In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with branding expert Nicola McMillan, founder of NM Create, about the top five branding mistakes small businesses often make. From being too broad in your messaging to undervaluing professional design, they break down exactly what’s going wrong and how to fix it. Nicola shares practical tips on defining your ideal customer, creating a consistent visual identity, and building a brand story that resonates. Whether you're rebranding or starting fresh, this episode is a must-listen for building a strong, standout brand.

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In this week’s episode of the podcast, host Kim Thompson chats with Alice, founder of the Museum of Alternative Jewellery, about her love for bold, playful, and unconventional pieces. From shrink plastic to found objects and ‘toy jewellery’, they explore how alternative materials can carry deep meaning and spark creativity.

Tune in to hear how Alice celebrates overlooked styles, why value isn’t just about precious metals, and how you can find inspiration in the everyday.

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In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, jewellery designer Elin Horgan chats with creative director and beauty expert Naomi Lake about how to create stunning jewellery photography - whether you're DIY-ing it or working with a pro.

They cover how to plan a shoot, style on a budget, choose the right team, and capture images that truly sell your work. From mood boards to makeup, flat lays to editorial shots—this episode is packed with tips to help your jewellery shine online!

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Curious about what it’s really like to take one of our Jewellery Diplomas?

Meet some of our inspiring graduates and hear how the diploma programmes helped them grow their skills, confidence, and businesses:

Alice Cant completed the Silver Jewellery Diploma in 2022. She now runs her own studio shop on the Isle of Lewis and employs a team of three.

Kelly Twigg is currently studying the Silver Diploma. With over 50k Instagram followers, she's reviewing tools, building a thriving brand, and has just been approached to write a jewellery book.

Kate Seow is a graduate of both the Fine and Advanced Diplomas. Kate has exhibited her fine jewellery collection at Goldsmiths North - twice.

Emily Lisbeth. After completing both Fine and Advanced Diplomas, Emily is now confidently working in gold, pricing her pieces sustainably, and teaching jewellery workshops.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your jewellery practice to the next level, this video will show you what’s possible. Learn more about our Diploma courses and who knows, maybe one day you’ll be one of the inspiring stories we’re sharing.

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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.

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Have you ever asked yourself where your passion for jewellery could take you?

Whether it's opening your own shop, winning prestigious awards or creating meaningful work as a form of self-expression - ambition comes in many forms.

At Jewellers Academy, we’ve had the privilege of seeing our graduates turn their jewellery dreams into reality.

With enrolment for our jewellery diplomas closing on 13th June 2025, now is the time to consider what your next step could be.

To inspire you, we’re sharing the stories of graduates who have carved their own unique paths — from launching successful brands to exhibiting in world-class shows.

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When you're running a jewellery business, there are moments when the spark dims. You lose a bit of the magic, the motivation starts to wane, and you question whether you're really cut out for this. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

Jeweller Jessica Croft knows this feeling well. After years of self-teaching and building her jewellery business, she hit what she describes as a “stop gap” where she needed to decide whether to keep going or get ‘a real job’. That’s when she signed up for a Diploma with Jewellers Academy and has never looked back. Here are 5 reasons she recommends to Diploma to anyone ready to grow their jewellery making skills.

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One of the questions I get asked most often about our online Diploma courses is: What do I do if I get stuck?

This post addresses this fear covering why that happens a lot less than you would think (with an online course there’s no forgetting what to do next because you can rewind), the support you get to help you keep moving forwards and why our online Diploma courses have a 99% success rate.

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In this week’s inspiring episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess spoke with jewellery artist and tutor Risza Lopes de 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.

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When Niloo, a full-time IT engineer from Finland, decided to sign up for the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay with Jewellers Academy, she didn’t know just how much it would impact her creativity, confidence, and sense of achievement.

Now nearing the end of her Diploma journey, Niloo shares her top takeaways and advice for anyone considering enrolling - especially if you’re on the fence, wondering whether you’re ‘ready enough’ or ‘creative enough.’ Spoiler alert: you are.

Here are her top reasons to join the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay.

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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.

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I love both polishing and tools so I’m excited to share my top pendant motor attachments. You’ll love these for getting a great finish on your jewellery.

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Having a mentor is a game-changer for your growth, whether you are a complete beginner or you are an experienced goldsmith. It's your fast track to improving your skills.

One of the big benefits of the Diploma courses with Jewellers Academy is that you are assigned a mentor who will work with you one-on-one over Zoom. And they will assess your work and give you one-to-one constructive feedback.

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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 conversation covers the essentials for jewellers at all levels. You’ll learn why quality tools matter, how different finishes influence the final look, and what safety measures are crucial in your workspace. Whether you’re refining your skills or just getting started, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to enhance your jewellery-making journey.

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Silver metal clay might feel simple at first — soft, malleable, easy to shape.

But in the right hands, it becomes something extraordinary.

In this post, we’re sharing a few pieces created by tutors on the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay. These are artists who started where you are now - and now create work that’s exhibited, sold, collected, and loved.

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Artisan jeweller Kelly Twigg of Willow and Twigg Jewellery has been taking the Diploma in Silver Jewellery with us this year (2024/25) and sharing her journey weekly via her Instagram Diploma Diaries. We took the opportunity to ask her about why she chose the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, what her experience has been like and her tips for navigating the course successfully.

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If you’re curious about the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay, this video of our live open day offers an inside look at what the course has to offer.

Hosted by Anna Campbell (Community Manager and Tutor on the course), the panel includes mentors Vicky Ralph and Jo Richards, graduates Samantha and Julia and current student Niloo. Together, they share their experiences and insights about the Diploma journey exploring the course content, support on the course and the benefits of working with silver metal clay.

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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 entrepreneurship. You’ll learn why staying under the VAT threshold can benefit small businesses, how strong profit margins keep your business sustainable, and why continuous learning and creativity are key to long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode offers valuable advice, honest reflections, and encouragement for every step of the journey.

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