MJSA Podcast

Scott Bradford understands the relationship between good design and a good casting. In this episode, Bradford shares his advice on how jewelry makers and designers can achieve better cast items, especially when working with a contractor.

•Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources.

•Learn more about MJSA

While cybercriminals and scammers continue to target jewelry businesses, a recent uptick in brutal robberies and thefts point toward a frightening trend. In this episode, John Kennedy, president of the Jewelers' Security Alliance, shares what jewelers need to know about the recent rise in violent crime and reviews key security procedures that business owners need to take to safeguard their lives.

• Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources.

• Learn more about MJSA

No official certifications currently exist for responsibly sourced colored stones—so Eric Braunwart, president of Columbia Gem House, created his own system to provide his customers with the origin story of each gem.

In this podcast, Braunwart—a longtime leader in responsible practices—tells his own story in selling colored stones, promoting responsibility and sustainability, and advocating for improvements to the jewelry supply chain.

• Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources.

• Learn more about MJSA

The market for lab-grown diamonds continues to grow, prices continue to drop, and growers are working around the clock to meet demand. In this episode, JCK News Director Rob Bates explores what buyers and sellers should consider regarding lab-grown diamonds, including their levels of quality, their value, and the lingering sustainability concerns regarding their production.

• Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources.

• Learn more about MJSA

Breaking or damaging a gemstone is every stone setter's worst nightmare. In this podcast, jeweler Joel McFadden, a renowned setter and frequent contributor to MJSA Journal, shares insights and techniques that can keep a gemstone intact and securely set—and a customer happy.

• Click here for show notes, links, and other resources.

• Learn more about MJSA

Jewelry artist Michelle Pajak-Reynolds handcrafts small collections of one-of-a-kind designs featuring unique gemstones, pearls, and ethically sourced precious metals.

In this episide, she shares her five favorite, go-to tools, and describes the impact each has had on her productivity and creativity while at the bench.

• Click Here for Show Notes, Links, and Resources

• Learn more about MJSA

A goldsmith, graduate gemologist, and former human rights attorney, Christina Malle (Christina Malle Jewelry) is committed to sourcing responsibly. A board member of Ethical Metalsmiths, she always uses Fairmined or certified recycled gold in her work, and she always sources gems from known, reliable vendors. In this podcast, she offers five ways to ensure the materials you're buying are indeed responsible.

• Click Here for Show Notes, Links, and Resources

• Learn more about MJSA

Founder of a family-run studio in Chico, California, goldsmith and gemologist Geralyn Sheridan creates socially responsible jewelry that incorporates natural textures, sculptural curves, and fl owing movement. She draws inspiration from her everyday life as well as from the memories of her childhood, and in this episode she describes how five such inspirations were translated into standout jewelry designs.

• Click Here for Show Notes, Links, Images, and other Resources

• Watch the Video Edition Here

• Learn More About MJSA

Those following advancements in jewelry technology in the last couple of decades, and those following MJSA, will no doubt recognize the name Gary Dawson. One of the of the most creative and technically adventurous jewelers out there today, Dawson is passionate about sharing his jewelry-making know-how and enthusiasm for custom design.

In this episode, we spoke to Dawson about his personal experience navigating his business through the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities this crisis has created for jewelers, the excitement of tying cutting-edge technologies with the heritage of the past, and what's in store for custom designed jewelry in 2021 and beyond.

2021, perhaps more than any other new year in recent memory, is filled with anticipation, expectation, and hope. In this episode, Andrea Hill shares five tips for businesses looking to improve and expand their online reach this year. She also suggests several valuable online tools and apps that can help encourage more innovative thinking and simplify content creation for your website and social media channels.