JewelFund is back for 2023, and this year we’re giving two jewellers £2000 and a mentoring package to help them grow their businesses. In this episode, Jess explains how the fund works and shares some tips for writing an application that stands out. She also shares some exciting updates about the future of the podcast, so make sure you follow the show on your favourite podcast platform to stay up to date! 

Episode Description:

• The JewelFund grant is back for 2023! (1:30)
• Exciting changes to the podcast are coming soon, so stay tuned (3:40)
• Who can apply for JewelFund? (4:56)
• Winners will receive £2000 and one-on-one mentoring with Jess (6:30)
• What should you include in your application? (8:20)
• Even if you don’t win, answering these questions can help you (12:52)
• Have a great summer, and we’ll talk to you again soon! (18:24)

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Do measurements and calculations give you a headache? We have an exciting resource for you! In this episode, Jess talks with Stelios Karantonas about his new app for ring sizing, wax measurements, alloy calculations, and more. Stelios explains how it works and why it’s so useful for jewellers. He even shares how you can win a free download of the app, so make sure to listen until the end! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with Stelios Karantonas about his new app for jewellers (1:14)
• Can you tell us about yourself and your background? (2:37)
• What inspired you to start the app? (5:45)
• Why is the app helpful for jewellers? (9:13)
• What are wax measurements used for? (11:37)
• How does the app help with alloy calculations? (16:32)
• Why is your app useful for mixing metal? (20:20)
• Where can we find the app? (24:33)
• How to win a free download of the app (26:54)

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Download the Stelar app

Stelios Karantonas Website

Email Jessica 

Email Stelios 

Hallmarking isn’t just a standard to follow, it’s a powerful way to promote your business and educate your customers about jewellery quality. In this episode, Marianne Wilson and Charlotte Turner return to the podcast to talk about this year’s HALO Award, which honours jewellers who are promoting hallmarking in creative ways. Marianne and Charlotte explain how you can apply for the HALO Award, share examples of past year’s winners, and talk about the benefits of hallmarking for you and your customers. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with Marianne Wilson and Charlotte Turner about hallmarking (1:14)
• What is the HALO Award, and why does it exist? (2:23)
• Can you explain why hallmarking is important? (6:55)
• How can independent jewellers promote hallmarking? (10:32)
• Why is hallmarking beneficial for jewellers? (18:21)
• How do you apply for the HALO Award? (24:40)
• Where to learn more about hallmarking (36:16)

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Apply for the HALO Award

Download the Digital Dealers Notice

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office Website (London)

British Hallmarking Council Website

NAJ Whistleblowing Line

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about pearls, where they come from, and how they’re graded, you’re in the right place! In this episode, Jess talks with Jeremy Shepherd, founder of Pearl Paradise and vice president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. Jeremy tells us why he’s so passionate about pearls, breaks down each of the different types of pearls, and explains how they’re priced. He also has a special offer for Jewellers Academy listeners, so make sure to listen to the full episode! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking about all things pearls with Jeremy Shepherd (1:14)
• How did you end up on this career path? (3:24)
• What are Freshwater Pearls? (10:48)
• Why are Akoya Pearls so popular? (14:49)
• How are pearls graded? (17:48)
• Can you tell us about your course for learning more about pearls? (23:16)
• What are Tahitian Pearls or black pearls? (28:05)
• Why are South Sea Pearls so rare? (37:19)
• How common are Conch Pearls? (41:24)
• How are pearls marked up? (42:35)
• What’s next for you? (46:34)

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Use Code JAPEARLS to take the Pearls as One Course for free

Cultured Pearl Association of America

Pearl Guide website

Pearl Paradise website

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

It’s much easier to run a business when you understand yourself and your motivations. In this episode, Anna C Campbell joins me to talk all things personality, focussing on the Four Tendencies theory from Gretchen Rubin. Anna explains the different tendencies - Upholder, Questioner, Rebel and Obliger and covers practical tips you can use to motivate yourself and play to your strengths in your jewellery business based on your personality type. You won’t want to miss this one! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking about how your personality impacts your business (1:19)
• Why is personality so interesting to you? (3:27)
• What is the four tendencies theory? (9:12)

1. The Upholder (11:34)
2. The Questioner (14:06)
3. The Rebel (15:22)
4. The Obliger (16:55)

• How can upholders play to their strengths and find balance? (21:40)
• What should questioners pay attention to when running a business? (27:19)
• How can rebels best motivate themselves in their businesses? (38:52)
• What are some strategies obligers can use to stay motivated? (46:30)
• We’re all unique, so the key is finding what works for you (55:12)

About Gretchen Rubin:The four tendency theory was created by Gretchen Rubin. Take her four tendencies quiz for free to find out your tendency https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/ To learn more about this theory do check out her excellent books, particularly Better than Before and the Four Tendencies https://gretchenrubin.com/books/ About Anna C Campbell: Anna is a Mindset and Business Coach working with women solopreneurs who are brilliant employees but stall out when working for themselves. www.annaccampbell.com @annaccampbell on Instagram

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Take the personality quiz

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Do you know your jeweller job description? Knowing what your job is (and what it isn’t) will help you stay focused while also taking care of yourself. In this episode, Jess leads us through an exercise in defining our job description as jewellery business owners, from setting our working hours to thinking about our customers to responding to challenges. No matter where you are in your business journey, this episode has something for you! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re going to do an exercise in writing our job descriptions (1:25)
• Give yourself permission to call yourself an entrepreneur (4:17)
• Identify the skills you’re bringing to the table (6:43)
• What do you currently expect of yourself? (8:28)
• What are your working hours? (11:13)
• 1. Take risks (12:35)
• 2. Be creative (19:01)
• 3. Obsess over your customer (23:23)
• 4. Look after yourself (26:57)
• 5. Take responsibility (30:47)
• 6. Bounce back from setbacks (34:33)
• 7. Ask for help (36:55)

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

It’s not too early to start planning for the holidays! In this episode, Jess walks through a mid-year review you can use to evaluate the first six months of 2023 and start preparing for the rest of the year. Whether you’re in your first year of business or you’re an experienced jewellery business owner, this episode has some excellent tools for reflection and planning. You won’t want to miss it! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking about actions you can take now to plan for the rest of the year (1:34)
• Ask yourself these questions to reflect on the past six months (2:55)
• Start thinking now about your goals for the rest of the year (7:35)
• Set a revenue goal, a marketing goal, and one soft goal (8:39)
• Determine what jewellery you want to sell for the holidays (13:19)
• Make a plan for ordering the materials, packaging, and supplies you’ll need (16:22)
• Decide how you want to handle hallmarking (18:47)
• Think through any upcoming fairs and events (20:37)
• Consider your photography and videography needs (23:03)
• Reach out to your wholesalers to finalize your holiday plans (24:57)
• Marketing best practices for jewellers (27:32)
• Start thinking about gift vouchers and other special offers (34:34)

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Download the mid-year review worksheet

Read our craft fair checklist

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Are you struggling to grow your Instagram account or finding it hard to come up with content ideas? This episode is for you! Social media coach Jo Treadwell — also known as “Social Jo” — is sharing all of her top tips for writing great Instagram captions, selling without being too “sales-y,” making the most of hashtags, and more. Listen in to get all your caption questions answered! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with social media coach and Instagram specialist Jo Treadwell
• How did you become a social media specialist? 
• It’s not about having the most followers, it’s about reaching the right people
• What are Instagram captions and why are they important?
• What elements should you include in an Instagram post? 
• How do you come up with interesting, effective captions? 
• How long should you make your captions? 
• What are some strategies for selling without being sales-y?
• Can you share some best practices for using hashtags? 
• How to learn more from Jo

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Follow Jo on Instagram

Social Jo Website

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

The art of selling doesn’t always come naturally to jewellers, but there are certain strategies you can learn to make your selling more effective. In this episode, Susannah Lovis shares some of her favourite questions to ask customers, tips for engaging with people in person and online, and more. Susannah is the owner of the vintage jewellery store Susannah Lovis Jewellers, and she has so many excellent insights to share! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with vintage jewellery specialist Susannah Lovis (1:34)
• How did you get interested in the jewellery business? (2:47)
• What’s the difference between antique and vintage? (9:59)
• Can you share some tips for selling jewellery? (13:00)
• What questions do you ask customers to help sell in person? (17:52)
• How do you approach selling online? (24:01)
• What have you learned while building your team? (27:36)
• What’s next for you and your business? (31:08)
• How have you grown your Instagram? (32:18)
• What are some of your favourite pieces to sell? (34:18)
• Where to find Susannah (36:55)

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Susannah’s Website

Follow Susannah on Instagram

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

The deadline for joining one of our jewellery diplomas is coming up next week, so don’t wait to sign up! In this episode, Jess provides an overview of each of the diploma programmes, what you can expect to learn, and where to go for more information. She also explains why these diplomas are so beneficial for jewellers and she shares some encouragement about the importance of investing in yourself.

Episode Description:

• Thank you to all of our podcast listeners! (1:45)
• This is the final week to sign up for a jewellery diploma (4:41)
• Why are the diploma programmes so beneficial? (7:30)
• Don’t let fear hold you back from investing in yourself (12:30)
• What is covered in the Diploma in Silver Jewellery? (13:42)
• What are the benefits of the Diploma in Fine Jewellery? (22:16)
• Why should you join the Advanced Jewellery Diploma? (29:16)
• What is the new Silver Metal Clay Diploma? (36:28)

Resources:

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Sign up for one of our diplomas

Join a silver jewellery diploma discovery call

Join a fine jewellery diploma discovery call

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook