Liviu Mocan is a Romanian sculptor whose work is rooted in faith, resilience, and remembrance. Born and raised under the oppressive Communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, Liviu came of age in a time when creativity was feared, censored, and surveilled. Artists were expected to serve the state—or remain silent.In December 1989, the Romanian Revolution erupted, sparked by student protests in the city of Timișoara. As the protests spread, the regime responded with brutal violence. In Cluj-Napoca, where Liviu lived and worked, college students were shot and killed in the streets by government forces—a massacre that marked a turning point in the fall of the dictatorship.Years later, Liviu was commissioned to create a series of sculptural memorials placed exactly where those students were murdered. These pieces are not just monuments—they are acts of dialogue with God and with history. They carry grief, honor sacrifice, and testify to the sacredness of human courage in the face of tyranny.Liviu’s art continues to explore themes of justice, hope, and spiritual identity. For him, sculpture is not just form—it is prayer.
 To see the short film about sculptor Liviu Mocan — released in 2007 and produced by my mom, Rochelle de Sa Raimao — click this link: https://youtu.be/_BO__IKvlVY

The Osmium Institute is the global authority on osmium—the rarest and most valuable precious metal in the world. Dedicated to the scientific authentication, documentation, and ethical trade of crystalline osmium, the Institute serves as the central certifying body for jewelers, investors, and collectors worldwide. Through education, research, and industry partnerships, the Osmium Institute ensures transparency and trust in the osmium market while promoting the metal’s unique beauty and structural integrity. With offices and certified partners in over 30 countries, the Institute is at the forefront of introducing this extraordinary element into the worlds of fine jewelry, watchmaking, and strategic investment.

The world doesn't need more jewelry. Why become a jeweler?

Andrew Slesinger is a sixth-generation diamond dealer and the owner of Rough Diamond World, a New York-based wholesale company specializing in natural rough diamonds. Raised in the traditions of the diamond trade, Andrew’s path was shaped from a young age by the values of trust, precision, and quiet excellence passed down through his family.Operating out of Manhattan’s famed Diamond District, Andrew has built a reputation as a discerning eye in the world of rough—sourcing, evaluating, and moving diamonds through tightly held industry relationships. He represents a lineage of old-school expertise while navigating the pressures of a rapidly modernizing market. Known for his candor, integrity, and deep respect for the craft, Andrew remains committed to keeping the heritage of diamond dealing alive—one handshake, one stone, and one honest deal at a time.

Justin K Prim is a lapidary artist, educator, and gemcutting history scholar known for his precision faceting and design-forward approach to gemstone cutting. Based in France, Justin brings a rare combination of deep historical knowledge and modern craftsmanship to his work—cutting each stone not just for brilliance, but with intention, story, and artistry in mind.A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and a seasoned instructor, Justin has taught gem cutting at internationally respected institutions and is passionate about preserving the legacy of lapidary arts. His work bridges cultures and centuries—drawing from ancient techniques, modern machinery, and a lifetime of studying the human relationship with gemstones.Whether he's researching historic gem cuts, collaborating with fine jewelers, or shaping a custom design on the wheel, Justin’s work reflects a reverence for the natural material and a devotion to the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

Linda Kozloff-Turner is Owner and Designer of Christine Marguerite Designs, and author of the book, 100 Women of Jewelry.In this episode, we dive deep into the making of the book: the powerful stories that emerged, the emotional and artistic connections she forged, and what she learned about the resilience, creativity, and community of women in jewelry. It’s a conversation about legacy, visibility, and the power of being seen.

Nadja reflects on her bench career and the challenges ahead. This episode benchmarks the first 100 days of Pass The Torch: Legacies of Jewelry.

Brady Mesch is a distinguished designer and goldsmith known for his masterful hand engravings and exceptional high jewelry creations. Drawing inspiration from classical design while embracing contemporary aesthetics, his work reflects a refined balance of tradition and innovation.

With extensive experience collaborating with esteemed jewelers and training under internationally recognized masters, Brady has cultivated a deep expertise in hand fabrication. His meticulously crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces are a testament to his dedication to artistry and craftsmanship.

From his workshop and showroom in Evergreen, Colorado, Brady continues to create timeless jewelry that embodies elegance, precision, and enduring beauty.

Chapin Dimond is a Colorado-based metalsmith and jeweler whose work fuses hand fabrication with an uncanny ability to MacGyver his way through nearly any obstacle. His jewelry is meaningful, personal, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship and creative problem-solving.

Born and raised in Louisville, Colorado, Chapin began his journey into metalsmithing in 2003 during high school, supported by a grant from Impact on Education. He apprenticed under master jeweler Kit Hollingshead from 2003 to 2010, laying the foundation for his artistic path.

Chapin earned a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2009, where his senior thesis was funded by the Nagel Award. After graduation, he launched his business, C Dimond Designs, participating in art exhibitions and local festivals. By 2015, he formalized his venture as C Dimond LLC, and by 2023, his work was showcased in seven galleries across Colorado, complemented by appearances at fine art festivals.

Chapin’s creations are inspired by nature and the transformative power of fire and metal. Using techniques like mokume gane alongside traditional hand tools, he creates jewelry that tells personal stories and captures moments in time. His collections—such as Nature, Vein, Crackle, and Bubbles—reflect his commitment to blending organic forms with human expression.

Beyond his studio work, Chapin is dedicated to education and community engagement. Since 2017, he has taught workshops at the Boulder Metalsmithing Association and other venues, offering both group classes and one-on-one instruction. He remains active in organizations like the Colorado Metalsmithing Association (CoMA), Boulder Metalsmithing Association (BoMA), and the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG).

Chapin continues to design and create jewelry in his Louisville studio, inviting clients to collaborate on custom pieces that become cherished heirlooms. His philosophy—"Swing that hammer, light that torch, and make that magic happen"—encapsulates his passion for the craft and his hands-on approach to artistry.

For more information or to explore his work, visit cdimond.com.