Jewellers Academy Podcast

Gemstones are at the heart of so many jewellery designs, but how much do you really know about them? In this episode, Kelly Twigg is joined by award-winning gemmologist Marie Chalmers for a fascinating conversation about diamonds, coloured gemstones and the science behind them.
Together they explore what gemmology is, how diamonds are graded, the differences between natural, lab-grown and recycled gemstones, and why understanding the stones you work with can help you become a more confident jeweller. Marie also shares practical advice on sourcing gemstones, working with suppliers and building your knowledge throughout your jewellery career.
If you're just beginning your jewellery journey or have years of experience, this episode is packed with insights you'll be able to apply to your own work.
About Marie Chalmers
Marie Chalmers is an award-winning gemmologist with over 20 years' experience in the jewellery industry. Through her business, Chalmers Gems, she specialises in responsibly sourced gemstones and diamonds while sharing her passion for gemmology through education and industry expertise.
Find out more: https://chalmersgems.com/
About Jewellers Academy
Jewellers Academy offers online jewellery making and jewellery business courses, from beginner workshops to one-year professional diplomas, helping jewellers develop their making skills and build successful creative businesses. Find out more at www.jewellersacademy.com.

Have you ever wondered how jewellery collections come together? Where do the ideas come from? How do they develop into cohesive designs? And how do you create work that people instantly recognise as yours?
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell is joined by jewellery designer, maker and Jewellers Academy mentor Elin Horgan to explore the creative process behind designing a jewellery collection.
Elin shares how she finds inspiration in architecture, why she gathers ideas long before she starts designing, and how she transforms simple geometric shapes into timeless jewellery collections. She also takes us behind the scenes of using CAD and casting, planning a professional brand photoshoot, refreshing her visual identity and building a recognisable style that has evolved over years in business.
If you're just beginning to design your own jewellery or you're looking to create a more cohesive collection, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiration.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How to gather inspiration without forcing creativity
Developing a cohesive jewellery collection from one central idea
Designing with production and manufacturing in mind
When outsourcing can strengthen your jewellery business
The value of professional photography when launching a collection
How branding evolves as your jewellery business grows
Why your signature style develops naturally over time
 
About Elin Horgan
Elin Horgan is a jewellery designer and maker based in Bristol. Inspired by the geometry of architecture, she creates understated contemporary jewellery in recycled silver and gold using traditional silversmithing techniques alongside wax carving, CAD and casting. Elin is also a Jewellers Academy mentor and tutor on the Diploma in Wax Jewellery.
Find Elin:
Website: https://www.elinhorgan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinhorgan
Discover more jewellery making courses, workshops and the Jewellers Academy community at:
https://www.jewellersacademy.com

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.