Jewellers Academy Podcast
Jessica Rose, founder of the London Jewellery School and Jewellers Academy, hosts a weekly podcast offering tips, support, and practical advice for launching and growing a jewellery or handmade business. Each episode features inspiring interviews and actionable insights on making and selling handmade items.
Episodes
332. Behind the Diploma Diaries: Learning, Making and Sharing the Real Jewellery Journey with Kelly Twigg
What does learning jewellery making really look like behind the finished pieces? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and content creator Kelly Twigg of Willow and Twigg, the original Diploma Diary creator, to talk about the reality of learning new jewellery-making skills and why sharing the process can be just as valuable as sharing the finished result. Kel
331. Scared to Show Your Face? How Lauren Gunning Grew to Nearly 30,000 Instagram Followers
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
330: How to Find the Story in Your Jewellery Business: What Journalists Actually Want to Hear
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 med
329: Back to the Bench: How to Ease Back Into Your Jewellery Business After Summer
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, jewell
328: What NOT to Spend Money on in Your Jewellery Business (and What to Invest in Instead)
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 place
327: Which Craft Fairs Are Right for Your Jewellery? How to Choose Events Worth Your Time and Money
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, fr
326: How To Build a Jewellery Collection That Sells with Kirsty Pruce
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
325: How Kathryn Reid Built a Jewellery Brand People Remember
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 t
324: What Every Jeweller Should Know About Gemstones With Gemmologist Marie Chalmers
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
323: How to Design a Jewellery Collection: From Inspiration to Finished Pieces with Elin Horgan
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
322: How to Have a £20K Christmas in Your Jewellery Business: Your 6-Month Sales Plan
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 org
321: The Modern Alternative To The Jewellery Apprenticeship
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 devel
320: How To Diversify Your Income As A Jeweller with Anna Campbell and Kelly Twigg
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 throu
319: 60 Years at the Bench: What Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton Wants the Next Generation of Jewellers to Know
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
318. How to Recycle Your Silver and Why It's an Essential Skill for Every Jeweller
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 sustainabili
317: Bonus Episode: Diploma in Wax Jewellery Open Day Replay
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 t
316. 10 Reasons to Join a Jewellery Diploma: What Our Students Say After Taking the Leap
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, creativ
315. Bonus episode: Listen in on our Diploma in Silver Jewellery Open Day
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 epis
314. The Real Reasons Some Jewellers Progress and Others Stay Stuck
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,
313. Building a Full Time Jewellery Business after the Diploma with Alice Catherine
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,
312. Starting a Jewellery Business Later in Life: Michaela's Story
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. Mich
311. What Is Mitsuro Hikime? The Ancient Japanese Wax Jewellery Technique Jewellers Are Falling in Love With
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 als
310. 8 Reasons To Invest In Yourself Without Guilt
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 t
309. 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Jewellery Business with Jessica Rose
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
308. Why Jewellery Diplomas Can Transform Your Skills, Confidence and Business with Kelly Twigg
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 Jewelle
307. How to Start Making Silver Jewellery at Home in 2026 - New Courses Out Now
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 share
306. Why It Is Essential To Upskill As A Jeweller In 2026 with Emma René
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
305. Running a Fine Jewellery Business with the Rising Cost of Metals with Goldsmith April Dace
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 cli
304. How the Jewellers Visibility Retreat Helped Vicky Grow Her Jewellery Business
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 singl
303. New Projects for the Diploma in Fine Jewellery with Anelia Kuprina
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 con
302. The Advantages of Working in Wax as a Fine Jeweller with Jane Taylor
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 th
301: Celebrating One Year of Jewellers Academy Brighton: 2,000 Students, 700 Classes, and a Growing Community
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
300. Everything Is Fixable: Why Metal Clay Changes the Way You Create with Anna Campbell and Vicki Ralph
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
299. Why Moving from Etsy to Your Own Website Is Worth It with Helen from HR Digital Design
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 bus
298. Want to Make Money From Metal Clay? Start Here
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 s
297. How Creativity Can Help After Overwhelm, Trauma and Burnout with Trauma Therapist Anne Cheshire
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 creativ
296. Join the FREE Week of Wax Challenge: Creative Jewellery design Without Expensive Metal
In this episode, Jess is joined by jeweller and wax tutor Elin Horgan to introduce Week of Wax - a free 5-day online wax carving course starting on 2nd February and open for enrolment now. They explore what wax jewellery is, why it's such an accessible and creative material to work with, and walk through each project you'll make during the week, from carved rings and granulation to charms, build-u
295. Running a Jewellery Business with a Neurodivergent Brain: What Actually Works with Aileen Carson
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 pa
294. 10 Days of Silver: A Free Jewellery-Making Challenge to Start the Year
Join the Free 10 Days of Silver Challenge! In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Kelly Twigg to introduce 10 Days of Silver - our free, global jewellery-making challenge designed to help you get back to the bench with confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced jeweller, this 10-day programme guides you through fun, low-pres
293. Kickstart: 5 Days to Plan 2026 in Your Jewellery Business with Jessica Rose
Kickstart 2026 is a free, five-day challenge designed to help jewellery makers and jewellery business owners begin the year with clarity, confidence and calm. In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess explains how the challenge offers a gentle, structured way to reflect on your vision, set meaningful goals for your jewellery business, create simple action plans, build supportiv
292. What's Your Word of the Year For 2026?
This week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and Anna Campbell explore their annual tradition of choosing a Word of the Year as a gentler alternative to New Year's resolutions. They reflect on the words they chose for 2025 and how the year lived up to them, before sharing their words for 2026 and what they hope for the year ahead. If you're thinking about setting intentions for 2026, they als
291. My Jewellery Business Journey: How I Launched My Collection and Sold My First Pieces with Liz Lloyd
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by Liz Lloyd, founder of Liz Lloyd Jewellery, to talk about her journey into jewellery and what it takes to build a confident, professional jewellery business. Liz shares how an early love of making jewellery led her back to the bench after a long career in teaching and creative work. During lockdown, she rediscovered jewellery makin
290. How to Start a Jewellery Business in 2026 with Jessica Rose
Thinking about starting a jewellery business in 2026? In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess explores the key trends, strategies, and mindset shifts shaping the future of the jewellery industry - from why authenticity is the antidote to AI, to how to market your work without burning out. Jess covers: How to build real connection with customers as a maker Why Insta
289. How Jewellers can use Pinterest to drive traffic and sales With Trona Freeman
In this episode, Anna Campbell chats with Pinterest and SEO consultant Trona Freeman about how jewellers can use Pinterest as a powerful visual search engine - not just another social platform. Trona breaks down how Pinterest users are intentional, slower scrollers, and often ready to shop, making it an ideal place for jewellery businesses. She shares practical tips on: Optimising your profile
288. Diploma in Wax Jewellery: What to Expect From Our Brand New Course
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose shares all about the brand-new Diploma in Wax Jewellery. This is the fifth online one-year Diploma to be created. Whether you're completely new to wax or an experienced jeweller ready to dive into wax jewellery, this episode gives you a full behind-the-scenes look at what to expect from this year-long programme. Jess walks you t
287. The Magic of Wax: Exploring Organic Textures with Jo Hunt
Jessica Rose chats with Jo Hunt, founder of Rockpool Jewellery, about her creative journey and her love for working with wax. Jo shares all about her brand-new course, Rings, Pendants and Charms in Wax: The Build-Up Technique - the first course at Jewellers Academy dedicated entirely to this organic, textured method. It's currently on pre-sale for a limited time at 50% off. Jo shares how jewellery
286. Your Roadmap To Growing Your Jewellery Business in 2026 with Jessica Rose
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, award winning entrepreneur Jessica Rose dives into what it really takes to grow a jewellery business once you're three or more years in. If you've moved past the experimentation phase and are ready to build something profitable, sustainable, and strategically focused, this episode is your roadmap. Jessica explores the core pillars that help
285. Train as a Jeweller in 2026: New Wax Diploma + Enrolment Now Open
Diplomas are open for enrolment - and we have a brand new Diploma. In this special episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell share some exciting news - enrolment is now open for all five Jewellers Academy Diplomas starting in September 2026, including the launch of a brand new course: the Diploma in Wax Jewellery! Join Jessica and Anna as they reveal everything you
284. Recycling Precious Metals for Jewellers with Mark Cutler from Mastermelt
With the rising price of gold and silver, every speck of precious metal counts. In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Kelly Twigg sits down with Mark Cutler from Mastermelt to explore the fascinating and often overlooked process of reclaiming and refining precious metal scrap for jewellers and metalsmiths. Founded in 1985 in Hatton Garden, London, Mastermelts has gro
283. 7 Benefits of the Rising Cost of Metals to Handmade Jewellers
In this week's episode, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell explore the unexpected advantages behind the rising costs of silver and gold. While many jewellers worry about affordability and holding stock, Jessica and Anna reveal that these changes can actually strengthen your business and the handmade jewellery industry as a whole. They discuss seven key benefits, including: - The increased inherent val
282. Sand Casting For Jewellers with Iain Sainsbury
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Iain Sainsbury to talk all about sand casting for jewellers and how you can do it safely, confidently, and successfully at home. Iain introduces his brand-new online course in sand casting, available now on pre-sale with 50% off until 6th November 2025. He shares why this ancient metalworking technique, d
281. Making Jewellery In Antarctica, with Kasey Williams of Nunatak Silver
This week's host jeweller Kelly Twigg, speaks with Kasey Williams, founder of Nunatak Jewellery, who is currently deployed in Antarctica. Kasey talks about her passion for both her environmental engineering career and her jewellery-making hobby. Kasey shares her unique experience of making jewellery in an extreme environment, discussing how she adapts her techniques to the cold and dry conditions,
280. 8 Common Mistakes Jewellers in Business Make (And How to Avoid Them)
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Jessica Rose is joined by Anna Campbell for a look at common mistakes jewellers make when growing their business and how to overcome them. They also introduce the Jewellery Business Academy (JBA) a year-long programme designed to give jewellers the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive. The 1 year Jewellery Business Ac
279. How Jewellers Grow: Tools, Techniques & Truths from the Diploma Diaries
Ever wondered what it's really like to take a jewellery diploma? In this week's episode, host Jessica Rose sits down with this year's Jewellers Academy Diploma Diarists - Tori Foster, Jane Taylor, and Emma René to talk about their experiences studying, teaching, and creating jewellery as part of the Jewellers Academy Diploma programs. The Diploma Diaries is an Instagram initiative where selected
278. Advanced Stone Setting: How the Masterclasses Took Iain Sainsbury's Skills to the Next Level
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose talks with jeweller and community member Iain Sainsbury to explore his journey through the Advanced Stone Setting Masterclasses program, an advanced training series designed for jewellers ready to refine their fine jewellery and stone-setting skills. Iain shares how he discovered jewellery-making after career burnout, and why
277. 15 Weeks to Christmas: The Jeweller's Guide to a Profitable Season
Christmas is the most profitable season for many jewellers, but it can also be the most overwhelming if you don't plan ahead. With just 15 weeks to go, now is the time to get organised, take action, and set yourself up for success. That's why we've started our weekly Jewellery Business Christmas Tips over on Instagram. Each week, Jess will be sharing something tangible and specific you can do for
276. How to Keep Creating When Comparison Hits with Anna Campbell and Heidi Hinda Chadwick
COMPARISON: FRIEND OR FOE? In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell sits down with writer, storyteller, and trauma-informed artist and educator Heidi Hinda Chadwick to tackle a challenge every creative and entrepreneur faces: comparison. They explore the double-edged sword of comparison in the age of social media — how it can fuel inspiration, but also leave us f
275. The Good Girl Rebellion: Building a Business That Works for You with Anna Campbell
Do you ever feel like you're great at supporting others but struggle when it comes to prioritising yourself and your own business? You're not alone — and there are things you can do. This week on the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose chats with our part-time Community Manager Anna Campbell. Anna is a former psychology lecturer and author of the brand new book Good Girl Rebellion: Build the B
274. 5 Tips For Creating Standout Workshops as a Creative with Patricia van den Akker from the Design Trust
If you've ever thought about teaching creative workshops, or you already run them and want to make them truly unforgettable, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss. Jessica Rose talks with Patricia van den Akker from The Design Trust, author of 'Teaching Creative Workshops in Person and Online', to share five powerful tips for designing workshops that stand out. Patricia's app
273. Advanced Stone Setting: Learn to Make Tiara Wedding Bands with April Dace in Brighton
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with fine jeweller and experienced instructor April Dace about her upcoming three-day in-person masterclass in Brighton (2nd - 4th October 2025). Designed for intermediate to advanced jewellers, the course focuses on creating a stunning Tiara wedding band with five claws - a perfect project to refine your stone setting skills and
272. 10 Tips for Selling Out Your Jewellery Workshops with Anna Campbell & Lynn Powell
This week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, Anna Campbell is in conversation with Lynn Powell. Anna is the founder and tutor for Jewellery School Scotland, teaching sell-out jewellery workshops in Edinburgh. Lynn Powell is the founder of the Arienas Collective, a creative workshop hub in Edinburgh. The collective was set up to help local artists and makers make a living doing what they love. Anna
271. From Beginner to Maker: Inside the Foundation in Silver Jewellery with Tutor Laura-Jayne
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with tutor and mentor Laura-Jayne of Small Dog Silver about the Foundation in Silver Jewellery course - the perfect starting point for beginners wanting to make beautiful jewellery from home. Laura-Jayne shares her passion for mentoring new makers, watching them grow from total novices to confident creators. Together
270. The Visibility Retreat: A Game-Changer for Your Jewellery Business
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by Anna Campbell, Kelly Twigg, and Emma René to introduce something brand new: the first-ever Jewellers' Visibility Retreat, happening this September in Brighton, England. This intimate, in-person, three-day event is designed for jewellery business owners who are ready to get seen, connect deeply with their brand, and
269. Overcoming Obstacles: How Jane Taylor Built a Thriving Jewellery Business
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with fine jeweller and tutor Jane Taylor, to talk about her creative journey into jewellery making. From childhood badge-making to running her own boutique jewellery store in Godalming, UK. Jane shares about the winding road that led her to jewellery. From early experiments with polymer clay, to leaving an apprenticeship in search
268. Enamelling for Royalty and Saying Yes Before You're Ready: Jeweller Mahroz's Creative Journey
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with Mahroz Hekmati, a talented jeweller, enamelling specialist, and core member of the teaching team at the new Jewellers Academy Brighton studios. Mahroz shares her journey from Iran to Canada and eventually to the UK, tracing her transformation from a graphic design student to an award-winning jeweller whose work has been worn
267. Pricing, Stockists & Standing Out: Why Alternative Events Could Be Your Secret Weapon with Hannah from Slab Jewellery
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Elin Horgan is joined by Hannah Royce-Greensill, founder of Slab Jewellery, whose path to becoming a full-time jeweller began in an unexpected place, freelance web design. Hannah shares how she balanced both careers in the early stages, using her digital skills to support herself while slowly and steadily growing her jewellery business.
266. 5 Mistakes Businesses Make with Their Branding (and How to Fix Them) with Nicola McMillan and Anna Campbell
Imagine this: you've poured your heart into designing beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. You've set up an Instagram account, maybe even a website… but somehow, you're still not getting the attention or the sales you hoped for. Sound familiar? The truth is, having great work isn't always enough. Without a clear, compelling brand, getting lost in the crowd is easy. But don't worry, you're no
265. Celebrating Alternative Jewellery with Alice from the Museum of Alternative Jewellery
In this week's episode, host Kim Thompson sits down with Alice from the Museum of Alternative Jewellery to explore the wonderfully imaginative world of non-traditional jewellery making. Alice shares how a childhood love of beads, Polly Pockets, and playful textures evolved into a lifelong passion for alternative jewellery as self-expression and even a personal 'safety blanket'. From shrink plastic
264. Model Shots: How to Style & Photograph Jewellery That Sells with Naomi Lake & Elin Horgan
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Elin Horgan is joined by creative director Naomi Lake for a deep dive into how to create scroll- stopping images that actually sell your jewellery. Whether you're DIY-ing your product shots or planning your first styled shoot, this conversation is packed with practical tips and creative inspiration. Naomi shares her expert insight on everyth
263. What Are You Waiting For? Overcoming Fear and Pursuing Your Jewellery Ambitions with Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell
In this inspiring episode, Jess and Anna talk all things ambition, fear, and taking bold steps toward your creative future. Together, they dive into the transformative potential of the Jewellery Diploma programs at Jewellers Academy, with enrolment closing Friday, 13th June. Anna shares her deeply relatable story of delaying her own studies for years - and the powerful lessons she learned about p
262. Redesigning Her Life: How Jeweller Risza Found Confidence, Craft, and Community
In this inspiring episode, Jess spoke with jewellery artist and tutor Risza Lopes da Cruz, whose creative journey spans continents—from East Timor to Brighton, England. Risza shares how her love of jewellery making began with beading in Southeast Asia and evolved into a thriving business rooted in cultural heritage and personal meaning. Discover how she navigated the challenges of starting over in
261. Balancing a Full-Time Job and a Jewellery Dream: Learning Metal Clay Jewellery Making with Niloo
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell is joined by Niloo, a Diploma in Silver Metal Clay student based in Finland. They dive into Niloo's journey from a full-time IT engineering role to discovering a deep passion for jewellery making through metal clay. Niloo shares how the creative freedom of metal clay, the structure of the diploma course, and the supportive online
260: The Power of Small Steps: How a Diploma Changed Jessica Croft's Career
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell sits down with diploma graduate and full-time jeweller Jessica Croft of Homebird Jewellery to reflect on her incredible 11-year journey in the world of jewellery making. Jess shares how the Jewellers Academy Diplomas reignited her creative spark, helped her build technical skills, and gave her the confidence to fully embrace her ident
259. Polishing Secrets for Jewellers: Tools, Techniques & Finishes with Jessica Rose and Kelly Twigg
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and jeweller Kelly Twigg dive into the often underappreciated craft of polishing and finishing jewellery. Drawing on Kelly's experience from the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, they explore the techniques, tools, and creative choices that bring a piece to life. From filing and sanding to hand polishing and finishing styles, this conversati
258. How To Build A Jewellery Business You Can Leave Your Job For with Jessica Rose
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose dives into what it really takes to build a sustainable and fulfilling jewellery business - one that can eventually replace your day job. From mastering your finances and identifying bestsellers to setting realistic salary expectations, Jessica shares practical insights and strategies for making the leap into full-time entreprene
257. 10 Things No One Tells You about Setting Up and Running a Jewellery Shop with Tori Foster
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with jeweller and shop owner Tori Foster to talk about the real journey of opening a jewellery shop — the trials, the joys, and everything in between. Tori shares how she made the leap from maker to shop owner, revealing the ten things no one tells you about setting up and running a jewellery store. From learning tha
256. Lifelong Learning for Diploma Students: A Look at New Projects for 2025
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, we're diving into all the exciting updates to our Diploma program. Join us as we explore the new projects, enhanced techniques, and fresh resources designed to take your jewellery-making skills to the next level. We share insights on the journey from beginner to skilled jeweller, with a focus on mastering polishing, finishing, advanced stone
255. Learning Never Stops: The Surprising Benefits of Revisiting Jewellery Skills with Iris Van Steenwinckel
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Kim Thomson talks with goldsmith and educator Iris, whose unique journey through jewellery and cultural sciences has shaped two distinct jewellery brands and a passion for teaching. Iris shares how her creatively rich upbringing and formal training led her to a multifaceted career, balancing bespoke design with a commercial line, all while r
254. Jewellery Classes Worth Travelling For - Join Us For Diplomas, Intensives, Masterclasses and Private Tuition in Brighton
In this special episode, Jessica Rose shares the exciting news about the opening of our brand-new sister school, Jewellers Academy Brighton. Located on the stunning south coast of England, this state-of-the-art jewellery training centre is now open for in-person workshops seven days a week. Whether you're based in the UK or abroad, this could be your opportunity to take your jewellery skills to th
253. Creating Fine Jewellery - Advice from a Goldsmith with April Dace
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, jeweller and tutor April Dace dives into the art and precision behind her Tiara Wedding Ring masterclass. With over a decade of experience in fine jewellery, April shares invaluable insights into bespoke design, stone setting, and how to craft bands that perfectly frame existing rings. From sketching with accuracy to selecting the right jewelry too
