Christmas might still feel a long way off, but if you want your best sales season yet, now is the time to start preparing.

In this episode, Jessica Rose shares a practical six-month plan to help handmade jewellers build towards a successful Christmas. Rather than trying to make, market and sell everything at once, you'll learn how to spread the workload across the coming months so you can stay organised, avoid burnout and maximise your sales.

Jess covers:

• How to set a realistic Christmas sales goal
• How much jewellery you need to make to reach your target
• When to focus on making, photography, marketing and selling
• Simple ways to prepare your website and email marketing
• Why planning ahead leads to more sales and less stress

Whether your goal is £3,000, £20,000 or even £100,000, the same principles apply. Start with a clear plan, work backwards from your sales target and give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your busiest season.

Free Christmas Planning Resources

Ready to put your own plan together? Enrol on our free 20K Christmas in Your Jewellery Business course to watch the video lessons and download your free Christmas Sales Planner.

https://jewelleryschoolonline.teachable.com/p/how-to-have-a-20k-christmas-in-your-jewellery-business

What does it really mean to train as a goldsmith today?

For generations, the traditional route into the jewellery industry was through an apprenticeship, spending years alongside an experienced goldsmith, learning techniques, repairs and bench skills through observation and practice. But apprenticeships aren't always accessible, and many jewellers today are looking for a more flexible way to develop those same professional skills.

In this episode, Jess is joined by Anna Campbell to explore why Jewellers Academy created The Goldsmith Series with Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton, and how it offers a modern alternative to a traditional apprenticeship.

They discuss what apprenticeships were really like, why repair skills are becoming increasingly valuable, how jewellers can build confidence at the bench and why learning how an experienced goldsmith thinks can be just as valuable as learning individual techniques.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What a traditional jewellery apprenticeship involves.
• Why apprenticeships aren't the right fit for everyone.
• The story behind The Goldsmith Series.
• How Michael Lynton's 60+ years of bench experience shaped the programme.
• Why jewellery repairs are such an important skill for modern jewellers.
• How The Goldsmith Series differs from project-based jewellery courses.
• Who the programme is designed for and what you can expect.

Learn more

Find out more about The Goldsmith Series and learn directly from Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton:

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-goldsmith-series

If you're relying solely on selling your jewellery, you're not alone. But it doesn't have to be the only way to build a successful jewellery business.

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell is joined by jeweller, tutor and author Kelly Twigg to explore the many ways jewellers can diversify their income while staying true to the craft they love.

From selling jewellery through different channels to teaching workshops, affiliate partnerships, repairs, supporting other jewellers and making better use of the skills you already have, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you build a more resilient and sustainable business.

Whether you're looking to reduce the pressure on jewellery sales, create additional income streams or simply spark some new ideas for your business, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the opportunities available to you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Different ways to sell your jewellery

• Teaching workshops and online courses

• Affiliate partnerships and brand collaborations

• Offering specialist services to other jewellers

• Repairs and remodelling

• Using your wider business skills

• Unlocking value from scrap metal, tools and equipment

• Finding income streams that fit your skills and interests

About Anna Campbell

Anna Campbell has worked with the London Jewellery School and Jewellers Academy since 2012, helping thousands of jewellers develop both their making skills and their businesses. She has taught on many programmes, including the Jewellery Business Academy, and is the founder of Jewellery School Scotland, host of the Good Girl Rebellion podcast, co-host of the Full of Ourselves podcast and an international bestselling author.

About Kelly Twigg

Kelly Twigg is the founder of Willow & Twigg Jewellery and a jewellery tutor at Jewellers Academy Brighton. Best known for her beautiful sea glass jewellery and practical educational content on social media, she enjoys sharing the tools, techniques and business lessons she's learned throughout her jewellery journey. Kelly is also the author of an upcoming book on making sea glass jewellery.

What happens when you spend over 60 years at the bench?

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton about traditional apprenticeship, jewellery repair, craftsmanship and the skills he believes every jeweller should experience before they disappear.

Michael began his jewellery career in 1964 and has spent more than six decades making, restoring and repairing jewellery. Working across bespoke commissions, antique restoration and fine jewellery, he has built a remarkable career shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship and an extraordinary depth of technical knowledge.

Together, Jess and Michael explore:

• What it was like learning jewellery through traditional apprenticeship • How jewellery making and goldsmithing have changed over the decades • Why repair skills are becoming more valuable than ever • The techniques and ways of thinking that rarely make it into books • Why understanding metal matters as much as understanding design • How confidence is built at the bench • The importance of preserving jewellery skills for future generations

Michael also shares stories from his career including creating bespoke tiaras, restoring antique pieces and the unexpected lessons learned from decades of problem-solving at the bench.

If you already make jewellery and would love the opportunity to learn directly from Michael, The Goldsmith Series is now open for enrolment.

This new online programme filmed with Michael brings together practical bench challenges, traditional goldsmithing techniques and over 60 years of experience in one unique learning experience.

Find out more here: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-goldsmith-series

What happens to all those tiny pieces of silver left behind when you're making jewellery?

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller and Jewellers Academy tutor Mahroz Hekmati to talk about one of the most valuable workshop skills a jeweller can develop: learning to recycle silver scrap.

With rising metal prices and increasing awareness around sustainability, understanding how to reuse silver has never felt more relevant. Mahroz shares why she believes recycling is an important skill for jewellers at every stage, from beginners learning to make the most of their materials through to experienced makers creating commissions and remodelling heirloom jewellery.

Together, they discuss how to think differently about silver scrap, why separating your offcuts matters, what happens when silver is melted and reused, and how understanding these processes can help build confidence at the bench.

This isn't a step-by-step technical tutorial, but an introduction to the principles behind silver recycling and why it can become such a valuable part of your jewellery practice.

In this episode:

• Why every jeweller creates scrap and how to think about it differently • Saving money and reducing waste in your workshop • Why separating clean scrap, soldered pieces and cast material matters • The basics of melting and reusing silver • Sustainability and recycling in jewellery making • Common considerations when working with recycled silver • Building confidence and understanding your materials more deeply • How these skills support commissions, remodelling and professional jewellery practice

Mahroz teaches silver recycling both in-person at Jewellers Academy Brighton and online as part of the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, where students can explore the process in more depth.

Whether you're curious about making your materials go further, interested in more sustainable jewellery-making practices or simply want to understand your metal better, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.

Find out more about Jewellers Academy courses and Diplomas.

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/

https://www.jewellersacademybrighton.com/

As a bonus episode, we're sharing the replay of our Diploma in Wax Jewellery Open Day and inviting you to listen in.

If you've been curious about wax jewellery making, wondered how the Diploma works or wanted to hear the kinds of questions prospective students ask before joining, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look.

During the session, Jewellers Academy founder Jessica Rose takes you through the structure of the Diploma in Wax Jewellery, the projects and techniques students work through across the year and the support available to help you keep progressing.

You'll hear about:

• Wax carving and build-up techniques • Stone setting in wax and after casting • Creating a final jewellery collection • How casting works throughout the course • Mentoring, accountability and community support • Equipment, tools and getting started • Questions asked live by prospective students

Whether you're completely new to jewellery making or already creating and looking to expand your skills, this episode will help you understand what learning in wax could look like and whether this could be your next step.

Enjoy listening in.

Find out more about the Diploma in Wax Jewellery and watch the full replay on this link.

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/diploma-in-wax-jewellery-2026-open-day-replay-your-questions-answered

This week on the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller Kelly Twigg for a conversation about what really happens when you commit to a year of jewellery training.

Kelly completed the Diploma in Silver Jewellery and is returning for another Diploma this year, and in this episode she shares the difference structured learning has made to her jewellery skills, confidence, creativity and business.

Together, Jess and Kelly explore the unexpected benefits of doing a Diploma: from improving technical ability and building a portfolio to finding accountability, making jewellery friends and creating space to learn just for yourself.

They discuss:

• Why structure helps you progress faster as a jeweller • How accountability keeps creativity moving • The role of mentoring and community in online learning • Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome • Growing your jewellery business through stronger making skills • Why developing your creativity matters even if you're not building a business • The surprising friendships that come from learning alongside others

If joining a Diploma has been on your mind, this conversation might help you decide whether now is your time. Enrolment for a September 2026 start ends on Fri 12th June 26.

Find out more about Jewellers Academy Diploma programmes at jewellersacademy.com/diplomas

One of my favourite things about our Diploma Open Days is seeing who joins us.

This time we had jewellers at all different stages of their journey. Some people had never soldered before. Others had been making jewellery for 15 years. Some already had businesses and felt ready to take their work to the next level.

And as always, the questions were brilliant.

This isn't one of our usual podcast episodes. Instead, we're giving you the chance to listen in on our recent Diploma in Silver Jewellery Open Day.

If you couldn't join us live, this is your opportunity to hear the conversation, get a feel for the course and hear the questions other jewellers asked as they explored whether the Diploma was right for them.

Inside this bonus episode, we cover:

• How the Diploma in Silver Jewellery works • The projects and techniques you'll learn throughout the year • How assessment and certification work • The support available to help you stay motivated and make progress • What online jewellery learning really looks like

Plus I answered questions asked live on the day including:

• Is this Diploma suitable if I already have experience? • Should I start with Silver, Fine or Advanced Jewellery Diploma? • Will I learn to make settings or use pre-made settings? • What if I'm worried about the cost of working with gold? • Do I need to buy all new tools? • Can I use my own stones and design ideas? • Do I need a dedicated jewellery studio? • Can I pay monthly and change payment options later?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to develop your jewellery skills further, we hope this gives you a useful insight into what it's really like to study on the Diploma in Silver Jewellery.

Useful links:

If you fancy watching the open day, and seeing all the projects you'll learn to make, you can find the video here

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/your-questions-answered-diploma-in-silver-jewellery

View the full Diploma curriculum and course dates

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma

Download the tools and materials list

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-toolkit

Book a no-obligation call with the team

Ready to join? Enrolment for the September 2026 intake closes on Friday 12th June 2026.

What separates the jewellers who keep progressing from those who feel stuck?

It isn't talent.

In this episode, Jessica Rose is joined by Anna Campbell to explore the real reasons many jewellery makers struggle to move forward and the practical steps that can help you build momentum, confidence and skills.

Together they discuss the challenges that can slow your progress, including lack of momentum, staying within your comfort zone, learning through trial and error without support, fear of wasting materials, comparison, self-doubt and waiting until you feel confident before taking action.

They also explore why structured learning, community, accountability and expert guidance can dramatically accelerate your growth as a jeweller.

Whether you're making jewellery as a creative hobby, developing professional skills or working towards building a jewellery business, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical insights to help you keep moving forwards.

In this episode:

• Why momentum is often more important than motivation • How comfort zones can limit creative growth • The hidden cost of learning alone • Why progress can feel invisible before breakthroughs happen • The importance of structured jewellery training • Overcoming the fear of wasting precious materials • Building confidence through action • How community and support can transform your journey

If you've ever looked at another jeweller and wondered why they seem to be progressing faster than you, this episode is for you.

In this episode we talk about the importance of momentum, support, structured learning and community when it comes to progressing as a jeweller. If you're ready to take the next step in your own jewellery journey, enrolment for our online Diploma programmes closes on Friday 12th June 26. We'd love to welcome you and support you in developing your skills, confidence and creativity over the coming year.

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas

What does it really take to build a full-time jewellery business from scratch?

In this inspiring episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by Alice Catherine to talk about her incredible journey from complete beginner during lockdown to running a successful jewellery business and shop on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.

Alice shares how she discovered jewellery making in 2021, enrolled on the Diploma in Silver Jewellery with Jewellers Academy just days later and funded her studies through selling jewellery online while she learned. Since then, she has built a thriving jewellery brand inspired by the Scottish coastline, grown an online audience of over 50,000 followers and now creates ocean-inspired jewellery in silver, gold and gemstones.

She has also achieved something many jewellers dream about: building a successful bricks and mortar jewellery shop with her jeweller's bench in the back, creating and selling her work from the same space, and growing the business to the point where she now employs staff and freelance support.

In this episode, Alice talks honestly about learning jewellery making online, building a sustainable handmade business, growing through social media and balancing creativity, business and motherhood. She also shares what it was really like starting out from a tiny attic workspace with no running water and why you do not need the perfect setup to begin.

Key moments in the episode:

00:00: Introduction 02:00: Introduction to Alice Catherine and her jewellery journey 03:16: Starting jewellery making during lockdown in 2021 04:10: Discovering Jewellers Academy and signing up for the Diploma 07:18: Funding the Diploma through jewellery sales 08:05: Balancing the Diploma alongside full-time work 08:45: Why online jewellery learning worked so well for Alice 11:43: The jewellery making skills Alice still uses every day 13:12: Revisiting Diploma tutorials years later 17:09: Moving to the Isle of Lewis and making jewellery in an attic workshop 19:07: Why you do not need the perfect workshop to start 20:07: Opening her jewellery shop in Stornoway 22:22: Learning about stock, casting and running a jewellery business 24:48: Creating a sustainable handmade jewellery brand 26:35: Growing an audience through Instagram and TikTok 27:45: Going viral on Instagram and growing to 50,000 followers 30:00: Why repeat customers matter more than follower numbers 31:18: Creating jewellery inspired by the ocean and Scottish islands 33:38: Building a team and balancing motherhood with business 35:14: Alice's advice for new jewellery makers considering the Diploma 37:08: Where to find and follow Alice Catherine Jewellery

Interested in following in Alice's footsteps and learning jewellery making? Find out more about the Diploma in Silver Jewellery — Jewellers Academy and start your own jewellery journey with Jewellers Academy. Find Alice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicecatherinejewellery Website: Alice Catherine Jewellery