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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do you dream of a more creative life? One where you get to wake up every morning and be excited to start your day?

Where you don’t dread Mondays anymore? Where you get to work with your hands and your creativity to create wearable art?

If the answer is yes, I have a brand new very exciting free training for you. Watch the replay now.

In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, we’re diving into all the exciting updates to our Diploma program. Join us as we explore the new projects, enhanced techniques, and fresh resources designed to take your jewellery-making skills to the next level.

We share insights on the journey from beginner to skilled jeweller, with a focus on mastering polishing, finishing, advanced stone setting, and finding making techniques. Plus, we highlight the importance of recycling silver and introduce brand-new projects, including the much-anticipated solitaire ring as well as sea glass jewellery.

You'll also hear more about the lifetime access students have to course materials, ongoing updates, and the powerful community support that makes the Diploma experience so special. If you're considering starting or growing your jewellery journey, this is your invitation to take the leap!

If you’ve ever wondered about who does our Diploma courses and what they go on to do with their jewellery career, check out this Meet the Diploma Graduates. With a jeweller getting accepted at prestigious fine jewellery events, a jeweller opening her own shop with teaching space and one whose Instagram following has passed 50k and who is now being sent tools to promote (the dream!) - this is an inspiring watch.

Thinking of learning jewellery making in person? Jewellers Academy Brighton is now open! Located on England’s south coast, we offer expert-led, in-person workshops seven days a week. Whether you're local or travelling from abroad, it’s worth the journey — with students already flying in from the USA and Vietnam for our Diploma course. Explore our Intensive Diploma, 5-day Intensives, Masterclasses, and more.