In this week's episode, Kim Thomson chats with Jane Mooney of Treasured Gem Hunter. We learn how she went from jewellery maker to gemstone emporium owner and she gives us fascinating insight into the world of gemstones and how the industry is changing.  Episode Description: What sparked your interest in gemstones? (2:18) Was it hard to turn your passion for gemstones into a business? (5:52) What's the highlight of your career so far? (34:20) Where can we find you on the web? (50:51)   ...

In this week's episode, Anna chats with Fran, client experience specialist, about all things customer experience. Fran, founder of And So the Journey Begins, shares her knowledge on what customer experience is, setting customer expectations, making the experience personal, turning customers into repeat customers and much more. Episode Description: What do we mean by customer experience? (1:35) How can we set customer expectations? (6:56) How can we make the experience more personal?...

In this week's episode, Kim Thompson chats with jeweller Mareike Wehner of byMaraca Jewellery. They discuss how Mareike became interested in jewellery, her creative and crafty background, how she manages her jewellery business, how she came to have her jewellery on sale at the prestigious Tate Liverpool art gallery and more.  Episode Description: What sparked your interest in jewellery making? (1:37) How did you manage learning jewellery making while working? (11:45) When did you decide to...

In this week's episode, Jess chats with Matt Hopkins, founder of The Great Brand Exchange. The Great Brand Exchange helps small businesses grow and scale by giving them routes into high-street retail and helps bring exciting, unique, local products to major retailers. Since its inception, the Great Brand Exchange has generated £50 million in revenue for small businesses, managed 5,000 pop-up events and created an active network of 12,000 emerging brands.  Episode Description: How did the...

In this week's episode, Michelle Lierre dives into an in-depth discussion with Chris of Lion Punch Forge on maintaining and modifying the steel tools that jewellers typically use. Chris teaches us about the fundamentals of steel as a material, the different kinds of steel, how steel behaves differently to the metals jewellers use to make jewellery and how it's possible for jewellers to modify their own steel tools. Episode Description: How did Chris get into the industry? (2:04) What is...

In this week's episode, Jess introduces the new Jewellers Academy Foundation in Silver Jewellery. This 5-week course is an in-depth introduction to silver jewellery making suitable for beginners who are looking for a structured, supported online training for their first steps in making silver jewellery from home. Listen as Jess takes us through all the details of this exciting new course.    Resources: Foundation in Silver Jewellery Learn more about Jewellers Academy Watch this episode...

In this week's episode, Jess chats with jeweller Laura Jayne about 10 essential tools for getting started with silver jewellery making. Laura Jayne teaches the brand new Jewellers Academy Foundation in Silver Jewellery course. To celebrate this she joins us on the show to take us through the absolute essential tools every budding silver jewellery maker needs and shares lots of other useful hints and tips around tools.   Episode Description:  Getting started with silver jewellery making...

In this week's episode, Jess has a fascinating chat with London-based fine jeweller Susannah King. Susannah reveals who inspired her to enter into the world of jewellery making, her philosophy around how she markets herself, her creative processes, the story behind her stunning success on TikTok and more.  Episode Description: Today we're talking with fine jewellery Susannah King (1:01) How did you come to jewellery making? (2:44) When did you start making as opposed to repairing? (7:56)...

In this week's episode, Jess presents the full recording of her webinar 'Your Roadmap to Growing a Jewellery Business.' Listen as Jess sets out a clear roadmap for growing your jewellery business, details what you need and what your business needs, and discusses how the Jewellery Business Academy can help anyone grow a successful jewellery business.   Episode Description: Webinar begins (4:14) What you need (9:37) What the business needs (16:36) Building a business takes time (44:26) How...

In this week's episode, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell dive into five amazing reasons to join the Jewellery Business Academy, the new programme aimed at helping anyone build a profitable, successful and sustainable jewellery business. Listen now to find out the many ways in which the Jewellery Business Academy could help you grow your jewellery business.   Episode Description: 1. Knowledge - Access to monthly training and resources that focus on what you need to do for your business...

In this week's episode, Jess announces the launch of The Jewellery Business Academy. This is an exciting new programme designed to offer monthly training, support, community and connection to jewellers who are either in the process of starting their own business or those up and running who are looking to learn more about the trade and grow. Listen now to find out if it's right for you.   Episode Description: Introducing the Jewellery Business Academy (1:05) What is the main focus of the...

We know that people buy from jewellers they know, like and trust but how do we build that relationship in an authentic way? This week on the Jewellers Academy podcast host Anna Campbell is joined by the insightful Marti from Wee Bit Social. Together, they delve into ways to use Instagram stories as a powerful tool for connecting with audiences and fostering those vital connections. Whether you are a seasoned Instagram pro or are just starting out, have a listen to discover innovative...

The Jewellers Academy podcast is back for a new season! In this week’s episode, Jess explains the exciting new expanded format for the podcast and chats with three of her new co-hosts Michelle Lierre, Anna Campbell and Kim Thomson. Jeweller Elin Horgan is also joining the team. They share their backstories, what listeners can expect from them and their upcoming guests on the show and what 3 tools they would take to a desert island.   Episode Description: New exciting format for the...

JewelFund is back for 2023, and this year we’re giving two jewellers £2000 and a mentoring package to help them grow their businesses. In this episode, Jess explains how the fund works and shares some tips for writing an application that stands out. She also shares some exciting updates about the future of the podcast, so make sure you follow the show on your favourite podcast platform to stay up to date!    Episode Description: The JewelFund grant is back for 2023! (1:30) Exciting...

Do measurements and calculations give you a headache? We have an exciting resource for you! In this episode, Jess talks with Stelios Karantonas about his new app for ring sizing, wax measurements, alloy calculations, and more. Stelios explains how it works and why it’s so useful for jewellers. He even shares how you can win a free download of the app, so make sure to listen until the end!    Episode Description: Today we’re talking with Stelios Karantonas about his new app for jewellers...

Hallmarking isn’t just a standard to follow, it’s a powerful way to promote your business and educate your customers about jewellery quality. In this episode, Marianne Wilson and Charlotte Turner return to the podcast to talk about this year’s HALO Award, which honours jewellers who are promoting hallmarking in creative ways. Marianne and Charlotte explain how you can apply for the HALO Award, share examples of past year’s winners, and talk about the benefits of hallmarking for you and your...

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about pearls, where they come from, and how they’re graded, you’re in the right place! In this episode, Jess talks with Jeremy Shepherd, founder of Pearl Paradise and vice president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. Jeremy tells us why he’s so passionate about pearls, breaks down each of the different types of pearls, and explains how they’re priced. He also has a special offer for Jewellers Academy listeners, so make sure to listen to the full...

It’s much easier to run a business when you understand yourself and your motivations. In this episode, Anna C Campbell joins me to talk all things personality, focussing on the Four Tendencies theory from Gretchen Rubin. Anna explains the different tendencies - Upholder, Questioner, Rebel and Obliger and covers practical tips you can use to motivate yourself and play to your strengths in your jewellery business based on your personality type. You won’t want to miss this one!    Episode...

Do you know your jeweller job description? Knowing what your job is (and what it isn’t) will help you stay focused while also taking care of yourself. In this episode, Jess leads us through an exercise in defining our job description as jewellery business owners, from setting our working hours to thinking about our customers to responding to challenges. No matter where you are in your business journey, this episode has something for you!    Episode Description: Today we’re going to do an...

It’s not too early to start planning for the holidays! In this episode, Jess walks through a mid-year review you can use to evaluate the first six months of 2023 and start preparing for the rest of the year. Whether you’re in your first year of business or you’re an experienced jewellery business owner, this episode has some excellent tools for reflection and planning. You won’t want to miss it!    Episode Description: Today we’re talking about actions you can take now to plan for the...

Are you struggling to grow your Instagram account or finding it hard to come up with content ideas? This episode is for you! Social media coach Jo Treadwell — also known as “Social Jo” — is sharing all of her top tips for writing great Instagram captions, selling without being too “sales-y,” making the most of hashtags, and more. Listen in to get all your caption questions answered!  Episode Description: Today we’re talking with social media coach and Instagram specialist Jo Treadwell...

The art of selling doesn’t always come naturally to jewellers, but there are certain strategies you can learn to make your selling more effective. In this episode, Susannah Lovis shares some of her favourite questions to ask customers, tips for engaging with people in person and online, and more. Susannah is the owner of the vintage jewellery store Susannah Lovis Jewellers, and she has so many excellent insights to share!    Episode Description: Today we’re talking with vintage jewellery...

The deadline for joining one of our jewellery diplomas is coming up next week, so don’t wait to sign up! In this episode, Jess provides an overview of each of the diploma programmes, what you can expect to learn, and where to go for more information. She also explains why these diplomas are so beneficial for jewellers and she shares some encouragement about the importance of investing in yourself. Episode Description: Thank you to all of our podcast listeners! (1:45) This is the final...

There are so many ways to learn silver jewellery making, so how do you know which methods and teachers are right for you? In this episode, jeweller and Jewellers Academy mentor Kim Thomson shares 7 of her tips for anyone getting started with silver metalsmithing. She talks about characteristics to look for in a teacher, the importance of community, overcoming imposter syndrome, and much more!    Episode Description: This week Kim Thomson is sharing her top tips for silver metalsmithing...

If you’re on the fence about signing up for a jewellery diploma in 2023, this episode is for you! We share a live recording from a Q&A session with Jess and three of our jewellery diploma graduates. The jewellers answer questions about the diploma projects, the experience of doing the programme while working a full-time job, and much more. They also explain how the diplomas have helped them grow their skills and achieve their business goals.    Episode Description: This week we’re...