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Jewellers Academy Podcast

Jewellers Academy Podcast

Hosted by Jessica Rose

BusinessEntrepreneurshipArtsInterviews guests
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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 10, 202636 min

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

August 3, 202642 min

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 the rest of her class. She explains how the freedom of her final year helped her find her creative direction, discover her love of wax carving and develop work inspired by the animals, landscapes and memories of her Northern Irish home. After returning from travelling in 2020, Kathryn decided to give her jewellery business a proper go. Her first TikTok video, showing the making of her cow ear tag earrings, reached around 1.3 million views. As her audience grew, orders began arriving from around the world, and redundancy from her retail job gave her the push to take the business full-time. Kathryn also shares the personal stories behind her sculptural animal nose rings, including the childhood dog who inspired the first design. She talks honestly about managing demand when collections began selling out, the pressure of limited restocks and how tariffs and changing customer behaviour led her to create a steadier and more sustainable way of selling. In this episode, you will learn: • How Kathryn found her way into jewellery making and developed her own creative style • Why wax carving became the central technique in her jewellery practice • How personal memories and life on the family farm inspire her designs • What happened when her first TikTok video reached 1.3 million views • How she managed growing demand and international jewellery orders • Why she moved away from limited restocks towards a more sustainable business model • What Kathryn learned from trying to outsource parts of her production • Why she continues to finish every piece of jewellery herself • How she has adapted to Brexit, US tariffs and rising precious metal prices • Why growing a successful jewellery business does not have to mean building a large team • Kathryn's advice for anyone considering training as a jeweller • The importance of recognising challenges, learning from them and celebrating the small wins Kathryn and Kelly also discuss product photography, creating social media content, winning awards at the Goldsmiths' Craftsmanship and Design Awards and Kathryn's ambition to take her jewellery to an international pop-up or exhibition.   Find Kathryn and her work https://kathrynreidjewellery.com/ @kathrynreidjewellery on Instagram and TikTok Learn jewellery making and grow your jewellery business with expert online courses, diplomas and support from Jewellers Academy at jewellersacademy.com.

July 27, 202652 min

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 gemstones, and why understanding the stones you work with can help you become a more confident jeweller. Marie also shares practical advice on sourcing gemstones, working with suppliers and building your knowledge throughout your jewellery career. If you're just beginning your jewellery journey or have years of experience, this episode is packed with insights you'll be able to apply to your own work. About Marie Chalmers Marie Chalmers is an award-winning gemmologist with over 20 years' experience in the jewellery industry. Through her business, Chalmers Gems, she specialises in responsibly sourced gemstones and diamonds while sharing her passion for gemmology through education and industry expertise. Find out more: https://chalmersgems.com/ About Jewellers Academy Jewellers Academy offers online jewellery making and jewellery business courses, from beginner workshops to one-year professional diplomas, helping jewellers develop their making skills and build successful creative businesses. Find out more at www.jewellersacademy.com.

July 20, 202636 min

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

July 13, 202631 min

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 organised, avoid burnout and maximise your sales. Jess covers: How to set a realistic Christmas sales goal How much jewellery you need to make to reach your target When to focus on making, photography, marketing and selling Simple ways to prepare your website and email marketing Why planning ahead leads to more sales and less stress Whether your goal is £3,000, £20,000 or even £100,000, the same principles apply. Start with a clear plan, work backwards from your sales target and give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your busiest season. Free Christmas Planning Resources Ready to put your own plan together? Enrol on our free 20K Christmas in Your Jewellery Business course to watch the video lessons and download your free Christmas Sales Planner. https://jewelleryschoolonline.teachable.com/p/how-to-have-a-20k-christmas-in-your-jewellery-business

July 6, 202633 min

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 develop those same professional skills. In this episode, Jess is joined by Anna Campbell to explore why Jewellers Academy created The Goldsmith Series with Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton, and how it offers a modern alternative to a traditional apprenticeship. They discuss what apprenticeships were really like, why repair skills are becoming increasingly valuable, how jewellers can build confidence at the bench and why learning how an experienced goldsmith thinks can be just as valuable as learning individual techniques. In this episode, you'll discover: What a traditional jewellery apprenticeship involves. Why apprenticeships aren't the right fit for everyone. The story behind The Goldsmith Series. How Michael Lynton's 60+ years of bench experience shaped the programme. Why jewellery repairs are such an important skill for modern jewellers. How The Goldsmith Series differs from project-based jewellery courses. Who the programme is designed for and what you can expect.   Learn more Find out more about The Goldsmith Series and learn directly from Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-goldsmith-series

June 29, 202657 min

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 through different channels to teaching workshops, affiliate partnerships, repairs, supporting other jewellers and making better use of the skills you already have, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you build a more resilient and sustainable business. Whether you're looking to reduce the pressure on jewellery sales, create additional income streams or simply spark some new ideas for your business, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the opportunities available to you. In this episode, we discuss: Different ways to sell your jewellery Teaching workshops and online courses Affiliate partnerships and brand collaborations Offering specialist services to other jewellers Repairs and remodelling Using your wider business skills Unlocking value from scrap metal, tools and equipment Finding income streams that fit your skills and interests   About Anna Campbell Anna Campbell has worked with the London Jewellery School and Jewellers Academy since 2012, helping thousands of jewellers develop both their making skills and their businesses. She has taught on many programmes, including the Jewellery Business Academy, and is the founder of Jewellery School Scotland, host of the Good Girl Rebellion podcast, co-host of the Full of Ourselves podcast and an international bestselling author.   About Kelly Twigg Kelly Twigg is the founder of Willow & Twigg Jewellery and a jewellery tutor at Jewellers Academy Brighton. Best known for her beautiful sea glass jewellery and practical educational content on social media, she enjoys sharing the tools, techniques and business lessons she's learned throughout her jewellery journey. Kelly is also the author of an upcoming book on making sea glass jewellery.

June 22, 202634 min

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 and repairing jewellery. Working across bespoke commissions, antique restoration and fine jewellery, he has built a remarkable career shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship and an extraordinary depth of technical knowledge. Together, Jess and Michael explore: • What it was like learning jewellery through traditional apprenticeship • How jewellery making and goldsmithing have changed over the decades • Why repair skills are becoming more valuable than ever • The techniques and ways of thinking that rarely make it into books • Why understanding metal matters as much as understanding design • How confidence is built at the bench • The importance of preserving jewellery skills for future generations Michael also shares stories from his career including creating bespoke tiaras, restoring antique pieces and the unexpected lessons learned from decades of problem-solving at the bench. If you already make jewellery and would love the opportunity to learn directly from Michael, The Goldsmith Series is now open for enrolment. This new online programme filmed with Michael brings together practical bench challenges, traditional goldsmithing techniques and over 60 years of experience in one unique learning experience. Find out more here: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-goldsmith-series

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

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