What happens when you spend over 60 years at the bench?

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose 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 shares stories from a remarkable career spanning Hatton Garden, antique restoration, bespoke commissions and decades of problem solving at the bench. Together they explore how jewellery techniques have evolved, what can be learned from traditional ways of working and why passing practical knowledge on to the next generation matters more than ever.

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With rising silver prices and a growing focus on sustainability, learning to recycle silver is becoming an increasingly valuable skill for jewellers. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jewellers Academy tutor Mahroz Hekmati joins Jessica Rose to explore why reusing silver scrap matters, how jewellers can think differently about materials and why understanding the process can help you save money, reduce waste and build confidence at the bench.

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Curious about silver metal clay? In this Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Open Day, Jessica Rose takes you behind the scenes of our one-year programme and shares exactly what you’ll learn, the jewellery projects you’ll create and the support available throughout the year. From beginner techniques through to advanced masterclasses, discover whether this could be your next creative adventure.

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Thinking about joining a jewellery diploma but wondering if it’s the right step?

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose talks to jeweller Kelly Twigg to talk about what really happens when you commit to a year of learning. From improving technical skills and growing confidence to finding community, accountability and creative momentum, discover the ten reasons students say a Diploma transformed their jewellery journey.

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Whether you’re completely new to silver metal clay or already making and looking to refine your skills, this free Jewellers Academy Benchtips session is full of practical advice and inspiration. Join Jessica Rose and silver metal clay tutor Anna Campbell as they answer your questions live and share tips on firing, shrinkage, drying, stone setting, enamelling, working with gold and getting the most from this wonderfully versatile jewellery making technique.

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What could you create after a year dedicated to learning wax jewellery making? In this open day replay, discover everything included in the Diploma in Wax Jewellery: from carving and build-up techniques to stone setting, casting, mentoring and creating your own final collection. Jess shares the projects you’ll make, how the course works and answers some of the most common questions from prospective students, so you can decide whether this could be your next step in jewellery making.

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Thinking about learning jewellery making but unsure whether to choose a short course or commit to a Diploma? Discover the key differences including accountability, structured learning, mentoring, community and why so many jewellers make faster progress with a Diploma programme.

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Can you really build a jewellery business that allows you to leave your job? In this inspiring and practical free masterclass, Jessica Rose shares what it actually takes to turn your jewellery skills into sustainable income. Discover the mindset shifts, business models, financial decisions and growth strategies that help jewellers move from hobbyist to professional. Grab a pen and paper and watch along as Jess guides you through exercises and ideas to help you start mapping out your own path to a jewellery business that works for your life.

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Thinking about joining the Diploma in Silver Jewellery? Watch the open day replay to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the course works, the projects and techniques you’ll learn throughout the year and the support available to help you stay motivated and achieve certification. We also answer questions asked live on the day, covering everything from fitting the Diploma around work and family life to tools, time commitment, mentoring and what to expect as you progress through the course.

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What happens when jewellers give themselves the time, structure and support to truly focus on their making? In this collection of student stories from our Silver, Fine and Advanced Jewellery Diplomas, you'll hear directly from jewellers who took the leap and surprised themselves with what became possible. From developing technical skills and creative confidence to building momentum and finding a supportive community, these stories show what can happen when you commit to your jewellery journey.

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New UK data protection changes are arriving in June 2026 and if words like GDPR, privacy notices and ICO registration make your eyes glaze over, this guide is for you.

We’ve broken down what jewellery business owners actually need to know, from checking whether you need to register with the ICO to reviewing your privacy policy, cookies, email marketing and customer data. Plus, we’ve included practical AI prompts you can copy and paste to help audit your business, create your action list and work through what needs updating, without turning compliance into a full-time job.

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Breaking saw blades. Uneven filing. Solder that refuses to flow - if that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

These three skills are at the heart of jewellery making and when they feel difficult, everything else can feel harder too. But often it’s not about talent or having expensive tools. Small changes in setup, technique and understanding can make a huge difference.

In this Bench Tips session, Jessica Rose and Laura-Jayne Gray share practical advice to help you improve your sawing, filing and soldering, build confidence at the bench and create cleaner, more professional results. Because beautiful jewellery starts with strong foundations.

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The difference between the jewellers who progress and the jewellers who stay stuck isn't talent. Why do some jewellers seem to progress quickly while others stay stuck for years? In this episode, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell explore the real reasons jewellers struggle to move forward and why it has nothing to do with talent. From lack of momentum and staying in your comfort zone to fear of wasting materials, self-doubt and learning without support, they uncover the challenges that hold so many makers back. They also share practical ways to build confidence, develop your skills and create the conditions for long-term success, whether you're making jewellery as a hobby or building a jewellery business.

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From learning jewellery making during lockdown to opening her own jewellery shop on the Isle of Lewis, Alice Catherine shares her inspiring journey from complete beginner to full-time jeweller after completing the Diploma in Silver Jewellery.

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast , Alice talks honestly about funding her Diploma through jewellery sales, building a business from a tiny attic workshop, growing a loyal online audience and creating jewellery inspired by the Scottish coastline she now calls home. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice and proof of what is possible when you decide to start.

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Micro setting is one of the most beautiful and detail-focused areas of jewellery making. From diamond-set eternity rings to delicate halos and fine pavé surfaces, these techniques allow jewellers to create pieces filled with light, sparkle and precision..

In this guide, we’ll explore what micro setting is, the different types of micro settings commonly used in jewellery, the tools involved, and what jewellers should know before getting started.

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Starting a jewellery business later in life can feel daunting but Michaela’s story is proof that it’s never too late to start something creative. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Michaela shares how she went from office work and evening classes to studying the intensive Diploma in Silver Jewellery in Brighton and beginning to build her own jewellery business. Together, Jess and Michaela discuss learning jewellery making as an adult, building confidence creatively, studying in-person, stone setting, jewellery markets and the realities of starting from scratch.

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Micro setting can feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding jewellery skills to learn. In this Benchtips replay, jeweller and stone setter Iain Sainsbury shares practical advice on tools, microscopes, pave setting, gravers and how to build confidence setting small stones. Whether you’re curious about micro setting or ready to take your stone setting skills further, this session is packed with expert tips and encouragement. Discover how jewellers develop precision, patience and professional-level stone setting skills over time.

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Mitsuro Hikime is an ancient Japanese wax jewellery technique that is capturing the imagination of jewellers around the world. Known for its flowing organic textures and beautiful natural striations, the process combines handmade honey wax with an intuitive pulling technique to create completely unique jewellery pieces. In this guide, we explore what Mitsuro Hikime means, where the technique comes from, why jewellers are falling in love with it, and some of the key questions beginners often ask.

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Discover the ancient Japanese wax jewellery technique that jewellers everywhere are starting to fall in love with. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller and tutor Lorna Romanengi to explore Mitsuro Hikime - a unique process using handmade honey wax to create flowing organic textures and one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. They discuss the history of the technique, why it feels so freeing for contemporary makers, and how traditional craftsmanship can meet modern jewellery design. If you’re curious about wax carving, organic jewellery or learning new creative techniques, this episode is full of inspiration. It’s time to discover the beauty of Mitsuro Hikime.

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