In this inspiring episode, Jess spoke with jewellery artist and tutor Risza Lopes da 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.

Discover how she navigated the challenges of starting over in a new country, overcame imposter syndrome, and transformed her passion into a profession through the structured support of Jewellers Academy’s Diploma programs. Now a tutor herself, Risza opens up about the emotional depth behind her designs, the joy of teaching, and her mission to bring global attention to East Timor through jewellery.

Whether you're an aspiring maker or a creative soul in need of motivation, Risza’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance, purpose, and investing in your craft.

Online Diploma courses with Jewellers Academy https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas

(Enrolment for the online Diplomas closes on 13th June 2025)

https://www.jewellersacademybrighton.com/

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.

Niloo shares how the creative freedom of metal clay, the structure of the diploma course, and the supportive online community helped her reignite her artistic spark. From her love of nature-inspired botanical projects to her goals of turning her hobby into a jewellery business, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight for anyone considering learning jewellery making.

Anna and Niloo explore the value of mentorship, the importance of deadlines for momentum, and how having access to tools, expert feedback, and lifetime video content makes all the difference. If you're curious about metal clay, love the idea of working flexibly around a busy schedule, or want a peek behind the scenes of our diploma experience, this episode is for you!

About Niloo

Hi, I’m Niloo - I studied computer science and worked in tech for a few years, but deep down, I always loved art and making things by hand.

One day, I finally listened to that little voice inside and signed up for the Metal Clay Diploma at Jewellers Academy.

Now I’m in Term 3, totally in love with this material, and honestly… I’ve never been happier! The future feels bright — and full of silver!

Follow Niloo on Instagram @nilooartisanjewellery to see her beautiful work and creative progress.

Diploma in Silver Metal Clay

If you’re inspired by Niloo’s journey and intrigued by metal clay, check out the one year online Diploma in Silver Metal Clay. Suitable for beginners or those with some experience, this course takes you quickly from beginner level to metal clay artist.

Enrolment is open until 13th June 2025. Kits are available until 31st May 2025 (our friends at Metal Clay Ltd have set this deadline in order to make up the kits and ship them before the course starts in September).

Here are some useful links:

FREE 5 Days of Silver Metal Clay online course

Learn more about the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay

Tools and materials list

Book a no-obligation discovery call

Ready to enrol? Here is the payment page

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell sits down with diploma graduate and full-time jeweller Jessica Croft of Homebird Jewellery to reflect on her incredible 11-year journey in the world of jewellery making.

Jess shares how the Jewellers Academy Diplomas reignited her creative spark, helped her build technical skills, and gave her the confidence to fully embrace her identity as a jeweller. From silverwork to metal clay, we explore the power of incremental learning, mindset shifts, and the value of community in transforming your jewellery journey.

Whether you're just starting out or deep into your jewellery business, this episode is filled with honest insights about the learning process, the emotional rollercoaster of creativity, and what it really takes to grow into the role of a confident, thriving maker.

Online Jewellery Diplomas

As discussed in this week's episode, Jess has taken three Diplomas with Jewellers Academy.

Year 1 - Diploma in Silver Jewellery

Year 2 - Diploma in Fine Jewellery

Year 3 - Advanced Jewellery Diploma

She will also be starting the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay in September 2025.

You can find out more about the courses below. The next intake starts in September 2025 and we will close for enrolment on 13th June 2025. There are currently limited tools and materials kits available

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

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.

Key takeaways:

• Finishing is a skill developed over time with experimentation and care.

• High-quality files and tools make a noticeable difference.

• Hand polishing often offers more control and better results than machine polishing.

• Choosing the right finish is a creative decision that shapes your piece’s identity.

• Proper magnification can help achieve a flawless result.

• Patience is essential—rushing the process rarely ends well.

• Safety in the workshop should always come first.

If you’d love to really hone your polishing skills and take your jewellery to the next level, check out our brand new course:

This course is designed to cover finishes, techniques and tools for upping your polishing game.

Covering

Filing - The finish you get on your jewellery starts with the fundamentals. Learn how to use different files to prepare your metal for polishing.

Finishes - There are so many amazing finishes you can achieve for your jewellery and each gives a very different look to the same piece. Learn how to achieve a mirror finish, a satin finish and a frosted finish on your jewellery creations.

Polishing gemstone set jewellery - Get tips on how to polish your gemstone jewellery so the jewellery shines as bright as the stones.

Tips for cleaning up wax casting

Polishing tools - There are lots of tools you can use for polishing. You don’t need them all! This course gives you a run down of the most popular tools and how to use them including:

• pendant motor with 3M radial disks, split pin mandrels, burrs and polishing mops

• barrel polisher/tumbler

• bench polisher

• ultrasonic jewellery cleaner

This course is currently available with 50% off in our launch sale, but only until Wed 28th May 2025 so don’t wait!

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/polishing-and-finishing

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

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.

Key takeaways:

• Why financial management is the backbone of a sustainable business

• The power of having a reliable bestseller

• How community, creativity, and training fuel business growth

• What to expect when transitioning from a day job to running your own jewellery business

If you’d like to know more about this, I’d love you to join me for a FREE online webinar:

I am going into more detail about the steps to take and the milestone moments.

When? Monday 19th May 2025 at 8pm (BST) UK time.

Click the link below and add your email address to ensure you get all the details you need to join me live.

https://mailchi.mp/0a127274479d/10-steps-to-building-a-jewellery-business-you-can-leave-your-job-for

Whether you currently make jewellery for a hobby, sell it as a side hustle or have an established business that you want to scale up - the dream of making your passion your full-time job IS achievable and I will explain exactly how.

I can’t wait.

With love

Jess x

I hope you can join me live but if not, do still register in order to receive the replay.

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with jeweller and shop owner Tori Foster to talk about the real journey of opening a jewellery shop — the trials, the joys, and everything in between. Tori shares how she made the leap from maker to shop owner, revealing the ten things no one tells you about setting up and running a jewellery store.

From learning that things won’t always go to plan to discovering the hidden benefits of having a creative haven, Tori offers insights for any jeweller dreaming of their own space. The conversation covers practical tips like researching local funding, navigating hidden costs, and dealing with the public — as well as the unexpected opportunities that come from having a shopfront, from commissions to community connections.

Whether you’re dreaming of a bricks-and-mortar shop or just curious about the behind-the-scenes reality, this episode is packed with lessons, encouragement, and honest reflections to help you take your next big step.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Why it never goes exactly to plan — and why that’s OK

• Local funding opportunities and how to prepare

• The hidden costs of shop ownership

• What it’s really like working with the public

• Why investing in yourself matters

• How set hours and a creative space can transform your work

• The unexpected perks of having a customer-facing workshop

 And much more.

About Tori Foster

Diploma graduate Tori Foster creates jewellery inspired by the beauty of nature and the magic of the night sky. Her pieces blend delicate designs with celestial touches, using natural textures and gemstones. Working from her studio in East Yorkshire, Tori crafts meaningful, wearable treasures and runs workshops, helping others discover the joy of making their own jewellery and exploring their creativity.

Online Jewellery Diploma Courses

As discussed in this weeks episode, Tori has taken three Diplomas with Jewellers Academy.

Year 1 - Diploma in Silver Jewellery

Year 2 - Diploma in Fine Jewellery

Year 3 - Advanced Jewellery Diploma

You can find out more about the courses below. The next intake starts in September 2025 and we will close for enrolment in June.

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

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!

Check out our online Jewellery Diplomas

Which Diploma is Right For Me? Take our 2 minute quiz

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Kim Thomson talks with goldsmith and educator Iris, whose unique journey through jewellery and cultural sciences has shaped two distinct jewellery brands and a passion for teaching. Iris shares how her creatively rich upbringing and formal training led her to a multifaceted career, balancing bespoke design with a commercial line, all while running hands-on workshops for aspiring makers. Covering the art of jewellery making, the value of continuous learning, and how the Jewellers Academy Silver Diploma helped Iris refine her skills and grow in confidence. This is an episode packed with wisdom, tips and inspiration.

Iris has completed our Diploma in Silver Jewellery and is currently completing the Diploma in Fine Jewellery. Find out more about all of our Diploma courses

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

About Iris

In 2018, Iris Van Steenwinckel launched her jewellery brand, Iris Van Steenwinckel – Contemporary Jewellery, debuting with a collection inspired by her graduation project. Blending historic artworks and traditional jewellery techniques with a sleek, modern aesthetic, her early designs continue to influence her work today. Since then, her business has evolved to include one-day jewellery courses for beginners and a more accessible, commercial line called Nua Nua Jewellery. Juggling two brands and teaching means every day is full of creative variety—but never enough hours. Iris dreams of opening her own gallery, shop, and workshop space, where she can share her passion for jewellery with an even wider community.

LINKS

https://www.irisvansteenwinckel.be/

https://www.nuanua.be/

https://www.instagram.com/irisvansteenwinckel/

https://www.instagram.com/nuanuajewellery/

https://www.facebook.com/irisvansteenwinckelcontemporaryjewellery/  

https://www.facebook.com/NuaNuaJewellery/

In this special episode, Jessica Rose shares the exciting news about the opening of our brand-new sister school, Jewellers Academy Brighton. Located on the stunning south coast of England, this state-of-the-art jewellery training centre is now open for in-person workshops seven days a week.

Whether you're based in the UK or abroad, this could be your opportunity to take your jewellery skills to the next level while investing in your business and yourself. With students already enrolling from the USA and Vietnam, this world-class training centre is quickly becoming a global destination for jewellers ready to learn, grow, and connect.

Jessica, Anna Campbell and Sam Hudson talk through what’s on offer in 2025, including our popular 5-Day Intensives, Masterclasses, and our intensive Diploma courses designed with travelling makers in mind. Plus, discover why Brighton is the perfect creative coastal city to host your next jewellery adventure—and how it might be more accessible (and affordable) than you think.

Want to explore the courses mentioned? Here are the links

Diploma in Silver Jewellery - Summer Intensive 

Silver Jewellery - 5 Day Intensive

Stone Setting - 5 day Intensive

Tiara Wedding Ring Masterclass with April Dace

Halo Set Ring Masterclass with Scott McIntyre

Private Tuition

Jewellers Academy Brighton

Jewellers Academy

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, jeweller and tutor April Dace dives into the art and precision behind her Tiara Wedding Ring masterclass. With over a decade of experience in fine jewellery, April shares invaluable insights into bespoke design, stone setting, and how to craft bands that perfectly frame existing rings. From sketching with accuracy to selecting the right jewelry tools, she covers the must-know techniques and pricing strategies that help elevate both your work and your business. Whether you're new to jewellery making or deep into your journey, this episode is packed with practical advice on client communication, intuitive design, and growing your skills with confidence.

Fancy learning from April? Check out the Tiara Wedding Ring Masterclass https://www.jewellersacademy.com/tiara-wedding-ring

Save now with the Masterclass Bundle https://www.jewellersacademy.com/masterclass-bundle

Learn more about April Dace https://www.aprildacejewellery.com/

Follow April on Instagram @aprildacejewellery

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook