principles behind silver recycling and why it can become such a valuable part of your jewellery practice. In this episode: • Why every jeweller creates scrap and how to think about it differently • Saving money and reducing waste in your workshop • Why separating clean scrap, soldered pieces and cast material matters • The basics of melting and reusing silver • Sustainability and recycling in jewellery making • Common considerations when working with recycled silver • Building confidence and understanding your materials more deeply • How these skills support commissions, remodelling and professional jewellery practice Mahroz teaches silver recycling both in-person at Jewellers Academy Brighton and online as part of the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, where students can explore the process in more depth. Whether you're curious about making your materials go further, interested in more sustainable jewellery-making practices or simply want to understand your metal better, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.   Find out more about Jewellers Academy courses and Diplomas. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/ https://www.jewellersacademybrighton.com/  
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  317: Bonus Episode: Diploma in Wax Jewellery Open Day Replay 10.06.2026 49min

  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
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  316. 10 Reasons to Join a Jewellery Diploma: What Our Students Say After Taking the Leap 08.06.2026 50min

  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 others If 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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  315. Bonus episode: Listen in on our Diploma in Silver Jewellery Open Day 05.06.2026 1t 5min

  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.  
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  314. The Real Reasons Some Jewellers Progress and Others Stay Stuck 01.06.2026 59min

  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 journey If 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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  313. Building a Full Time Jewellery Business after the Diploma with Alice Catherine 25.05.2026 34min

  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  
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  312. Starting a Jewellery Business Later in Life: Michaela's Story 18.05.2026 36min

  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 thoughts   If 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 Diplomas   Follow Michaela and her jewellery journey on Instagram: @nymferojewellery