Karissma Yve is the founder and CEO of Gildform, a startup that connects artists and designers with innovative technology, allowing them to take their concepts from sketch to finished piece in a streamlined process. Karissma has won numerous awards including “Best Idea for Growth” from the New Economy Initiative, “Best Pitch” from Google-sponsored Black Girl Ventures and “Best in Business.” Her involvement in the industry began over a decade ago when she started her own successful jewelry and lifestyle brand, Xenophora, in Detroit, MI. Running every facet of her business ultimately turned out to be unsustainable, and the idea for Gildform was born. Meet the visionary leader behind Xenophora and Gildform in this For the Love of Jewelers podcast episode as she shares her insights on connecting with makers, and the challenges and triumphs of breaking new ground.

Sam Alfano, certified master engraver, musician, photographer, instructor, author and watchmaking hobbyist demonstrates hand engraving and diamond setting techniques to students and enthusiasts around the world. Known for his intricate designs, precise details and flawless execution, Sam’s engravings—on guns, knives, jewelry and other metalwork—are found in museums including the Smithsonian Institute and private collections. Just as popular, his scrollwork is included on the packaging of hundreds of everyday products like Dove chocolates and was even on promotional materials for the Royal Wedding. Eager to pass on his knowledge and expert advice to the next generation of engravers, Sam laughs that every beginner should “jump in with both feet!” Tune in to this For the Love of Jewelers podcast episode to hear Courtney Gray’s exciting discussion with a world-renowned metal magician.

Jamie Schulze, director of operations for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) and enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, organizes the world’s largest Native American art show—the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market. The annual event—celebrating its centennial year in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2022—draws an international crowd interested in all facets of Native arts including pottery, dance, fashion, digital design and jewelry-making. Explore the history of the infamous Indian Market and its upcoming Native arts e-commerce platform, Indigenous Collections, in this For the Love of Jewelers podcast episode. Join host Courtney Gray and Jamie as they discuss meaningful partnerships, educational opportunities and highlighting the voices of so many different marginalized nations. 

Jennifer Markas is the executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) and the former sustainability reporting manager for Tiffany & Co. The 2016 recipient of the New York Business Journal Women of Influence Award, her career has spanned the financial, creative and nonprofit industries—including as founder of Damsels in Design. “I've never been a jeweler, but I'm so excited to be around other creative people. That's really what's been fueling my desire to be in this space for a really long time,” Jennifer says. Bringing energy and perspective to themes of diversity, sustainability and connection, Jennifer joins host Courtney Gray to share about opportunities offered by the WJA in this entertaining For the Love of Jewelers third season podcast premiere.

For many years, lapidarist Chris Gage was known as Mr. Holly Gage, of Gage Designs. A well-respected chef in his own right, Chris accompanied his award-winning wife—a certified metal clay instructor—around the country and world providing delicious meals at her workshops and local retreats. But three years ago, he suffered a trauma so intense that it altered the course of his life completely. “As horrible as the whole thing was, there is something to be gained from it,” Chris says. His positive attitude throughout an incredibly challenging ordeal allowed Chris to heal, both physically and mentally, and to begin anew creating a program helping others appreciate their own wounds. A delicate navigation of a life-altering experience, this For The Love of Jewelers podcast episode shares the pain of trauma, the love it exposes and a strong commitment to a life of opportunity and growth.

Award-winning jeweler and certified metal clay instructor Holly Gage of Gage Designs is an active conference speaker and respected author on jewelry technique. While her creative journey began at a young age, it wasn’t until mid-adulthood that Holly learned more about her dyslexia and how art helped her to find her voice and speak clearly. “[M]y creativity, visual, […] spatial strengths and problem-solving skills […] are the positive attributes; the flip side of dyslexia,” she says. Always facing life’s challenges head-on, a recent family trauma has channeled Holly’s designs in a new, brave and healing direction. In this intimate For the Love of Jewelers podcast episode, Holly shares her story of self-reflection and how she has learned to love herself, imperfections and all. 

Cause jeweler, writer and advocate for fair trade jewelry, Susan Wheeler is also the founder of the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference and the nonprofit Responsible Jewelry Transformative. Dedicated to working with certified and ethical supply chains—emphasizing a reduced impact on the environment and the safe working conditions for all jewelry employees—Susan invites us to learn more about the journey each treasured piece takes before it is placed in a customer’s hand. “It’s sometimes hard for us to remember that someone dug that out of the earth, that somebody else cut that […] so, it’s good to remember how precious these things are,” she says. Follow the path of responsible jewelry design with Susan Wheeler and host Courtney Gray in this enlightening For The Love of Jewelers podcast episode.

Bernd Stephan, a third-generation German gemstone manufacturer, shares the foundational story behind his family’s celebrated, international brand, Herbert Stephan KG. Having been taught the value of education and self-reliance by both his father and grandfather, who founded the company in 1932, Bernd studied English and French in order to communicate with his biggest customers and gain their trust. Almost a century later, Stephan’s manufacturing niche is in creating and producing products that are difficult to manufacture from a technological standpoint and scaling large demand to meet customer needs. Today, with Bernd at the helm, the company retains its family-feel while being globally recognized for ethically sourced stones, art nouveau cameos and consistent college rings. Travel overseas for a podcast journey devoted to family, community and the gemstones that make it all possible.

Scott Hardy comes from a strong lineage of ranchers. Following a childhood spent cowboying, shoeing horses and welding, Scott’s love of handiwork led to his tinkering in jewelry for bridle saddles and buckles, and even some early attempts at engraving. Yet it wasn’t until Scott was told, “Man, do you need help,” by one of his horse jewelry idols, that he began to appreciate the true dedication, skill and artistry involved in Western design. Four decades later, Scott Hardy is a renowned master silversmith, celebrated for his intricate filigree work, lifelike engravings and his dedication to preserving the tradition of Western jewelry techniques. The first silversmith to have his work featured on a Canadian stamp, Scott is an original founder of the Traditional Cowboys Arts Association (TCAA) and is showcased in museums around the globe. Saddle up for a podcast journey celebrating the artistry, tradition and future of Western design.

Like the fragmented pieces of early designs buried away in a shoebox, jeweler Corkie Bolton hid the pain of her youth behind the veneers of addiction. She sold off all of her jewelry-making tools to a support an addiction that concealed a hard-earned degree in metalsmithing from the Pratt Institute. But she kept her senior project, a mailbox with a personal inscription, I dreamed, laughed, worked, learned, yelled, cried, grew here. Today, the voice behind growing Instagram community Metalsmith Society, Corkie displays the mailbox above her studio bench as a reminder of how far she has come. Corkie joins host Courtney Gray to share her intimate path of addiction, sobriety, second chances, true love and the opportunity to open oneself up to dreaming once more.