Annie Osburn is an award-winning author featured in such publications as National Geographic Traveler, Southwest Art, and Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. Initially resistant to her talent as a writer, it seems the universe insisted she embrace it. After being introduced to an editor from the Santa Fe New Mexican, Annie kicked off an impressive career writing about local artists. Her first interview with a Santa Fe jeweler in the 1990s lit a creative fire she still feels to this day. In Season 6, Episode 3 of For the Love of Jewelers, Annie chats with co-hosts Mark Nelson and her daughter, Fiona Morrison, about her beginnings, career, and deep passion for jewelry and artistry.

To learn more about Annie and her work, visit annieosburn.com and weavingandforging.com.

In this episode, co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison are joined by Joshua Baca from Rio Grande’s Customization Team. Together, they explore every step of our custom casting service, from order placement to finishing and polishing. Plus, they share how we work with industry experts to make the CAD-to-delivery process seamless.

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Learn more about Rio Grande's custom casting services: https://www.riogrande.com/custom-casting-services/

In this episode of For the Love of Jewelers, co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison sit down with Albuquerque High School instructors Lisa Gillett and Eddie Donato. They explore the importance of educating the next generation of jewelers, discuss the comprehensive program they established at the high school, and describe how Rio for Schools supports their efforts. 

Sponsored by Friedrich Dick Files. Use Promo Code RIOFILES10 for 10% off all Friedrich Dick files through 1/31/25. 

Join co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison as they explore the art of polishing and share invaluable tips and tricks, diving into the best uses of specific Merard compounds. Then, Massachusetts-based jeweler, metalsmith, and art instructor at Metalwerx, Will Vanaria, joins the conversation to discuss his distinctive work, passion for using alternative materials in jewelry, and career.

Use code RioMerard to get 10% off all Merard products through 12/31/24.

Join co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison as they dive into the art of moving metal—comparing the efficiency of a Bonny Doon hydraulic press with the finesse of hand hammering. 

Then JJ Otero joins the conversation to share his story on trading a 20-year healthcare IT career to pursue his passion for jewelry. The episode wraps up with Mark and Fiona answering two listener questions submitted on YouTube, offering their expert advice on popular jewelry-making topics.

In this episode of For the Love of Jewelers, co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison explore the xTool F1 laser engraver and how powerfully versatile it is for jewelry artists. Then, they join Meaghan Young, a Rio for Schools instructor and founder of Crested Butte and Sedona Jewelry Schools, who shares insights into teaching and the importance of finding your own way. Plus, get tips on polishing, Dedeco® finishing tools, and maximizing efficiency with multiple mandrels. 

Tune in to the For the Love of Jewelers podcast for a captivating episode featuring Jacob Morgan, an award-winning Navajo silversmith, as he recounts his transformative experience in Bhutan. Jacob joins Michael McRae, founder of the Bhutan School of Metalsmithing Arts, and host Mark Nelson, Rio for Schools Education Coordinator, to discuss this incredible journey. Mark explains how he nominated Jacob as a guest instructor for the Bhutanese school, leading to Jacob's unique opportunity to teach his craft across the globe. Jacob shares heartfelt stories about his talented students, who amazed him with their rapid progress. He also delves into the unexpected discovery of ancestral cultural similarities between the Navajo and Bhutanese people, reflected in their dialect and sacred temples. One of the highlights of his trip was an unforgettable meeting with His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. Don’t miss this episode full of rich cultural exchanges and personal revelations.