Jewellers Academy Podcast

Hosted by Jessica Rose

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300

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Jessica Rose is a serial jewellery business owner and the Founder of multi-award-winning London Jewellery School and Jewellers Academy. Having helped over a million people learn jewellery-making, she passionately believes anyone can have a successful business making and selling things they love. Each week, you'll hear tips, support and practical advice on how to launch your jewellery or handmade business as well as inspiring interviews.

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June 15, 202635 min

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 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/

June 10, 202649 min

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 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

June 8, 202650 min

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, 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

June 5, 20261 hr 5 min

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 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.

June 1, 202659 min

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, 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

May 25, 202634 min

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, 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

May 18, 202636 min

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. 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

May 11, 202649 min

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 also discuss Lorna's journey with the technique, how Mitsuro Hikime can be used to create rings, pendants and sculptural jewellery forms, and what happens once your wax pieces are cast into metal. In this episode, you'll learn: What Mitsuro Hikime means How this ancient Japanese wax technique creates natural striations Why the process asks jewellers to slow down and work more intuitively How Mitsuro can be combined with traditional wax carving Why casting is only one part of the process How finishing, polishing, keum boo and patinas can enhance your final pieces The new Mitsuro Hikime course with Lorna is available now at Jewellers Academy and is also included in the Diploma in Wax Jewellery. Resources mentioned in this episode: Mitsuro Hikime online course: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/mitsuro Diploma in Wax Jewellery: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery Lorna Romanengi Jewellery on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornaromanenghijewellery

May 4, 20261 hr 13 min

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 their own experiences of investing in training, creativity and personal development, and talk through the mindset shifts that can help you move forward with more confidence. You'll hear about how investing in your skills can open up new opportunities, help you find your path as a jeweller, and connect you with a supportive community who truly understand your journey. They also dive into the real reasons people hold back - from imposter syndrome and lack of time to waiting until you feel "ready" - and why those moments are often the exact time to take action. If you've been thinking about learning jewellery making, developing your skills, or taking your next step but something has been holding you back, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why investing in yourself expands your options (even when you don't know the end goal yet) How training can help you discover your unique path as a jeweller The power of learning from experts instead of figuring it all out alone Why community is one of the most valuable parts of any course or programme How investing in yourself supports your wellbeing and creativity The difference between self-confidence and self-trust How training can help you overcome imposter syndrome Why you don't need to wait until you feel "ready" Thinking about taking the next step? If one of our Diploma programmes has been on your mind, this could be your moment to go for it. We offer five online Diploma courses designed to support jewellers at different stages, from beginners through to advanced makers: Diploma in Silver Jewellery Diploma in Fine Jewellery Advanced Jewellery Diploma Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Diploma in Wax Jewellery ✨ Explore the diplomas and find the one that's right for you: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas Connect with us: Instagram: @jewellersacademy Instagram: @annaccampbell If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the podcast and share it with a fellow jeweller 💛

April 27, 202641 min

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 give you clarity, reassurance and practical direction on what really matters. In this episode, you'll learn: Why building a jewellery business takes longer than you think (and why that's OK) How to manage overwhelm when you're doing everything yourself What it really means to price your jewellery for profit Why marketing - not just your designs - is key to making sales How trust and connection influence buying decisions Why photography and video are essential for growing your brand A simple approach to staying consistent without burning out Key moments from this episode 02:02 Welcome and introduction to the episode 04:05 1. Building a jewellery business takes time 08:30 Fine jewellery businesses often take even longer to grow 11:00 2. You do not have to do it all alone 15:00 3. Managing overwhelm as a jeweller and business owner 17:16 The 'one thing a day' approach 21:26 4. How to price your jewellery for profit 25:47 5. Why marketing is the key to selling jewellery 30:18 6. Jewellery is a trust and connection based business 34:25 7. Why photography and video matter so much 38:32 Final reflections on growing a jewellery business 39:02 The Jewellery Business Starter Kit 43:00 Free Starter Kit bonus with Diploma enrolment before 1st May 44:59 Final thoughts and outro Resources mentioned in this episode: Jewellery Business Starter Kit Jewellers Academy Diploma Programmes If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - it helps more jewellers find the podcast. Follow Jewellers Academy: Instagram: @jewellersacademy