If you’ve ever wondered if the Diploma in Silver Jewellery could be the next step on your jewellery making journey, this episode is for you! Jess talks with two of the diploma’s mentors, Kim Thomson and Zoe Leavy, about 10 benefits you can experience by joining the diploma programme. Jess, Kim, and Zoe also share their own experiences with overcoming perfectionism, finding a creative outlet, and more. 

Episode Description:

Today we’re talking with Kim Thomson and Zoe Leavy about 10 benefits of joining the Diploma in Silver Jewellery  (1:07)

1. Grow your business (2:44)

2. Develop your making skills (5:45)

3. Carve out time to do something for yourself (10:02)

4. Build a solid foundation as a maker (14:32)

5. Learn what you do and don’t like (18:47)

6. Get support and accountability (27:23)

7. Make things you didn’t think you could possibly make (32:55)

8. Get tips from a broad spectrum of different jewellers (30:35)

9. Be part of a community of makers (41:30)

10. Push yourself out of your comfort zone (45:19)

How to get connected (53:46)

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”

Diploma in Silver Jewellery | Open Event

Diploma in Fine Jewellery | Open Event

Follow Kim on Instagram

Follow Zoe on Instagram

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Marketa Garne didn’t expect jewellery making to ever be more than a hobby, but when the pandemic hit, she had the opportunity to hone her skills through our online diploma programmes. In this episode, Marketa shares her story of falling in love with jewellery, overcoming fear and doubt, and developing her signature style. She also offers some advice for aspiring jewellers and explains how the Jewellers Academy helped her grow in her skills and confidence. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with Marketa Garne of Booblinka Jewellery (1:41)
• How did you get involved with jewellery making? (2:44)
• What inspired you to join one of the jewellery diplomas? (12:12)
• What was your experience like with the silver jewellery diploma? (17:05)
• When did you decide to start your business? (20:02)
• How have you overcome moments of fear and doubt? (24:57)
• Can you tell us about your experience with the Jewellers Retreat? (28:22)
• Why did you decide to continue with the fine jewellery diploma? (30:29)
• How has your signature style evolved? (35:09)
• What advice do you have for aspiring jewellers? (38:20)
• How to connect with Marketa (40:42)

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”

Diploma in Silver Jewellery | Open Event

Diploma in Fine Jewellery | Open Event

Watch The Jewellers Retreat

Follow Marketa on Instagram 

Booblinka Jewellery Website

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

With today’s episode, we’re kicking off our brand new course, “10 Days of Silver Jewellery Making.” Jessica walks us through the 10 pieces of jewellery you’ll make as part of this course, and she explains how you can get involved for free.  Jewellers at every skill and experience level are welcome! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re kicking off a brand-new course, 10 days of silver jewellery making (0:49)
• Here are the ten things we’ll be making during this course (2:19)
• Ready to learn more? Check out our diploma programmes (6:30)

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 the 10 Days of Silver Jewellery Making

Diploma in Silver Jewellery | Open Event

Diploma in Fine Jewellery | Open Event

Advanced Jewellery Diploma | Open Event

Jewellery Design and Business Diploma | Open Event

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Corrine Whillock is proof that it’s possible to grow a successful jewellery business from scratch, as she built her business to £30k in sales in just one year. In this episode, Corrine explains how the Jewellery Business Bootcamp helped her gain the confidence and knowledge she needed to invest in her business and start making sales. She also shares practical advice for other jewellers about overcoming fear, figuring out your pricing, and marketing your jewellery business. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with Corrine Whillock of Lulu and Boo Jewellery (1:33)
• How did you become a jeweller? (3:13)
• Why did you decide to join the Jewellery Business Bootcamp? (9:31)
• What areas of the bootcamp helped you the most? (11:37)
• Where did many of your sales come from? (17:05)
• How have you worked out your pricing? (23:14)
• Did you have any fear? What did you do to overcome it? (25:28)
• What’s next for you? (28:03)
• What advice do you have about making 2023 a great year? (32:33)
• Can you tell us about your jewellery? (35:47)
• How to connect with Corinne (40:07)

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 the 2023 Jewellery Business Bootcamp 

Follow Corinne on Instagram and Facebook

Lulu & Boo Jewellery website 

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Are you ready to test your knowledge and learn some fun facts about gemstones, the history of jewellery, and more? Join us for this special episode, where the Jewellers Academy team members — Jessica Rose, Barbara Yarde, Hayley Kruger, Kim Thomson, and Anna Campbell — quiz each other and you about all things jewellery. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re sharing a fun quiz about jewellery (1:19)
• What is a boulder opal? (3:08)
• What type of gemstone was included in the most expensive jewellery ever sold? (6:58)
• What was the codename for the first ever synthetic diamond? (12:56)
• What is badger balm used for in metal clay? (15:54)
• What number is higher, gross profit or net profit? (17:36)
• What material is the oldest jewellery found made from? (21:17)
• What were the bronzes returned by the Horniman Museum? (26:44)
• Which historical figure used to use peridot as eyeshadow? (30:45)
• Can you get gold metal clay? (33:52)
• Quickfire round (36:22)
• How to connect with the participants (49:39)

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”

Barbara Yarde Jewels website and Instagram

Hayley Kruger’s website, Instagram, and TikTok

Kim Thomson’s website and Instagram

Anna Campbell’s jewellery making classes and Instagram

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Procrastination is a natural part of running a creative business, but it doesn’t need to control you. In this episode, Patricia van den Akker explains why we procrastinate and shares practical tips for overcoming this habit. Patricia is the founder and director of The Design Trust, an online business school for designers and makers, and the creator of an annual planner designed specifically for creative business owners. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with Patrica van den Akker  of The Design Trust (1:20)
• What is procrastination, and how does it show up for jewellers? (2:00)
• How does ADHD play into procrastination? (7:57)
• Why are deadlines and time boundaries so important? (12:53)
• Why do we procrastinate? (16:58)
• How does stepping away from your work help you get more done? (22:14)
• What is the connection between procrastination and imposter syndrome? (26:28)
• How do you set mini goals? (30:01)
• How does perfectionism lead us to procrastinate? (35:23)
• What is the thrill of the last minute, and how do we overcome it? (38:58)
• How can the Design Trust planner help us stay organised? (50:21)

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”

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

The Design Trust diary

The Design Trust planner

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

If you’re interested in developing your signature style and diving deep into learning how to run a successful jewellery business, our new diploma programme is for you! In this episode, Jessica tells us all about the brand new jewellery design and business diploma. She talks through each week of the curriculum, describes the benefits you can access by enroling, and shares how you can find out more about each of our four diplomas. 

Episode Description:

• In this episode we’re introducing our brand new diploma programme (1:30)
• Year 1: Diploma in silver jewellery (2:57)
• Year 2: Diploma in fine jewellery (5:45)
• Year 3: Advanced jewellery diploma (6:28)
• Our brand new diploma: Jewellery design and business diploma (8:38)
• What to expect from the new curriculum (9:47)
• Added benefits for participants in the course (25:32)
• Final projects for the diploma (28:32)
• How to sign up (32:19)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Diploma in Silver Jewellery | Open Event

Diploma in Fine Jewellery | Open Event

Advanced Jewellery Diploma | Open Event

Jewellery Design and Business Diploma

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Whether you’re trying to come up with things to ask for for Christmas or you want to treat yourself to a special gift this year, this episode is for you! Jessica shares her top 10 recommendations for Christmas gifts that any jeweller will appreciate, along with specific examples of the products and tools she loves and where to find them. 

Episode Description:

• In this episode I’ll share 10 Christmas ideas for jewellers this year (1:34)
• 1. Rotary Tumbler (3:20)
• 2. Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business (5:48)
• 3. Vegan leather apron (6:57)
• 4. Pendant Motor (8:07)
• 5. Photo boards (10:03)
• 6. Electric wax carver (11:48)
• 7. DesignTrust business planner (14:02)
• 8. Kiln (15:20)
• 9. Saw (17:38)
• 10. Pegboards (19:19)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Products Mentioned in this Episode

Foredom Rotary Tumbler

“Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”

Wolf and Badger Vegan Leather Apron

Foredom Pendant Motor SR

Photo Boards

Foredom Electric Wax Carver

The DesignTrust Planner

Paragon SC2 Kiln

Green Lion Saw

IKEA Skadis Pegboard System

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Metal clay is an exciting material to work with, but it presents some unique challenges when it comes to making rings. In this episode, Jessica and Anna Campbell share a preview of our brand new course, “Ring Making in Metal Clay.” They explain how you can get a discounted rate on the course, and Anna breaks down her top five tips for making metal clay rings. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’ll be talking about our new course, “Ring Making in Metal Clay” (1:10)
• What excites you about working with metal clay? (2:57)
• Tip 1: Always use fresh clay when making a ring band (8:40)
• What are the three rings we make in the course? (11:39)
• Tip 2: Spend some extra time on the finishing and refining (14:05)
• Tip 3: Invest in a larger ring sizer (16:27)
• Tip 4: Use a food dehydrator to dry your ring before firing (21:59)
• Tip 5: Have a “kiln book” to track temperatures, sizes, etc. (25:07)
• What makes this course special? (29:17)

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 the Maker’s Membership to get access to all our courses

Enrol in our new course, “Ring Making in Metal Clay” Plastic Ring Sizer Wheatsheaf Ring Gauge

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Corkie Bolton knew from the time she was in high school that she wanted to be a jeweller. Today, she’s the founder of Corkie Bolton Jewelry, and of Metalsmith Society, a community where jewellers can ask questions and share their knowledge. In this episode, Corkie opens up about her journey to starting her businesses, and she shares some goals she hopes to achieve in the future. Corkie also gives us a preview of her brand new book, “Metalsmith Society’s Guide to Making Jewelry.” 

Episode Description:

• Today we’ll be talking with Corkie Bolton, founder of Metalsmith Society (1:06)
• How did you get involved in jewellery making? (2:43)
• What gave you the push to start your own business? (9:50)
• How did the Metalsmith Society start? (16:53)
• What are your brand pillars, and why are they so important to you? (24:30)
• How did your book come to be? (27:52)
• Can you tell us about your jewellery business and your goals for it? (36:27)
• How to connect with Corkie (43:15)

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”

Corkie Bolton Jewelry Website

Metalsmith Society Website

Follow Corkie on Instagram and TikTok

Preorder “Metalsmith Society's Guide To Making Jewelry”

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook