If you haven’t used Argentium silver before, you’re missing out. In this episode, we talk with the inventor of Argentium silver himself, Peter Johns. Peter shares the fascinating story behind the creation of this material, and he answers some of our jewellers top questions about working with Argentium, sharing tips for soldering, fusing Argentium with gold, hardening, polishing, and much more. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’ll be talking with Peter Johns, the inventor of Argentium silver (1:25)
• How did you become a maker? (2:53)
• Why did you decide to invent this new material? (7:40)
• When was it ready to sell? (14:47)
• What are the benefits of using Argentium silver? (18:40)
• What is the difference between 925 and 940? (28:33)
• What is the best way to fuse Argentium with gold? (38:32)
• Can you share any tips for soldering Argentium? (40:17)
• Can you cast Argentium? (47:56)
• How do you recommend heat hardening? (50:49)
• What are your tips for polishing and finishing Argentium? (55:45)
• How to learn more about Argentium (1:00:37)

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”

Argentium Silver Website 

Argentium Guild Website

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Building trust and desire with your customers takes time, so now is the time to start marketing for Christmas! In this episode, Jessica breaks down her top tips for marketing your jewellery business via social media, email, and in-person networking. She shares some Instagram content ideas that work especially well for the holiday season, offers advice about discounts and promotions, and encourages listeners to get creative with their marketing. Wherever you are in your jewellery business journey, this episode has something for you! 

Episode Description:

• Thank you for buying and supporting the book! (1:41)
• Now is the time to start marketing for Christmas (4:06)
• What types of posts work well for this season? (9:30)
• Consider collaborating with other small business (10:58)
• Going live is a great way to connect with followers (12:02) 
• Start emailing your list, even if it’s small (13:59)
• Make a plan for the next six weeks (16:41)
• If you’re going to offer a deal, consider adding something rather than discounting (17:40)
• Don’t be afraid to get creative! (21:51)
• Try branching out to groups or events that can expand your network (24:34)
• Not sure where to start? Try this first. (28:30)
• Think about ways to make Black Friday work for your business (30:20)

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”

Learn More About the Handmade and Well Paid Campaign 

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

“Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business” is officially available, and in this episode, we’re giving you a behind the scenes look at the process of writing, designing, and printing this book. Emma René, the owner of Narratorium jewellery and the designer of this book, walks us through the process from start to finish and shares a sneak peek at some of the special features and topics covered in this book. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’ll talk with Emma René about the process of designing the new book (1:32)
• Can you tell us about your background as a jeweller, designer, and marketer? (3:19)
• Why did we decide to make a book? (8:01)
• What was your process for designing the book? (17:08)
• What’s your favourite part of the book? (25:26)
• What is the profit kit? (30:51)
• Can you tell us about the printing process? (35:17)

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”

Join Us for the Book Launch

Narratorium website

Follow Emma René on Instagram

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

You’ve probably heard stories of jewellers who’ve found success on TikTok, but if you’ve never posted before, getting started can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Jessica Irwin of Violet Moon Jewelry is telling us all about her experience with growing her business on TikTok. Jessica shares her top tips for jewelelrs who are new to the app, explains how she stays motivated and inspired, and shares some real-life examples of how posting on TikTok increased her sales. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’ll be talking with Jessica Irwin of Violet Moon Jewelry (1:16)
• How did you start making jewellery? (2:17) 
• When did you start posting on TikTok? (5:57)
• What types of content typically perform best for you on TikTok? (9:37)
• How does a viral video translate to business growth for you? (10:52)
• Do you enjoy creating content? (12:17)
• How often do you post? (14:20)
• What advice do you have for someone who’s just starting on TikTok? (16:24)
• How should TikTok content differ from Instagram? (19:15)
• Where do you get inspiration for your content creation? (22:34)
• What goals do you have for your TikTok? (25:59)
• How to connect with Jessica (29:34)

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”

Violet Moon Jewelry

Follow Violet Moon Jewelry on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

No matter what the economy is doing, you can build a thriving, successful jewellery business. In this episode, Jessica Rose and Community Manager Anna C Campbell share five important things to focus on in the midst of a financial crisis. They explain how our new book, “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business” can help you better understand your finances, find inspiration from other jewellers, and much more. Anna and Jessica also tell listeners about a special opportunity to get a free online course, so you won’t want to miss this episode! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’ll be talking with Anna C Campbell about building a resilient business (1:15)
• “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business” is out this week! (3:02)
• Order the book on Oct. 20 and get a free course on Money Mindset for Jewellers (3:59)
• It’s possible for jewellery businesses to thrive no matter what the economy is like (9:06)
• 1. Understand the finances in your jewellery business (11:55)
• 2. Find your focus (18:42)
• 3. Find your identity as a jeweller (25:03)
• 4. Find your customers (33:46)
• 5. Focus on growing your business (40:58)
• Why is community so important for jewellers? (45:10)

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”

Learn more about the Money Mindset for Jewellers course

Register for our book launch event! 

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

With so many places to buy jewellery supplies, it can feel overwhelming when you’re first starting out. In this episode, Jessica Rose shares a list of her favourite places to buy supplies, including everything from tools to gemstones to packaging. She also encourages you to join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group to find recommendations from other jewellers for suppliers in your part of the world. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’ll talk about Jessica’s favourite places to buy jewellery supplies (0:50)
• General Jewellery Making Supplies: Cooksongold (3:43)
• Tools: HS Walsh and Cousins UK (6:34)
• Metals: Palmer Metals (9:09)
• Gemstones: Kernowcraft, Wards Gemstones, The Curious Gem, Bellore, Shangri La Gems (10:18)
• Findings: International Craft (14:47)
• Beads: iBeads, Spoilt Rotten Beads, Beads Direct, Creative Bead Craft (15:32)
• Ethically Sourced Gemstones: Nineteen48 (18:07)
• Enamel: Vitrum Signum (19:11)
• Wires: Wires.co.uk (19:51)
• Resin: Resin8, House of Resin (21:15)
• Metal Clay: Metal Clay Ltd., Cool Tools (21:51)
• Packaging: West Pack, Tiny Box Co., Potters (22:55)
• Wax Casting: West 1 Castings, Just Castings, Black Arts Casting (24:16)
• Tell us about your favourite suppliers! (24:52) 

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group 

Find links to all of the suppliers mentioned on our resource page

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Clare Yuille realised that no one really teaches makers how to pitch themselves and their work to retailers, so she decided to do something about it. As the founder of Indie Retail Academy, Clare helps jewellers and other makers sell their work to independent stores. In this episode, Clare shares some of her top tips for building and managing relationships with retailers, advice for selling during the holidays, and more.  

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with Clare Yuille, founder of the Indie Retail Academy (0:50)
• Can you tell us about your background that inspired you to help makers? (2:25)
• What are your top tips for jewellers about managing relationships with retailers? (8:19)
• How can you help make sure your jewellery sells once it’s in the store? (16:34)
• When is the right time to get in touch with retailers? (21:03)
• What annoys retailers the most? (23:23)
• Who is your favourite supplier, and why? (28:48)
• How to learn more from Clare (31:59)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Indie Retail Academy Beginners Guides

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

If you want your jewellery business to grow, you need to commit to marketing it as consistently as you can. In this episode, jeweller Elin Horgan shares the strategies and routines that have helped her successfully market her business, without taking too much time away from the actual process of making. Elin is one of the featured case studies in Jessica’s book, “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business,” and she has so much valuable insight to offer! 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with jeweller and teacher Elin Horgan (0:50)
• How did you develop your marketing skills when building your business? (2:10)
• What does your marketing calendar include, and how often do you work on it? (6:17)
• Do you set marketing goals for yourself? (10:58)
• How do you deal with failure or low engagement? (14:09)
• Can you tell us about your content creation process? (17:23)
• How do you approach email marketing? (23:19)
• What is your number one marketing tip for other jewellers? (28:11)
• How to connect with Elin (30:01)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the book club Facebook group 

Sign up for the “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business” mailing list 

Follow Elin on Instagram

Elin Horgan’s website

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

Developing your signature style as a maker is a constantly evolving process. And sometimes, you may not even realise that you have a recognizable style until someone else points it out to you! This was the experience of Ange Benjamin, who is the owner of Ange B Designs and a featured case study in Jessica’s book, “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business.” In this episode, Ange describes her journey of figuring out her style, and she shares tips for rediscovering your inspiration when you feel stuck, making the things you love, and staying true to your brand while still trying new things. 

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with Ange Benjamin of Ange B Designs (0:50)
• How did you become a jeweller? (2:25)
• How has your style developed since you first started making jewellery? (5:17)
• Do you design jewellery with your customers in mind, or focus on what you like? (7:44)
• What do you do when you get stuck? (12:32)
• Can you tell us about your photography? (15:21)
• How has your community helped you identify your unique style? (18:44)
• How do you balance trying new things with staying true to your style? (22:34)
• Where to connect with Ange (24:45)
• What advice do you have for jewellers trying to discover their signature style? (25:32)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Join the book club Facebook group 

Sign up for the “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business” mailing list 

Ange B Designs website

Follow Ange on Instagram

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

You’ve seen her on television, and now she’s joining us on the podcast to talk about all things jewellery making! Nyanda Yekwai was a contestant on the BBC2 show “All That Glitters,” and in this episode, she shares some behind the scenes stories about what it was like to be on the show. Nyanda also describes her experience of becoming a jeweller and shares her best advice for anyone who’s just starting out in the business.

Episode Description:

• Today we’re talking with Nyanda Yekwai, a contestant on “All That Glitters” (0:50)
• How did you become a jeweller? (2:13)
• What was it like to start your business? (6:48)
• Where do you find inspiration for your work? (9:23)
• Can you tell us about your experience on the show? (11:05)
• Why did you decide to apply for the show? (17:03)
• How did you manage nerves and stress? (19:27)
• What’s one piece of advice you'd give to a newer jeweller? (21:54)
• Where to find Nyanda online (25:20)

Resources

Learn more about Jewellers Academy

Watch this episode on YouTube

Follow Nyanda on Instagram

Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook