In today's episode, I sit down with Nina Eichacker, an Economics Professor at the University of Rhode Island, to break down something every jeweler has been feeling in their wallet — record high gold and silver prices in 2026. Nina helps us understand why this is happening and what it might mean for small jewelry businesses like ours.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• The GameStop movie is called Dumb Money
• Nina mentioned the podcast episode "This Is Why People Are So in Love With Gold" via Odd Lots
• I mentioned @metalsmithmelissa's post about why refineries weren't buying silver scrap (worth a read, though many refiners are accepting silver again)
• I mentioned Stuller.com for refining in exchange for store credit
• Nina recommends Marketplace which a great podcast and show covering business and economic news
• Nina recommends Planet Money from NPR

Connect with Nina:

• Subscribe to her Substack: The Accidental Beauty Contest
• Follow Nina on X: @nina_econ

Join our community: Metalsmith Society on Instagram.

My jewelry: Corkie Bolton Jewelry on Instagram.

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Music attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5

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