How Jewellers Grow: Tools, Techniques & Truths from the Diploma Diaries (podcast episode)
Ever wondered what it’s really like to take a jewellery diploma? In this episode, host Jessica Rose sits down with this year’s Jewellers Academy Diploma Diarists - Tori Foster, Jane Taylor, and Emma René to talk about their experiences studying, teaching, and creating jewellery as part of the Jewellers Academy Diploma programs.
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The Diploma Diaries is an Instagram initiative where selected students and tutors share their year-long journeys with the wider jewellery-making community. This year’s diarists represent three different perspectives:
Tori Foster, a jewellery business owner and teacher from Yorkshire, is taking on her fourth diploma, this time in Silver Metal Clay. She shares what it’s like starting new projects, finding inspiration, and staying motivated week by week.
Follow Tori on Instagram @torifosterjewellery
Jane Taylor, a jeweller and tutor since 2001, gives us the inside scoop on the Fine Jewellery Diploma from a mentor’s perspective. She opens up about experimenting with new techniques, sharing failures as well as wins, and why pushing yourself creatively is so valuable.
Follow Jane on Instagram @jewelledgodalming
Emma René, founder of Narratorium and part of the Jewelers Academy team, reveals how she balances family life, work, and study while diving deep into the Fine Jewellery diploma. She talks about time management, filming her progress, and why embracing mistakes can be as powerful as celebrating success.
Follow Emma on Instagram @narratorium
And make sure you're following @jewellersacademy as we will be sharing them too!
Together, they explore the joys and challenges of jewellery-making education - from learning complex settings and techniques to overcoming setbacks, managing time, and putting themselves out there online. Their stories remind us that becoming a jeweller is about progress, not perfection.
If you’ve ever thought about joining a Jewellery Diploma Program, want tips on tools, techniques, and study hacks, or simply love hearing about the creative process behind the bench, this episode will give you inspiration, encouragement, and plenty of real-world insights.
Don’t forget to follow the Diploma Diaries on Instagram and join the conversation with #JADiplomaDiaries to see their projects come to life.
Diplomas
Interested in learning jewellery making with one of our online Diploma courses? Learning that is flexible and fits around your schedule? We have four Diplomas to choose from from beginner to advanced silver and goldsmiths.
Take the free quiz to find out which Diploma is for you:
Learn more about the Diploma courses:
About Tori
Tori Foster creates jewellery inspired by the beauty of nature and the magic of the night sky. Her pieces blend delicate designs with celestial touches, using natural textures and gemstones. Working from her studio in East Yorkshire, Tori crafts meaningful, wearable treasures and runs workshops, helping others discover the joy of making their own jewellery and exploring their creativity.
LINKS
Website - https://www.torifosterjewellery.com/
Instagram - @torifosterjewellery
About Jane
Jane specialises in bespoke handmade jewellery, working with client commissions and one-off pieces with beautiful gemstones. She ran her own shop Taylormade, a in Godalming High Street for nearly 20 years and has since moved to a studio in Surrey, creating her pieces and teaching in-person classes. Her work is available from the Jewelled Boutique in Hambledon as well as online. Jane is a mentor on our Advanced Diploma course and is also one of the tutors at Jewellers Academy Brighton.
Website: https://jewelled.co.uk/
Instagram: @jewelledgodalming
About Emma
Emma René is an award winning Art Director who's had a long career in advertising. Having taken time out to raise a family, she now works part-time as Digital Marketing Coordinator for Jewellers Academy and also runs her own jewellery label, Narratorium. She has a wealth of experience in graphic design, branding, advertising and marketing as well as experience in running her own handmade jewellery business.
Emma’s website www.narratorium.co.uk
Instagram @narratorium
Your next listen
My First Term on the Silver Jewellery Diploma with Kelly twigg
The original Diploma Diarist - Kelly Twigg shares her journey from a part-time jewellery hobbyist to a dedicated jeweller enrolled in the Jewellers Academy diploma program. She discusses her initial experiences with jewellery making, the transition to self-employment, and the importance of learning new techniques to grow her business. Kelly highlights the supportive community within the diploma program, the various projects she has undertaken, and how the experience has reignited her creativity. She also emphasizes the value of sharing her journey through the Diploma Diaries, connecting with others, and the challenges and triumphs of being a jeweller.