Jewellers Academy Podcast

• 261. Balancing a Full-Time Job and a Jewellery Dream: Learning Metal Clay Jewellery Making with Niloo

  In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell is joined by Niloo, a Diploma in Silver Metal Clay student based in Finland. They dive into Niloo’s journey from a full-time IT engineering role to discovering a deep passion for jewellery making through metal clay. Niloo shares how the creative freedom of metal clay, the structure of the diploma course, and the supportive online community helped her reignite her artistic spark. From her love of nature-inspired botanical projects to her goals of turning her hobby into a jewellery business, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight for anyone considering learning jewellery making. Anna and Niloo explore the value of mentorship, the importance of deadlines for momentum, and how having access to tools, expert feedback, and lifetime video content makes all the difference. If you're curious about metal clay, love the idea of working flexibly around a busy schedule, or want a peek behind the scenes of our diploma experience, this episode is for you!   About Niloo Hi, I’m Niloo - I studied computer science and worked in tech for a few years, but deep down, I always loved art and making things by hand. One day, I finally listened to that little voice inside and signed up for the Metal Clay Diploma at Jewellers Academy. Now I’m in Term 3, totally in love with this material, and honestly… I’ve never been happier! The future feels bright — and full of silver! Follow Niloo on Instagram @nilooartisanjewellery to see her beautiful work and creative progress.   Diploma in Silver Metal Clay If you’re inspired by Niloo’s journey and intrigued by metal clay, check out the one year online Diploma in Silver Metal Clay. Suitable for beginners or those with some experience, this course takes you quickly from beginner level to metal clay artist. Enrolment is open until 13th June 2025. Kits are available until 31st May 2025 (our friends at Metal Clay Ltd have set this deadline in order to make up the kits and ship them before the course starts in September).   Here are some useful links: FREE 5 Days of Silver Metal Clay online course Learn more about the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Tools and materials list Book a no-obligation discovery call Ready to enrol? Here is the payment page  

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• 260: The Power of Small Steps: How a Diploma Changed Jessica Croft's Career

  In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Anna Campbell sits down with diploma graduate and full-time jeweller Jessica Croft of Homebird Jewellery to reflect on her incredible 11-year journey in the world of jewellery making. Jess shares how the Jewellers Academy Diplomas reignited her creative spark, helped her build technical skills, and gave her the confidence to fully embrace her identity as a jeweller. From silverwork to metal clay, we explore the power of incremental learning, mindset shifts, and the value of community in transforming your jewellery journey. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your jewellery business, this episode is filled with honest insights about the learning process, the emotional rollercoaster of creativity, and what it really takes to grow into the role of a confident, thriving maker.   Online Jewellery Diplomas As discussed in this week's episode, Jess has taken three Diplomas with Jewellers Academy. Year 1 - Diploma in Silver Jewellery Year 2 - Diploma in Fine Jewellery Year 3 - Advanced Jewellery Diploma She will also be starting the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay in September 2025. You can find out more about the courses below. The next intake starts in September 2025 and we will close for enrolment on 13th June 2025. There are currently limited tools and materials kits available https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas   Learn more about Jewellers Academy Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

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• 259. Polishing Secrets for Jewellers: Tools, Techniques & Finishes with Jessica Rose and Kelly Twigg

  In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and jeweller Kelly Twigg dive into the often underappreciated craft of polishing and finishing jewellery. Drawing on Kelly’s experience from the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, they explore the techniques, tools, and creative choices that bring a piece to life. From filing and sanding to hand polishing and finishing styles, this conversation covers the essentials for jewellers at all levels. You’ll learn why quality tools matter, how different finishes influence the final look, and what safety measures are crucial in your workspace. Whether you’re refining your skills or just getting started, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to enhance your jewellery-making journey.   Key takeaways: Finishing is a skill developed over time with experimentation and care. High-quality files and tools make a noticeable difference. Hand polishing often offers more control and better results than machine polishing. Choosing the right finish is a creative decision that shapes your piece’s identity. Proper magnification can help achieve a flawless result. Patience is essential—rushing the process rarely ends well. Safety in the workshop should always come first.   If you’d love to really hone your polishing skills and take your jewellery to the next level, check out our brand new course: Polishing and Finishing Masterclass This course is designed to cover finishes, techniques and tools for upping your polishing game. Covering Filing - The finish you get on your jewellery starts with the fundamentals. Learn how to use different files to prepare your metal for polishing. Finishes - There are so many amazing finishes you can achieve for your jewellery and each gives a very different look to the same piece. Learn how to achieve a mirror finish, a satin finish and a frosted finish on your jewellery creations. Polishing gemstone set jewellery - Get tips on how to polish your gemstone jewellery so the jewellery shines as bright as the stones. Tips for cleaning up wax casting Polishing tools - There are lots of tools you can use for polishing. You don’t need them all! This course gives you a run down of the most popular tools and how to use them including: pendant motor with 3M radial disks, split pin mandrels, burrs and polishing mops barrel polisher/tumbler bench polisher ultrasonic jewellery cleaner This course is currently available with 50% off in our launch sale, but only until Wed 28th May 2025 so don’t wait! https://www.jewellersacademy.com/polishing-and-finishing   Learn more about Jewellers Academy Watch this episode on YouTube Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

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• 258. How To Build A Jewellery Business You Can Leave Your Job For with Jessica Rose

  In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose dives into what it really takes to build a sustainable and fulfilling jewellery business - one that can eventually replace your day job. From mastering your finances and identifying bestsellers to setting realistic salary expectations, Jessica shares practical insights and strategies for making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. You’ll learn why staying under the VAT threshold can benefit small businesses, how strong profit margins keep your business sustainable, and why continuous learning and creativity are key to long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode offers valuable advice, honest reflections, and encouragement for every step of the journey.   Key takeaways: Why financial management is the backbone of a sustainable business The power of having a reliable bestseller How community, creativity, and training fuel business growth What to expect when transitioning from a day job to running your own jewellery business   If you’d like to know more about this, I’d love you to join me for a FREE online webinar: 10 Steps To Building A Jewellery Business You Can Leave Your Job For - free webinar I am going into more detail about the steps to take and the milestone moments. When? Monday 19th May 2025 at 8pm (BST) UK time. Click the link below and add your email address to ensure you get all the details you need to join me live. https://mailchi.mp/0a127274479d/10-steps-to-building-a-jewellery-business-you-can-leave-your-job-for Whether you currently make jewellery for a hobby, sell it as a side hustle or have an established business that you want to scale up - the dream of making your passion your full-time job IS achievable and I will explain exactly how. I can’t wait. With love Jess x I hope you can join me live but if not, do still register in order to receive the replay. Learn more about Jewellers Academy Watch this episode on YouTube Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

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• 257. 10 Things No One Tells You about Setting Up and Running a Jewellery Shop with Tori Foster

  In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, host Anna Campbell chats with jeweller and shop owner Tori Foster to talk about the real journey of opening a jewellery shop — the trials, the joys, and everything in between. Tori shares how she made the leap from maker to shop owner, revealing the ten things no one tells you about setting up and running a jewellery store. From learning that things won’t always go to plan to discovering the hidden benefits of having a creative haven, Tori offers insights for any jeweller dreaming of their own space. The conversation covers practical tips like researching local funding, navigating hidden costs, and dealing with the public — as well as the unexpected opportunities that come from having a shopfront, from commissions to community connections. Whether you’re dreaming of a bricks-and-mortar shop or just curious about the behind-the-scenes reality, this episode is packed with lessons, encouragement, and honest reflections to help you take your next big step.   Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why it never goes exactly to plan — and why that’s OK Local funding opportunities and how to prepare The hidden costs of shop ownership What it’s really like working with the public Why investing in yourself matters How set hours and a creative space can transform your work The unexpected perks of having a customer-facing workshop  And much more.   About Tori Foster Diploma graduate Tori Foster creates jewellery inspired by the beauty of nature and the magic of the night sky. Her pieces blend delicate designs with celestial touches, using natural textures and gemstones. Working from her studio in East Yorkshire, Tori crafts meaningful, wearable treasures and runs workshops, helping others discover the joy of making their own jewellery and exploring their creativity.   Online Jewellery Diploma Courses As discussed in this weeks episode, Tori has taken three Diplomas with Jewellers Academy. Year 1 - Diploma in Silver Jewellery Year 2 - Diploma in Fine Jewellery Year 3 - Advanced Jewellery Diploma You can find out more about the courses below. The next intake starts in September 2025 and we will close for enrolment in June. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas   Learn more about Jewellers Academy Watch this episode on YouTube Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook

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