Breaking saw blades. Uneven filing. Solder that refuses to flow - if that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

These three skills are at the heart of jewellery making and when they feel difficult, everything else can feel harder too. But often it’s not about talent or having expensive tools. Small changes in setup, technique and understanding can make a huge difference.

In this Bench Tips session, Jessica Rose and Laura-Jayne Gray share practical advice to help you improve your sawing, filing and soldering, build confidence at the bench and create cleaner, more professional results. Because beautiful jewellery starts with strong foundations.

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The difference between the jewellers who progress and the jewellers who stay stuck isn't talent. Why do some jewellers seem to progress quickly while others stay stuck for years? In this episode, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell explore the real reasons jewellers struggle to move forward and why it has nothing to do with talent. From lack of momentum and staying in your comfort zone to fear of wasting materials, self-doubt and learning without support, they uncover the challenges that hold so many makers back. They also share practical ways to build confidence, develop your skills and create the conditions for long-term success, whether you're making jewellery as a hobby or building a jewellery business.

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From learning jewellery making during lockdown to opening her own jewellery shop on the Isle of Lewis, Alice Catherine shares her inspiring journey from complete beginner to full-time jeweller after completing the Diploma in Silver Jewellery.

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast , Alice talks honestly about funding her Diploma through jewellery sales, building a business from a tiny attic workshop, growing a loyal online audience and creating jewellery inspired by the Scottish coastline she now calls home. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice and proof of what is possible when you decide to start.

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Micro setting is one of the most beautiful and detail-focused areas of jewellery making. From diamond-set eternity rings to delicate halos and fine pavé surfaces, these techniques allow jewellers to create pieces filled with light, sparkle and precision..

In this guide, we’ll explore what micro setting is, the different types of micro settings commonly used in jewellery, the tools involved, and what jewellers should know before getting started.

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Starting a jewellery business later in life can feel daunting but Michaela’s story is proof that it’s never too late to start something creative. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Michaela shares how she went from office work and evening classes to studying the intensive Diploma in Silver Jewellery in Brighton and beginning to build her own jewellery business. Together, Jess and Michaela discuss learning jewellery making as an adult, building confidence creatively, studying in-person, stone setting, jewellery markets and the realities of starting from scratch.

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Micro setting can feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding jewellery skills to learn. In this Benchtips replay, jeweller and stone setter Iain Sainsbury shares practical advice on tools, microscopes, pave setting, gravers and how to build confidence setting small stones. Whether you’re curious about micro setting or ready to take your stone setting skills further, this session is packed with expert tips and encouragement. Discover how jewellers develop precision, patience and professional-level stone setting skills over time.

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Mitsuro Hikime is an ancient Japanese wax jewellery technique that is capturing the imagination of jewellers around the world. Known for its flowing organic textures and beautiful natural striations, the process combines handmade honey wax with an intuitive pulling technique to create completely unique jewellery pieces. In this guide, we explore what Mitsuro Hikime means, where the technique comes from, why jewellers are falling in love with it, and some of the key questions beginners often ask.

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Discover the ancient Japanese wax jewellery technique that jewellers everywhere are starting to fall in love with. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller and tutor Lorna Romanengi to explore Mitsuro Hikime - a unique process using handmade honey wax to create flowing organic textures and one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. They discuss the history of the technique, why it feels so freeing for contemporary makers, and how traditional craftsmanship can meet modern jewellery design. If you’re curious about wax carving, organic jewellery or learning new creative techniques, this episode is full of inspiration. It’s time to discover the beauty of Mitsuro Hikime.

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Stone setting can feel intimidating when you first begin, but it’s also one of the most exciting and rewarding jewellery skills to learn. In this free Jewellers Academy Benchtips Q&A, Jessica Rose and stone setting expert Anelia Kuprina answer your questions on bezel setting, claw setting, flush setting, stone setting in wax and more. They share practical advice for beginners, common mistakes to avoid and tips for building confidence at the bench. Whether you’re brand new to stone setting or exploring more advanced techniques, this session is packed with helpful guidance and inspiration for your jewellery journey.

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Whether you are thinking about joining a jewellery making course, starting a diploma, investing in business training or simply giving yourself permission to explore a creative interest, it is very normal for questions to come up. Is this the right time? Can I justify the money? Will I actually follow through? What if I’m not good enough? What if I should be spending that time or money on something else?

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by Anna Campbell to talk about why investing in yourself matters, why guilt so often appears when we do it, and how training, community and creativity can open up new possibilities in your jewellery journey.

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Starting a jewellery business is exciting, but it rarely grows as quickly as you expect. In this episode, Jessica Rose shares seven things she wishes she had known before starting — from managing overwhelm to pricing for profit. You’ll learn why marketing matters more than you think and how trust plays a key role in selling your work. It’s an honest, practical look at what it really takes to build a sustainable jewellery business. If you’re starting out or feeling stuck, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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Wax jewellery is one of the most exciting and creative ways to make jewellery. Whether you are completely new to the process or already experimenting with wax carving and lost wax casting, it opens up a huge range of design possibilities.

In this recent Jewellers Academy Benchtips session, Jessica Rose was joined by expert jeweller and tutor Jane Taylor to answer your questions about wax jewellery making. Together, they covered everything from how wax casting works, to choosing a caster, to avoiding common mistakes and building a jewellery collection from your wax designs.

If you have ever wondered how wax turns into silver, how much casting costs, or whether wax jewellery is right for beginners, this session is full of practical advice and encouragement.

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From Royal Navy officer to full-time jeweller, Kelly Twigg shares the real story behind building her jewellery business and the role learning has played in her growth. In this episode, she talks about completing the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, how it transformed both her technical skills and confidence, and why she chose to share her journey publicly through her popular “Diploma Diaries.” We also explore the power of community, the realities of learning as a self-employed jeweller, and what’s drawing her to the Diploma in Wax Jewellery next. If you’re thinking about developing your skills or taking the next step in your jewellery journey, this conversation is full of honest insight and inspiration..

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If you’ve been thinking about trying silver jewellery making but don’t know where to start, this guide shares a clear path from beginner to intermediate. Discover the essential skills you need, the first projects to try, and how to build your confidence step by step at home. With a limited-time 50% early bird offer available until 1at May, it’s the perfect time to get started and create your own silver jewellery.

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How can becoming more visible help grow your jewellery business? In this episode, Anna Campbell talks with Vicky Barclay of Silver Snail Jewellery about how the Jewellers Visibility Retreat supported her business journey. Vicky shares how discovering silver clay led to a new career path and how learning about photography, social media and marketing helped her move her business forward. It’s an inspiring conversation about creativity, confidence and building a jewellery business that works for you.

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