Jewellers Academy Podcast

• 286. Your Roadmap To Growing Your Jewellery Business in 2026 with Jessica Rose

  In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, award winning entrepreneur Jessica Rose dives into what it really takes to grow a jewellery business once you're three or more years in. If you've moved past the experimentation phase and are ready to build something profitable, sustainable, and strategically focused, this episode is your roadmap. Jessica explores the core pillars that help jewellers transition from busy and functioning to thriving and scalable, sharing her own experiences - wins, mistakes, and moments of truth along the way. Covering: 1. Getting Focused (Stripping It Back) After years of trying all the things - craft fairs, website sales, wholesale, teaching - the next stage is all about narrowing it down to what works for you and what you enjoy. Jessica explains why spreading yourself thin keeps you small, and how choosing one or two key areas to pour your energy into can create dramatic results. Expect a powerful analogy from GCSEs to degree-level specialism to help you rethink your business focus.   2. Profitability & Revenue-Generating Activities To grow you need to be making a profit. Jess looks at the difference between the work you love and the work that actually brings money in and why you need to know which is which. From launches and fairs to analysing your product range, you'll learn how to spot what's truly profitable and what needs adjusting or subsidising.   3. Taking Yourself Seriously (Investing in You & Your Business) If you want a serious business, you have to treat it like one. Discover how regular investment - in training, professional photography, and the development of your own skills - creates momentum, confidence, and higher-level results.   4. Selling Higher-Ticket Jewellery If you want higher revenue without burning out, you need higher-value sales. Jess talks through the psychology of desire-based buying, how to showcase your high-ticket pieces effectively, and why your customers should never have to imagine what your work could look like in gold.   5. Delegating (Even Before You Think You're Ready) Delegation is essential for growth, even if it feels uncomfortable. Jessica shares her personal story of hiring help long before she felt she could "afford" it—and how that single decision rapidly transformed her income, time, and creative freedom. JOIN THE LIVE masterclass THIS WEEK If you're ready to step into the next chapter of your jewellery business with clarity, confidence, and a solid strategy for 2026, join Jess for a free live masterclass, where she'll go even deeper into these topics and help you map out your personalised plan for growth. When? Wednesday 19th November 2025 at 8pm UK time https://mailchi.mp/fb5ef02badc2/roadmap (Do register even if you can't join in live so you receive the replay via email)

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• 285. Train as a Jeweller in 2026: New Wax Diploma + Enrolment Now Open

  Diplomas are open for enrolment - and we have a brand new Diploma.   In this special episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell share some exciting news - enrolment is now open for all five Jewellers Academy Diplomas starting in September 2026, including the launch of a brand new course: the Diploma in Wax Jewellery! Join Jessica and Anna as they reveal everything you need to know about this long-awaited programme - from its focus on creating commercially viable jewellery collections to its accessible, beginner-friendly structure and expert tutors like Scott McIntyre, Jane Taylor and Joanne Hunt.   Learn how working in wax offers an affordable and creative path into jewellery design, how the course is structured (including wax and metal assessments), and why this Diploma is the perfect next step for existing students or newcomers alike.   They also chat through updates across all the Diploma courses, key enrolment dates (including the March 13th deadline for the 18-month payment plan), and the latest on tools and materials kits, which tend to sell out fast! Plus, find out about free taster sessions (coming in early 2026) like "A Week of Wax", designed to help you explore this exciting new medium before you commit.   The Diploma courses are perfect for you if you want to fit your jewellery education around your life and work commitments.   We have a Diploma course for everyone, from beginners to advanced level jewellers so if you've been dreaming about starting or growing your jewellery business have a listen.   Year 1: Diploma in Silver Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma Year 2: Diploma in Fine Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-fine-jewellery Year 3: Advanced Jewellery Diploma https://www.jewellersacademy.com/advanced-jewellery-diploma   Diploma in Wax Jewellery - New for 2026 https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery   Diploma in Silver Metal Clay https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-silver-metal-clay  

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• 284. Recycling Precious Metals for Jewellers with Mark Cutler from Mastermelt

  With the rising price of gold and silver, every speck of precious metal counts.    In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, host Kelly Twigg sits down with Mark Cutler from Mastermelt to explore the fascinating and often overlooked process of reclaiming and refining precious metal scrap for jewellers and metalsmiths.   Founded in 1985 in Hatton Garden, London, Mastermelts has grown into a global refining company trusted by both the jewellery trade and industrial sectors. Mark shares expert insights into how jewellers can recover value from every stage of their workshop, from lemel (high-grade metal scraps) to sweeps (low-grade material like polishing waste and dust). Learn why simple workshop habits can make a huge difference in reclaiming precious metal content.    Mark offers practical tips for:   Maximising recovery - from bench dust to old carpet and even water waste (and find out just how much gold was reclaimed from one jeweller's carpet!. Safe and sustainable refining - what not to put in your sweep bags. Understanding the full refining cycle - how reclaimed metals return to the trade as new bullion and casting grain. Choosing your return option - whether you prefer a direct payment or fine metal grain to reuse in your next jewellery creation. Packed with insider advice and sustainability insights, this episode is a must-listen for any jeweller looking to reduce waste, recover hidden value, and close the loop on precious metal use in their practice.   Listen now to discover how every speck, scrap, and sweep can make a difference - both for your business and for the planet.   To find out more about Mastermelt, check out their website https://www.mastermeltgroup.com/

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• 283. 7 Benefits of the Rising Cost of Metals to Handmade Jewellers

  In this week's episode, Jessica Rose and Anna Campbell explore the unexpected advantages behind the rising costs of silver and gold. While many jewellers worry about affordability and holding stock, Jessica and Anna reveal that these changes can actually strengthen your business and the handmade jewellery industry as a whole. They discuss seven key benefits, including: - The increased inherent value of your jewellery - customers now see handmade pieces as not only beautiful but a smart long-term investment. - A boost in the value of any metal stock you already own - some jewellers have seen their materials rise by around 50%, leading to higher profits when priced correctly. - Rising prices encourage better pricing confidence and healthier profit margins across the industry, moving away from undercharging. - More customers are looking to resell, recycle or redesign their old jewellery - creating new opportunities for bespoke services and lasting client relationships. - Despite higher prices, demand for gold and silver jewellery remains strong, driven by design, desire, and personal connection—not just cost. - Small independent jewellers now stand out more clearly from high-street brands, as mass-produced copies become harder to make in precious metals. - Hallmarking gains value, giving customers reassurance and proof of authenticity as they invest in higher-priced pieces. The episode ends with a powerful reminder: adopting a positive mindset and valuing your role as a maker is key to growth. Now is the time to embrace opportunity, build trust, and create jewellery with confidence. Watch the full webinar now: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/2025/how-to-grow-your-jewellery-business-alongside-the-rising-cost-of-precious-metals Jewellery Business Academy 2026 If you are looking to grow your jewellery business check out our 1 year Jewellery Business Academy. Who is the Jewellery Business Academy For? The Jewellery Business Academy is open to jewellers at every stage, from beginners launching their first collections to established makers seeking to refine, grow, and scale. With flexible payment options spread over 12 months, it's designed to be accessible, supportive, and transformative. Enrolment is open now. Have a look and see if it is for you: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-jewellery-business-academy

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• 282. Sand Casting For Jewellers with Iain Sainsbury

  In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Iain Sainsbury to talk all about sand casting for jewellers and how you can do it safely, confidently, and successfully at home. Iain introduces his brand-new online course in sand casting, available now on pre-sale with 50% off until 6th November 2025. He shares why this ancient metalworking technique, dating back thousands of years, is experiencing a revival. With its low cost of entry, minimal equipment needs, and beautifully rustic results, sand casting allows jewellers to cast their own designs at home without the need to wait on external casters. No two sand cast pieces are ever the same, making every creation uniquely yours. Jess and Iain dive into practical tips for safer, smarter sand casting at home, including: Safety First: Essential setup for fire safety, ventilation, and personal protection. Why you should avoid bulky gloves, always tie back long hair, and keep a fire extinguisher close by. Getting Hot Enough: Why standard butane torches won't cut it, and what to use instead - from MAP gas torches to oxygen/propane systems for faster, cleaner melts. Building Your Casting Area: How to create a simple heat-containing furnace using soldering boards and ceramic bricks to help your metal flow perfectly. 'Thinking Like Metal': Preparing your mould properly, from vent holes to clean sand and positioning, to ensure the molten metal runs smoothly and fully fills the design. Experiment and Enjoy It: Sand casting is part science, part play. Start small, embrace the imperfections, and enjoy the excitement of seeing metal become something new. This episode is for you if you're curious about the process of casting your own pieces from home or have experience with it, and want to refine your home set up.

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