WELCOME TO THE JEWELLERS ACADEMY PODCAST

My name is Jessica Rose, a serial jewellery business owner and I founded the multi-award-winning London Jewellery School and Jewellers Academy.

Having helped over 1 million people learn jewellery making, I passionately believe that anyone can have a successful business making and selling things they love.

Joined by my fabulous co-hosts jewellers Michelle Lierre, Anna Campbell, Kim Thomson and Elin Horgan, each week you'll hear tips, support and practical advice on how to launch and grow your jewellery or handmade business. as well as inspiring interviews.

If, like us, you believe that handmade is awesome then you're in the right place.

Next episode goes live on Monday 23rd December

episode 238: Does it rain Diamonds on Jupiter? Test Your Jewellery Knowledge With Our Festive Fun Quiz 2024

Are you ready to test your knowledge about precious metals and jewellery making? Join us for this special festive episode, where the Jewellers Academy team members — Jessica Rose, Anna Campbell, Kelly Twigg, Emily Lisbeth and Barbara Yarde — quiz each other and you about all things jewellery. Grab a pen and paper, join in the fun and see how many correct answers you get! 

237: 10 fun things to make over christmas - free jewellery making courses for you

This week on the podcast we have an early Christmas present for you - free jewellery making courses. With something for everyone at every level from beginner to intermediate level jewellers, in silver, metal clay, wax and beading - there is bound to be a new creative project for you. Have a listen to find out more and choose your next jewellery making challenge.

236: How to Manage Socials and Your Jewellery Business Over the Christmas Holidays

with Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell

In this week's episode, Jess and Anna discuss strategies for managing a jewellery business during the busy holiday season. They emphasise the importance of setting clear cutoff dates for orders, effective communication with customers, and the potential of gift vouchers as last-minute gifts. The conversation also covers the significance of sending holiday emails and adjusting social media strategies to maintain engagement without overwhelming customers. Finally, they introduce the upcoming Jewellery Business Academy, aimed at helping jewellers grow their businesses in the new year.

235: Selling as Service: A New Way To Look at Sales in Your Jewellery Business

with Anna Payne

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with sales expert Anna Payne about transforming the way you think about selling and generating revenue for your jewellery business. If selling feels sleazy or uncomfortable to you, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective—one that frames sales as an authentic and service-driven process, not a pushy transaction.  

234: Building Emotional Connection with Our Customers

With Gina and Jack from Ivy and Pine Photography

In this week's episode, host Kim Thomson speaks with Gina and Jack from Ivy and Pine Photography about the importance of building an emotional connection with our customers. Buying handmade jewellery (or any buying decision) is an emotional decision often justified with logic so being able to connect with our customers emotions is an important part of building a business that people want to shop with.

233: Double Gallery Claw Setting - Learn from the Master Stone Setter Scott McIntyre

In this week's episode, Jess introduces an exciting new online stone setting course covering double gallery claw settings, taught by master stone setter Scott McIntyre. This technique combines collet setting and claw setting to enhance the visibility and sparkle of the gemstone. This is a fantastic course designed for intermediate level jewellers with gemstone setting experience and you can hear more about it in the episode.

232: ready to train as a jeweller? diploma enrolment now open

with Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell

We're so excited to share that the Jewellery Diplomas are now open for enrolment for a 2025 start. In this week's episode, Jess and Anna provide an overview of the Diploma programs available, including updates and new content for the upcoming year. The conversation highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the flexibility of online learning, as well as the tools and materials provided for students. Jess and Anna encourage listeners to attend open days and discovery calls to learn more about the programs and the growth that comes from committing to your learning. 

231: 'Follow your heart, make what you love' Successfully transitioning from a hobby to a jewellery business

with Natalie Furlong

Jeweller Natalie Furlong shares her inspiring journey from a creative hobbyist to a successful jewellery business owner. She discusses her background in ceramics, the challenges she faced during her transition from ceramics to jewellery, and how the Jewellery Business Academy has supported her growth. Jess and Natalie touch on lots of important issues including the importance of following your passion, struggles with social media marketing, and the significance of community and accountability in entrepreneurship. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring jewellers and highlights her unique design philosophy.

230: the secrets to successful jewellery collaborations

with Jessica Croft and Anna Campbell

In this episode, Anna Campbell and Jess Croft discuss their recent jewellery collaboration, the Good Girl Rebellion jewellery range. They share actionable advice on how to ensure a successful partnership covering essential tips such as finding the right collaborator, aligning your visions, maintaining respect and communication, navigating challenges, and celebrating milestones. If you've been thinking about how to approach and manage a partnership with an influencer or other brand, don't miss this episode.

229: The New Jewellery Business Academy for 2025 is here - Grow Your Business with Training, Mentoring and 1-2-1 Support from Jewellers Academy

We're so excited to launch the brand new Jewellery Business Academy for 2025. This is a newly filmed year-long program starting in January, designed to support jewellery entrepreneurs at any stage of their business journey. In this episode we explore the evolution of the Jewellery Business Academy program from its roots in the Jewellery Business Bootcamp to now. Exciting features of the new program are the community support, expert mentorship and the structured content that will guide you through essential business topics. This program is designed and supported by real-life jewellers in business and gives you the accountability and supportive environment to super charge your business growth.

228: 'Each project unlocked a new skill' Your First Steps in Silver: Inspiration from Anna and Chloe’s Jewellery Journey

Got a passion for jewellery-making but not sure where to start? This week on the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess chats with Chloe Mayo and Anna Bonner, two inspiring students from the Foundation in Silver Jewellery course. Perfect for complete beginners, this mentor-supported online course lets you dive into silver jewellery making from the comfort of your home—complete with a tool and materials kit delivered straight to your door!

227: Exciting news - announcing a brand new jewellery training and community centre in the UK - jewellers academy brighton

with Jessica Rose and Mireille Najm

this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, the Jewellers Academy team announces the opening of a new jewellery training school in Brighton, UK - set to launch in early 2025. The conversation highlights the exciting opportunities for students, the community atmosphere, and the various classes and events planned for the new space.

226: 7 Ways to Increase Your Visibility as an Introverted Jeweller with Janine Friston of The Female Business Network

with Janine Friston

Anna Campbell talks with Janine Friston of The Female Business Network. Janine shares 7 ways to increase visibility for introverted jewellers in business, covering how to show up on social media, how to get seen on Google,  tips for face to face networking and more. 

225: From the Hatton Garden Workshops to Building a Fine Jewellery Business

with Anelia Kuprina

This week on the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Jess sits down with award-winning jeweller Anelia Kuprina to dive into the fascinating journey of her career. Anelia shares the powerful moment she fell in love with jewellery-making and how her education shaped the jeweller she is today. She reflects on her early experiences as a bench worker with prestigious jewellers in London’s West End and Hatton Garden, where she mastered essential skills like soldering, repairs, and remodelling. These formative years led her to compete—and win—at the renowned Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards in both 2008 and 2009.

episode 224: advanced stone setting - introducing the jewellers masterclasses

with Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell

In this week's episode of the podcast, we at Jewellers Academy introduce our brand-new advanced stone setting classes, the Jewellers Masterclasses, designed for experienced jewellers ready to enhance your skills. The conversation covers the structure of the masterclasses, the support provided, and highlights the projects: Decorative Collets, Fishtail Setting, and Tiara Wedding Bands. Anna Campbell and  I talk about the importance of community and mentorship in the learning process, as well as the accessibility and pricing options for you. If you are an advanced level jeweller looking for your next challenge or your a beginner looking to be inspired, this episode is for you.

223: 10 top tips for photographing jewellery using a smartphone

with Karen Young

Jess is joined by jeweller and product photographer Karen Young. They discuss Karen's top 10 tips for getting great photos of your jewellery with your smartphone. Covering the basics like don't forget to clean your camera lens! They also cover lighting, equipment, how to plan your shots and more.

222: 26 Weeks Until Christmas: Your Sales Success Guide

With Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell

There are just 16 weeks until Christmas which is traditionally a busy time for jewellers. In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and Anna Campbell discuss how to effectively prepare your jewellery business for the Christmas season, breaking down the actions by month sharing what to do and what not to do to have the best and most profitable Christmas yet.

221: Building a sustainable jewellery brand with pop up shops and events

with Emma Stanton

Elin Horgan chats to Emma Stanton, a jeweller from Hove, East Sussex. Emma shares her journey into jewellery making, which began 19 years ago after taking evening classes. She discusses how her design process evolved from early inspirations, such as the sea, to focusing on shapes and textures. Emma also reflects on the challenges of being self-taught, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her preference for working with materials directly rather than sketching. Her work often draws on ancient relics and natural elements, blending traditional techniques with her unique artistic vision.

220: creating a bespoke fine jewellery business online

with Luke Brient

Jess chats to Luke Brient, a jeweller who specialises in unisex jewellery featuring large gemstones and unique textures from sandcasting, shares his journey into the craft. Initially studying Industrial Design at Loughborough University, Luke turned to jewellery making during the COVID-19 lockdown, inspired by a stint working at a jewellery packaging company. He discusses his process, including his early experiments with 3D printing and sandcasting, and how his business grew primarily through Instagram, starting with friends and family. Today, Luke's business is mostly bespoke, with customers drawn to his distinctive style, though his collections serve as a guide for those seeking custom pieces.

219: Authenticity and business success

with Kim Thomson and Katie Tovey-Grindlay

Kim Thompson chats to Katie Tovey-Grindlay, a social media and marketing coach with a unique journey. Katie shares how she transitioned from running a local dog walking and home boarding business to becoming a social media coach. Katie emphasises the importance of authenticity in her work, particularly as someone who is neurodiverse.

218: Learn the art of wax carving to create silver and gold jewellery

With Elin Horgan

Jess and Elin Horgan delve into the art of wax carving, a technique used in jewellery making to create detailed designs that are later cast into metals like silver or gold.

The episode also highlights Elin's updated courses on wax carving, which include a Level 1 workshop covering basic ring and pendant making, and a Level 2 course focused on stone setting in wax.

217: Self sabotage and procrastination? Clearing your blocks to your business success

with Anna Campbell and Alison Hughes

Anna Campbell speaks with counsellor Alison Hughes. If you love jewellery making but struggle with the business side of selling your jewellery this episode is for you.

216: wellness and jewellery making

with Emily Little

Jess interviews Emily Little, the owner of The Little Wedding Jeweller, who shares her unique journey from wellness to jewellery making. Emily discusses how her experience running a wellness centre led to burnout, prompting her to seek new forms of self-care.

215: Exploring Creativity

with Elin Horgan and Rachel Connor

Elin Horgan talks to Rachel Connor, a writer and transformational life and creativity coach. The discussion delves into the essence of creativity, exploring its broad and deep significance beyond traditional artistic practices.

214: making size and disability inclusive jewellery

With Kim Thomson and Natalie Watson

In this episode, host Kim Thompson chats to Natalie Watson from Erinna Jewellery. Natalie creates jewellery inspired by Greek Mythology and is passionate about offering size and disability-inclusive jewellery.

She reflects on her remarkable journey so far, going from signing up for the Diploma in Silver Jewellery at the Jewellers Academy with no previous experience to selling jewellery in John Lewis stores only months after completing the course.

213: Using SEO to boost your website

With Elin Horgan and Victoria Thomas

In this week's episode, host Elin Horgan talks to Victoria Thomas, a freelance digital marketing specialist. Victoria, who focuses on SEO and Google Ads, discusses the importance of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) for small businesses. She explains that SEO is about enhancing a website's visibility on search engines like Google, which helps drive more traffic, improve user experience, and ultimately boost sales. Victoria also outlines seven key reasons why SEO is crucial, including understanding customer needs, building a stronger brand, and providing long-term success.

212: why we fear change and how to handle it

With Anna Campbell and Kirsty Maynor

This week on the podcast, host Anna Campbell is talking with Kirsty Maynor all about change. Kirsty Maynor is the Founder and CEO of The Firefly Group. She is a certified coach and leadership expert with decades of experience and the best-selling author of "Untangled, a practical and inspirational guide to change we choose and change we don't'

In this conversation, Anna and Kirsty talk all about change, including why we may feel threatened by change, even positive change. They also talk about the change skills to develop to help you navigate your life.

211: creating jewellery from recycled and foraged metals

With Charlotte Smith

Host Kim Thomson talks with Charlotte Smith. Char is a trained HGV mechanic, welding tutor and jeweller. She is passionate about foraging metals, giving new life to discarded items. Char is on a mission to help stop women from being intimidated by tools and to promote safe tool use and confidence.

210: the art of wax - discovering wax carving has transformed the way i make jewellery

With Elsa Tierney

In this week's episode, Jess chats to Elsa Tierney, an award-winning jeweller and goldsmith based in the UK. Elsa, who also has a background in sculpture and art, shares her journey into jewellery making, which began in childhood with crafting hair braids and bangles. Her passion led her to study textiles and fine art, eventually focusing on jewellery. She discusses her book, "Art of Wax," and recounts her career challenges, including overcoming epilepsy and finding affordable studio space.

209: 10 reasons to join the jewellery diplomas - last chance for 2024!

With Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell

The deadline to sign up for a Jewellery Diploma course with Jewellers Academy is fast approaching. You have until midnight on Friday 7th June to get yourself on the list. In this week's podcast, Jessica Rose is talking with Community Manager Anna Campbell all about the ten reasons to join a Diploma this year. If you've been on the fence about it do have a listen so you can decide whether one of the four Diploma courses is right for you.

208: ‘the most inspiring thing i’ve ever done in my life’ meet sara arnold, student on the diploma in silver metal clay

With Sara Arnold

Jess chats with Sara Arnold, a student in the inaugural year of the diploma in silver metal clay. Sara shares her journey into jewellery making, which began when she repaired a beaded necklace from Egypt. Her passion grew, leading her to explore silversmithing and eventually discover metal clay during the lockdown. She expresses her enthusiasm for the diploma, highlighting the new techniques and challenges she faced, which significantly improved her craftsmanship. 

207: building a following on instagram as a jeweller, why i’m joing the silver diploma

With Kelly Twigg

In this week's episode, Jess chats to Kelly Twigg, a jeweller known for her sea glass jewellery and active presence on Instagram. Kelly discusses her journey from a Navy career to becoming a self-employed jewellery maker. Kelly's Instagram success, boasting over 30,000 followers, is attributed to her authentic and engaging approach, sharing not just her work but also personal aspects of her life, which resonates with her audience. She emphasizes the value of community and genuine connections over merely using Instagram as a marketing tool.

206: experiments with melting gold over diamonds

With Alexandra von Widdern

In this bonus podcast episode, Jess interviews Alexandra, a jeweller who runs her own business called Von W Jewellery. Alexandra specializes in creating fine jewellery pieces using gold and diamonds, employing an experimental technique of melting diamonds into gold. She shares her journey, starting from her early experiences in silversmithing and her advanced studies on the Jewellers Academy Diploma courses, which equipped her with the skills to work with precious materials.

205: Selling Jewellery in The British Museum for over 10 Years

With Sima Vaziry

In this week's episode, Jess chats with Sima Vaziry, a talented metal clay jeweller whose work has been sold through the British Museum for over a decade, and who is the final jeweller to appear in the Handmade Jewellers series. The discussion focuses on how Sima uses her craft to support various charities, highlighting her involvement with Afghan Aid and other initiatives.

204: My process of getting into goldsmiths north fair

With Iain Sainsbury

In this week's episode, Jess chats with Iain Sainsbury, who is the featured jeweller in the fourth episode of the Handmade Jewellers series and who recently got accepted to showcase his work at Goldsmiths North, a prestigious fair for jewellers. Ian shares his journey of applying to the fair, highlighting the challenges and decisions involved. He emphasizes the importance of having a platform where people can physically engage with his jewellery, which led him to apply to Goldsmiths North.

203: moving into working with gold

With Ange B

In this week's episode, Jess chats with Ange B, a jeweller who makes architectural style jewellery and who features in the third episode of Handmade Jewellers. Ange discusses her journey into working with gold in her jewellery business and explains how she transitioned from working mainly in silver to incorporating gold into her designs. Initially hesitant due to ethical concerns about gold plating, Ange eventually began using recycled gold, starting with a collection featuring mixed metals and gradually adding more gold pieces to her existing collections.

202: HOW I SELL OUT MY FINE JEWELLERY COLLECTIONS

with Susannah King

Susannah King is featured in episode 2 of The Handmade Jewellers, premiering this week on Thursday 2nd May ay 8pm BST. This week on the podcast we're sharing a previous interview recorded with her in 2023. Susannah is a fourth generation jeweller and talks about her background in repairing jewellery and how she has built her jewellery business and a community on social media just waiting for her collections to be released, even selling out a collection in two minutes.

201: RIBBON RINGS GOING VIRAL - LAST YEAR I NEARLY GAVE UP MY BUSINESS… NOW IT’S STRONGER THAN EVER

with Anna Sweet

In this week's episode, Jess chats to Anna Sweet, a jewellery maker who specializes in creating unique pieces with a focus on storytelling, who also features in episode one of the Handmade Jewellers. Anna discusses her journey in the jewellery business, which hit a rough patch when she felt demotivated and lacked creativity. She even contemplated quitting her business. However, after taking a break and stepping back from the pressure, she found renewed inspiration.