Jewellers Academy Podcast

In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by Liz Lloyd, founder of Liz Lloyd Jewellery, to talk about her journey into jewellery and what it takes to build a confident, professional jewellery business. Liz shares how an early love of making jewellery led her back to the bench after a long career in teaching and creative work. During lockdown, she rediscovered jewellery making and found Jewellers Academy which helped her move from experimenting to building a business with intention. She talks about completing the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, describing it as a key moment in finding her style, building confidence, and developing skills in a structured, apprenticeship-style way. Liz also shares how joining the Jewellery Business Academy gave her the focus and structure she needed to grow sustainably, choosing to work on one area of her business at a time. Jess and Liz discuss the importance of communication in jewellery business, why investing in professional photography can transform how your work is perceived, and what Liz learned from creating her first full jewellery collection inspired by nature and architecture. They also explore building a website that feels calm and luxurious, pacing yourself creatively, and balancing making with promotion. This is an inspiring listen for anyone, particularly if you are coming to jewellery making after another career.   If growing your jewellery business is your goal for 2026 then check out the Jewellery Business Academy. A one year comprehensive program designed for jewellers, this externally accredited program is exactly what you need to stay focused an on track. Plus get one-to-one mentoring on the topic of your choice, accountability through regular small group Zoom meet ups and more. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-jewellery-business-academy   About Liz Liz Lloyd is a jewellery designer and maker creating handmade sterling silver and 9ct gold pieces from her home studio in the UK. Her work is inspired by the meeting of nature and structure, drawing on clean architectural lines and the sculptural forms of sea waves and rock strata. Using these influences, she creates minimalist jewellery designed to be worn every day as well as for special occasions. Liz works to commission and sells her collections through her website. Completing the Jewellers Academy Silver Diploma in 2023–2024, alongside two years in the Jewellery Business Academy, was a turning point that gave her the confidence and clarity to design and launch a new 24-piece silver and gold collection. www.lizlloydjewellery.co.uk @lizlloydjewellery  

Thinking about starting a jewellery business in 2026?    In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess explores the key trends, strategies, and mindset shifts shaping the future of the jewellery industry - from why authenticity is the antidote to AI, to how to market your work without burning out.   Jess covers: How to build real connection with customers as a maker Why Instagram and email lists matter more than a perfect website The importance of getting your first sales early Sustainability, ethical sourcing, and custom work Gender-neutral jewellery and timeless design trends Why building a jewellery business is a marathon not a sprint - and how to keep going   Want to know more? Join Jess for a free masterclass diving into this topic in more depth.   Register for free here: https://mailchi.mp/e82cff09396b/start

In this episode, Anna Campbell chats with Pinterest and SEO consultant Trona Freeman about how jewellers can use Pinterest as a powerful visual search engine - not just another social platform. Trona breaks down how Pinterest users are intentional, slower scrollers, and often ready to shop, making it an ideal place for jewellery businesses.  She shares practical tips on: Optimising your profile and boards for search Creating keyword-rich, high-performing pins Using product shots, lifestyle content, and text pins strategically Leveraging Pinterest Trends and Pinterest Predicts Avoiding common mistakes like broken links and low-quality images If you want long-lasting traffic, more visibility, and a platform where your jewellery can truly shine, this episode is packed with simple, actionable steps to get started. Jewellery Business Academy 2026 If growing your jewellery business is your goal for 2026 then check out the Jewellery Business Academy. A one year comprehensive program designed for jewellers, this externally accredited program is exactly what you need to stay focused an on track. Plus get one to one mentoring on the topic of your choice, accountability through regular small group Zoom meet ups and more.   https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-jewellery-business-academy   If you'd like to know more, join the live open day on Tuesday 9th December 2025 at 8pm UK time GMT. Here's the link you need to register (and receive the replay via email if you can't join live) https://mailchi.mp/8a09ab0822ce/jba-2026   About Trona Trona Freeman is a Scotland-based Pinterest and SEO consultant who runs her business under the name Aye Lined Digital Marketing. Originally she started out as a beauty and lifestyle blogger, sharing content on fashion, skincare and photography and through that journey she discovered the potential of Pinterest as a powerful driver of traffic. Over time, what began as a hobby and creative outlet evolved into a full-blown service: Trona now helps small businesses , including creatives and makers, to grow online by leveraging Pinterest and smart SEO strategies. Her background as a creator and MA in Art History gives her a unique perspective on how visual artists and artisans (like jewellers) can use visual platforms to reach new audiences. Connect with her: https://services.ayelined.com/ https://www.instagram.com/trona_freeman  

In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose shares all about the brand-new Diploma in Wax Jewellery. This is the fifth online one-year Diploma to be created. Whether you're completely new to wax or an experienced jeweller ready to dive into wax jewellery, this episode gives you a full behind-the-scenes look at what to expect from this year-long programme. Jess walks you through how the Diploma works, from the flexible weekly time commitment to the unique 'wax to metal' process where you'll carve your designs, send them to a caster, and then learn the essential skills to clean up and finish your final pieces. Unlike other Diplomas, students only submit their work once at the end of the course, giving plenty of time to refine each project. You'll also hear how termly check-ins support accountability and how every student is paired with a professional wax jeweller as a mentor for the year. Jess explores the wide variety of projects and techniques you'll learn: from foundational wax carving and building shaped signet rings, to stone setting in wax, cast-in-place techniques, soft wax sculpting, the Mitsuro Hikime method, build-up techniques with a heat pen, and even optional sand casting for those with the tools at home. Jess also introduces you to the expert tutor team, including master stone setters and specialist wax jewellers who will guide you through each step. You'll get a clear picture of the year, from September through to July, and discover how the final project helps you create a cohesive mini collection to kickstart or elevate your jewellery business. If you'd like to see examples of the projects, ask questions, or explore whether this diploma is right for you, join us for the live Open Day on Wed 3rd Dec 2025 at 8pm UK time GMT. Register now to get the Zoom link and the replay https://mailchi.mp/d3d9f888b402/wax-diploma-open-day-dec-25 Learn more about the Diploma in Wax Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery

Jessica Rose chats with Jo Hunt, founder of Rockpool Jewellery, about her creative journey and her love for working with wax. Jo shares all about her brand-new course, Rings, Pendants and Charms in Wax: The Build-Up Technique - the first course at Jewellers Academy dedicated entirely to this organic, textured method. It's currently on pre-sale for a limited time at 50% off. Jo shares how jewellery making became an essential creative outlet during her struggles with anxiety and OCD, and how wax offered the perfect low-pressure medium to explore ideas freely. Jess and Jo talk about the differences between traditional wax carving and the build-up technique, why it produces such unique results, and what tools and materials beginners need to get started. You'll also hear insights from behind the scenes of Rockpool Jewellery, from slow, sustainable business growth to offering customers pieces in wax so they can choose their metal before casting. Jo is encouraging for anyone new to wax to give it a try!   Enrol on the brand new online course Rings, Pendants & Charms in Wax: The Build-Up Technique with 50% off for a limited time. Learn more: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/rings-pendants-charms-in-wax-the-buildup-technique   And if you want to really delve into working with wax and stone setting, check out our new for 2026 1 year online Diploma in Wax Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery   About Jo Hunt Jo is based in North East England where she creates her collections and one-of-a-kind pieces from her home studio. Jo's designs are inspired by the north east coastline and coastal textures and she sells her designs via her website and in local independent stores and galleries. Jo works mainly with the lost wax casting technique, using mainly the build up technique which she teaches in this course  www.rockpooljewellery.com