Jewellers Academy PodcastWELCOME TO THE JEWELLERS ACADEMY PODCAST
My name is Jessica Rose, a serial jewellery business owner and I founded the multi-award-winning London Jewellery School, Jewellers Academy and Jewellers Academy Brighton.
Having helped over 1 million people learn jewellery making, I passionately believe that anyone can have a successful business making and selling things they love.
Joined by my fabulous co-hosts jewellers Anna Campbell, Kelly Twigg, Iain Sainsbury and Elin Horgan, each week you'll hear tips, support and practical advice on how to launch and grow your jewellery or handmade business. as well as inspiring interviews.
If, like us, you believe that handmade is awesome then you're in the right place.
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podcast archive
Looking for past episodes? Use the archive buttons below to browse
340: Which Jewellery diploma is right for you? Exploring all five options
With Kelly Twigg
Thinking about taking your jewellery making skills further but not sure which course to choose? In this episode, Jess is joined by jewellery maker and Diploma student Kelly Twigg to explore all five Jewellers Academy Diplomas. From traditional silversmithing and fine jewellery to advanced techniques, wax carving and silver metal clay, they discuss what makes each programme different, who it's suitable for and what you could learn. Kelly also shares her experiences as a Diploma student and how her skills have developed, helping you decide which direction you'd like to explore next.
339: Feeling Stuck in your jewellery business? Here’s what helps
With Kelly Twigg and Iain Sainsbury
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your jewellery business? You're not alone. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Kelly Twig and Iain Sainsbury talk about the challenges of running a jewellery business and why having people to turn to for advice can make such a difference. They share their own experiences of juggling all the different parts of running a business, making decisions and trying to do everything at once. Hear how connecting with other jewellers, sharing ideas and getting support through business mentoring can help you feel more confident and make progress. Plus, find out how the Jewellery Business Academy brings jewellers together and what the new one-to-one mentoring option offers.
338: What if growing your jewellery business means doing less?
With Jessica Rose
What if growing your jewellery business isn't about working harder, but working smarter? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose looks at how to grow your jewellery business without adding more to your already long to do list. Hear how to identify what's working in your business, focus on your bestselling jewellery, improve your marketing and make better use of your time. Jess also shares why letting go of certain products and outsourcing tasks can help you grow your sales and build a more sustainable business. This is for you if you've got your jewellery business up and running and you're ready to grow, but you're not sure where to focus your energy next. Jess also invites you to her free masterclass, Your Roadmap to Growing a Jewellery Business, where she'll help you create a clear plan for your next stage of growth.
337: 3 reasons your jewellery business isn’t making a profit (and how to fix them)
With Jessica Rose
Are you making sales in your jewellery business but wondering where all the money has gone? Maybe your jewellery is selling well, you're building an audience and you're working harder than ever, but your bank balance isn’t reflecting all that effort.
If so, please know that you're not alone. It's something we see regularly with jewellers who are building their businesses, and it's something that Jessica Rose, founder of Jewellers Academy, experienced herself.
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess shares three of the most common reasons jewellery businesses struggle to make a profit, along with practical steps you can take to make your business more financially sustainable.
From pricing your handmade jewellery correctly to creating a marketing strategy that leads to sales and getting to grips with cash flow, this episode is packed with advice for anyone who wants to make a good living from their jewellery making.
Plus, find out how you can get free access to the Money Mindset for Jewellers course when you purchase a copy of Jess's book, Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business, before Christmas.
336: How Mentoring Can Help You Grow Your Jewellery Business
With Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell
Could business mentoring help you grow your jewellery business? In this week's episode, Jess is joined by Anna Campbell to explore how mentoring can help you gain clarity, build confidence and make progress towards your business goals. They discuss the value of having an experienced sounding board, spotting opportunities you might have missed and getting personalised advice from someone who understands the jewellery industry. They also share their own experiences of mentoring and why accountability and ongoing support can make such a difference. Plus, there's exciting news about a new year-long mentoring opportunity through the Jewellery Business Academy, offering personalised support to help you take your business forward in 2027.
335: How I Learnt Jewellery Making While Travelling the World
with Alison Powell
What does it take to learn jewellery making while travelling the world? In this episode, Jess chats with Alison Powell, who began her jewellery-making journey in Tanzania and has continued developing her skills while living in Lebanon and Venezuela. From packing tools into suitcases to completing projects around international flights, Alison has found ways to keep learning despite some unusual challenges, including a war and an earthquake! She shares how her jewellery-making skills and personal style have developed, why she struggled to call herself a 'real jeweller' and how she's preparing to launch her own business, Avila Jewellery Designs. They also discuss the importance of having a supportive community of fellow jewellers, wherever in the world you happen to be.
334: 10 Things I Learnt Launching My Own Jewellery Business
with Jessica Rose
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose shares what she has learnt from launching her own jewellery business, Jessica Rose Jewellery. From deciding what to make and building a cohesive collection to investing in materials, photography and a website, Jess talks openly about the practical realities of starting again. She also explores the self-doubt that can come with putting your work into the world and the importance of developing a style that feels like your own. Along the way, there were broken stones, design decisions, branding choices and plenty of lessons about keeping things simple. Jess also explains why launching your jewellery business is only the beginning, rather than the moment everything suddenly takes off. For anyone starting a jewellery business or preparing to launch your first collection, this episode is packed with useful, reassuring insights from the process.
How to Take Your Stone Setting Skills to the Next Level
With Iain Sainsbury
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and mentor Iain Sainsbury to explore how to take your stone setting skills to the next level. They talk through the three advanced stone setting Masterclasses, covering Decorative Collets, Fishtail Setting and Tiara Wedding Bands. Iain shares his experience of completing the courses himself and explains how the techniques have strengthened both his confidence and his jewellery making. They also discuss why advanced skills take practice, why getting things wrong is part of the learning process, and how repetition builds real technical ability.
332: BEHIND THE DIPLOMA DIARIES: LEARNING, MAKING AND SHARING THE REAL JEWELLERY JOURNEY
If you’ve ever learned a new jewellery-making skill, you’ll know the finished piece is only a tiny part of the story. In this episode, Jess is joined by Kelly Twigg to go behind the scenes of the Jewellers Academy Diploma Diaries and talk about what learning really looks like, including the mistakes, the experiments, the things that take a few goes and the moments when it all starts to click. They chat about why it can be so reassuring to see other jewellers learning too, how sharing your process can help people connect with your work, and why trying something outside your usual style can sometimes take you in a completely new direction. Kelly also shares what it’s like to be back as a student again on the new Wax Jewellery Diploma, and why she’s loving having the space to experiment, learn and make alongside a whole community of other jewellers.
331: Scared to show your face? How Lauren Gunning grew to nearly 30,000 Instagram followers
Scared to show your face on Instagram? Jewellery designer Lauren Gunning knows the feeling. In this episode, she shares how showing her personality helped her grow to nearly 30,000 followers. We explore finding confidence on camera and building connections through honest, imperfect content. Lauren reveals the pricing mistake that almost made her give up her jewellery career. She also shares how she transforms found sea glass into gems and builds her business around family life. An encouraging conversation about being yourself, valuing your work and giving your jewellery business a chance to grow.
330: How to Find the Story in Your Jewellery Business: What Journalists Actually Want to Hear
With Amanda Fitzgerald
What makes a jewellery business newsworthy? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell speaks to PR and visibility expert Amanda FitzGerald about finding the stories journalists want to hear. Discover how your personal journey, materials, creative process, customer stories and local connections can become compelling PR opportunities. Amanda also explains how to choose the right publication, write a concise press pitch and show why your story matters now. If you are launching a collection or building your profile, this episode will help you gain valuable press coverage and bring greater visibility to your jewellery business.
329: Back to the Bench: How to Ease Back Into Your Jewellery Business After Summer
With Jessica Rose
After a summer break, it can be tempting to come back to your jewellery business with a huge list and the feeling that you need to catch up on everything immediately.
In this episode, Jessica Rose shares simple ways to ease yourself back into work without becoming overwhelmed, from resetting your workspace and rebuilding your routine to choosing the priorities that really matter for the months ahead.
A practical reset to help you get back to your jewellery business and back to the bench.
328: What NOT to Spend Money on in Your Jewellery Business (and What to Invest in Instead)
With Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell
There are so many things you could spend money on when you’re starting or growing a jewellery business but which ones are actually worth it?
In this episode, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell share the investments they’d think twice about, from expensive magazine features and paid ads to huge amounts of stock, packaging and tools.
We also look at where your money can make a much bigger difference - from skills and capacity to useful business assets.
Growing your jewellery business isn’t about buying all the things; it’s about investing in the right things at the right stage.
327: Which craft fairs are fight for your jewellery? How to choose events worth your time and money
With Emma René
How do you know which craft fairs and selling events are right for your jewellery business?
In this episode, Jess is joined by jeweller and Narratorium founder Emma René to look at what makes an event worth your time and money.
They discuss why starting local can be a great way to build confidence and what to look for before you apply.
You’ll also hear why the right audience, price point and mix of makers can make such a difference to your experience.
Plus, Jess and Emma share ideas for finding less obvious selling opportunities and some of the UK jewellery and craft fairs to have on your radar.
326: How to build a jewellery collection that sells
With Kirsty Pruce
How do you turn individual jewellery designs into a collection that actually sells? In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Elin Horgan talks to fashion business consultant Kirsty Pruce about range planning for jewellers. Discover how to create a cohesive collection, choose the right mix of products and price points, use your sales data to decide what to make next and know when it’s time to retire older designs. Plus, find out why every piece in your jewellery collection needs a job to do.
324: What Every Jeweller Should Know About Gemstones
With Marie Chalmers
Gemstones are at the heart of so many jewellery designs, but how much do you really know about them? In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, gemmologist Marie Chalmers shares her expertise on everything from diamond grading and coloured gemstones to lab-grown and recycled stones. Whether you're looking to build your confidence, make more informed buying decisions or simply love learning about the fascinating world of gemmology, you'll come away with practical knowledge and a fresh appreciation for the stones we work with every day.
325: How Kathryn Reid Built a Jewellery Brand People Remember
Kathryn Reid’s first TikTok video reached 1.3 million views and helped turn her farm-inspired jewellery into a global business. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Kathryn joins Kelly Twigg to share how she found her way into jewellery making, discovered wax carving and created her distinctive animal nose rings. They talk about going viral, managing demand, building a loyal audience and adapting when tariffs and rising metal prices changed the business. Kathryn also explains why she still makes every piece herself and how the animals, stories and memories from her family farm continue to inspire her work.
323: How to Design a Jewellery Collection: From Inspiration to Finished Pieces
With Elin Horgan
How do successful jewellers develop collections that feel cohesive, recognisable and true to their style?
In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Anna Campbell is joined by jewellery designer and Jewellers Academy mentor Elin Horgan to explore the creative journey behind designing a collection. From finding inspiration and refining ideas to using CAD, professional photography and branding, Elin shares the practical process behind bringing jewellery from sketchbook to launch. If you're ready to develop your own signature style, this episode is full of inspiration and advice.
322: How to Have a £20K Christmas in Your Jewellery Business: Your 6-Month Sales Plan
With Jessica Rose
Christmas might feel a long way off, but now is the perfect time to start preparing if you want your strongest sales season yet. In this episode, Jessica Rose shares a simple six-month roadmap to help handmade jewellers plan, make, market and sell with confidence. Learn how to set realistic sales goals, create enough stock, market without overwhelm and maximise your Christmas sales while avoiding last-minute panic.
321: the modern alternative to a jewellery apprenticeship
With Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell
What does a traditional jewellery apprenticeship offer, and is there a modern alternative? In this episode, Jess is joined by Anna Campbell to explore how jewellers have traditionally learned their craft, why apprenticeships aren't accessible for everyone and how The Goldsmith Series brings the experience of learning from a Master Goldsmith online. They discuss repairs, bench skills, confidence and the opportunity to learn from over 60 years of professional goldsmithing experience with Michael Lynton.
320: how to diversify your income as a jeweller
With Anna Campbell and Kelly Twigg
If you're looking to build a more resilient jewellery business, diversifying your income can make all the difference. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Anna Campbell and Kelly Twigg explore practical ideas for diversifying your income and building a more sustainable business. From teaching and affiliate partnerships to repairs, specialist services and making the most of the skills you already have, discover how multiple income streams can help you build a more resilient and sustainable jewellery business.
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 shares stories from a remarkable career spanning Hatton Garden, antique restoration, bespoke commissions and decades of problem solving at the bench. Together they explore how jewellery techniques have evolved, what can be learned from traditional ways of working and why passing practical knowledge on to the next generation matters more than ever.
318: How to recycle your silver and why it’s an essential skill for every jeweller
With Mahroz Hekmati
With rising silver prices and a growing focus on sustainability, learning to recycle silver is becoming an increasingly valuable skill for jewellers. In this episode, Jewellers Academy tutor Mahroz Hekmati joins Jessica Rose to explore why reusing silver scrap matters, how jewellers can think differently about materials and why understanding the process can help you save money, reduce waste and build confidence at the bench.
317: Bonus episode: diploma in wax jewellery open day replay
With Jessica Rose
As a bonus episode, we’re sharing the replay of our Diploma in Wax Jewellery Open Day and inviting you to listen in. Discover the projects, techniques and stone setting skills included across the year and hear how the course is structured to support you from first ideas through to a finished collection. Jess also answers the questions asked live by prospective students about tools, casting, time commitment and whether the Diploma is right for them. Whether you’re new to wax or looking to expand your jewellery skills, this session offers a detailed look inside the programme. Listen in and imagine what you could create over the next year.
316: 10 reasons to join a jewellery diploma: what our students say after taking the leap
With Kelly Twigg
Thinking about joining a jewellery diploma but wondering if it’s the right step?
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose talks with jeweller Kelly Twigg to talk about what really happens when you commit to a year of learning. From improving technical skills and growing confidence to finding community, accountability and creative momentum, discover the ten reasons students say a Diploma transformed their jewellery journey.
315: Bonus episode: Listen in on our Diploma in Silver Jewellery Open Day
With Jessica Rose
Thinking about joining the Diploma in Silver Jewellery? You can listen to or watch the open day replay to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the course works, the projects and techniques you’ll learn throughout the year and the support available to help you stay motivated and achieve certification. We also answer questions asked live on the day, covering everything from fitting the Diploma around work and family life to tools, time commitment, mentoring and what to expect as you progress through the course.
314: The real reasons some jewellers progress and others stay stuck
With Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell
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.
313: Building a full time jewellery business after the diploma
With Alice Catherine
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 Jewellers Academy Diploma in Silver Jewellery.
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Alice talks 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.
312: starting a jewellery business later in life: michaela’ story
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.
311: What is Mitsuro Hikime? The ancient Japanese wax jewellery technique jewellers are falling in love with
With Lorna Romanengi
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.
310: 8 reasons to invest in yourself without guilt
With Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell
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.
309: 7 Things I wish I knew before starting a jewellery business
With Jessica Rose
Starting a jewellery business is exciting, creative and full of possibility but it can also feel overwhelming when you are trying to work out what to focus on first.
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose shares seven honest lessons from her own journey of building a jewellery business over the past 20 years. From pricing and marketing to managing overwhelm and building trust with customers, this episode is packed with practical advice for jewellers at every stage.
308: What I gained from the silver jewellery diploma (and why I’m doing wax next)
With Kelly Twigg
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.
307: how to start making silver jewellery at home in 2026 - new courses out now
With Laura Jayne
Jess is joined by tutor Laura-Jayne to share how beginners can start making silver jewellery at home with confidence. They explore the essential skills every jeweller needs, what to expect from your first projects, and how to progress from simple pieces like a pendant and ring to more advanced designs such as spinner rings and lentil beads. This episode offers practical guidance, reassurance and inspiration to help you get started.
306: Why it is essential to upskill as jeweller in 2026
with Emma René
If you are feeling stuck or ready for more in your jewellery journey, upskilling could be the key to moving forward in 2026. In this episode, jeweller Emma Rene shares how investing in her skills through the Diploma in Fine Jewellery has helped her build confidence, refine her craft and rethink the direction of her business. Discover why upskilling is becoming essential for jewellers today and how it can open up new possibilities for your work and your income.
305: Running a Fine Jewellery Business With the Rising Cost of Metals
with April Dace
In this episode, Jess is joined by fine jeweller April Dace to explore how to run a successful jewellery business in the face of rising gold and metal prices. April shares practical strategies for adapting your pricing, staying profitable and communicating confidently with clients, alongside a powerful reminder that fine jewellery is about far more than materials. Through her experience of building a bespoke, relationship-led business, she highlights the importance of trust, craftsmanship and customer experience, showing that with the right mindset and systems in place, it is absolutely possible to grow a thriving jewellery business even in a changing market.
304: How the Jewellers Visibility Retreat Helped Vicky Grow Her Jewellery Business
with Vicky Barclay
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.
303: New Projects for the Diploma in Fine Jewellery
with Anelia Kuprina
This week on the podcast Jess is joined by award-winning fine jeweller and mentor Anelia Kuprina to introduce new projects coming to the Diploma in Fine Jewellery. They discuss a refresh of the tennis bracelet project, designed to build advanced stone setting and construction skills. They also explore the updated totem pendant, which teaches collet settings for shaped stones including pear, princess and trillion cuts. Anelia shares tips for approaching complex jewellery projects with patience, precision and the right tools
302: the advantages of working in wax as a fine jeweller
with Jane Taylor
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by fine jeweller and tutor Jane Taylor to explore the advantages of working in wax. Jane shares how wax carving has played a key role in her 25-year jewellery career and why it remains an essential skill for fine jewellers. They discuss how wax allows jewellers to create sculptural designs, work with unique gemstones and develop a deeper understanding of stone setting. The conversation also highlights how wax models can help communicate bespoke designs to clients. If you want to expand your jewellery making skills and creative possibilities, this episode is full of inspiration.
301: Celebrating One Year of Jewellers Academy Brighton: 2,000 Students, 700 Classes, and a Growing Community
with Jessica Rose, Lisa Hagen, Ellinor Sixtensdotter and Mahroz Hekmati
Jewellers Academy Brighton is celebrating its first birthday, marking a full year since the studio opened its doors in the UK. In that time, the team have welcomed over 2,000 students from around the world and run more than 700 classes, from first-time beginner sessions to advanced stone setting, enamelling, and Diplomas.
300: everything is fixable: why metal clay changes the way you create
with Anna Campbell and Vicki Ralph
In the 300th episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell is joined by mentor and jewellery artist Vicki Ralph for a joyful deep dive into the world of silver metal clay. They share how they each discovered this versatile medium and why it felt like the perfect creative fit. You’ll learn what metal clay actually is, why it feels like modern alchemy, and how beginners can get started with minimal tools. They also discuss common challenges, favourite techniques and the magic of watching students grow in confidence through the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay. If you’ve ever been curious about metal clay, this episode will inspire you to jump in and give it a try.