Jewellers Academy Podcast

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.

What happens when you spend over 60 years at the bench?
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess talks with Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton about traditional apprenticeship, jewellery repair, craftsmanship and the skills he believes every jeweller should experience before they disappear.
Michael began his jewellery career in 1964 and has spent more than six decades making, restoring and repairing jewellery. Working across bespoke commissions, antique restoration and fine jewellery, he has built a remarkable career shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship and an extraordinary depth of technical knowledge.
Together, Jess and Michael explore:
• What it was like learning jewellery through traditional apprenticeship
• How jewellery making and goldsmithing have changed over the decades
• Why repair skills are becoming more valuable than ever
• The techniques and ways of thinking that rarely make it into books
• Why understanding metal matters as much as understanding design
• How confidence is built at the bench
• The importance of preserving jewellery skills for future generations
Michael also shares stories from his career including creating bespoke tiaras, restoring antique pieces and the unexpected lessons learned from decades of problem-solving at the bench.
If you already make jewellery and would love the opportunity to learn directly from Michael, The Goldsmith Series is now open for enrolment.
This new online programme filmed with Michael brings together practical bench challenges, traditional goldsmithing techniques and over 60 years of experience in one unique learning experience.
Find out more here: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-goldsmith-series

What happens to all those tiny pieces of silver left behind when you're making jewellery?
In this episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by jeweller and Jewellers Academy tutor Mahroz Hekmati to talk about one of the most valuable workshop skills a jeweller can develop: learning to recycle silver scrap.
With rising metal prices and increasing awareness around sustainability, understanding how to reuse silver has never felt more relevant. Mahroz shares why she believes recycling is an important skill for jewellers at every stage, from beginners learning to make the most of their materials through to experienced makers creating commissions and remodelling heirloom jewellery.
Together, they discuss how to think differently about silver scrap, why separating your offcuts matters, what happens when silver is melted and reused, and how understanding these processes can help build confidence at the bench.
This isn't a step-by-step technical tutorial, but an introduction to the principles behind silver recycling and why it can become such a valuable part of your jewellery practice.
In this episode:
• Why every jeweller creates scrap and how to think about it differently
• Saving money and reducing waste in your workshop
• Why separating clean scrap, soldered pieces and cast material matters
• The basics of melting and reusing silver
• Sustainability and recycling in jewellery making
• Common considerations when working with recycled silver
• Building confidence and understanding your materials more deeply
• How these skills support commissions, remodelling and professional jewellery practice
Mahroz teaches silver recycling both in-person at Jewellers Academy Brighton and online as part of the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, where students can explore the process in more depth.
Whether you're curious about making your materials go further, interested in more sustainable jewellery-making practices or simply want to understand your metal better, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.
 
Find out more about Jewellers Academy courses and Diplomas.
https://www.jewellersacademy.com/
https://www.jewellersacademybrighton.com/

As a bonus episode, we're sharing the replay of our Diploma in Wax Jewellery Open Day and inviting you to listen in.
If you've been curious about wax jewellery making, wondered how the Diploma works or wanted to hear the kinds of questions prospective students ask before joining, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look.
During the session, Jewellers Academy founder Jessica Rose takes you through the structure of the Diploma in Wax Jewellery, the projects and techniques students work through across the year and the support available to help you keep progressing.
You'll hear about:
• Wax carving and build-up techniques
• Stone setting in wax and after casting
• Creating a final jewellery collection
• How casting works throughout the course
• Mentoring, accountability and community support
• Equipment, tools and getting started
• Questions asked live by prospective students
Whether you're completely new to jewellery making or already creating and looking to expand your skills, this episode will help you understand what learning in wax could look like and whether this could be your next step.
Enjoy listening in.
Find out more about the Diploma in Wax Jewellery and watch the full replay on this link.
https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/diploma-in-wax-jewellery-2026-open-day-replay-your-questions-answered