Jewellers Academy Podcast

Join the Free 10 Days of Silver Challenge! In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Kelly Twigg to introduce 10 Days of Silver - our free, global jewellery-making challenge designed to help you get back to the bench with confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced jeweller, this 10-day programme guides you through fun, low-pressure silver jewellery projects. Jess and Kelly talk through the projects, share tips for building skills and confidence, and explain how this challenge is a great way to reconnect with your creativity at the start of the year.   Here's what you'll learn to make in week 1: Day 1: Silver Stacking Rings Day 2: Silver Bar Necklace Day 3: Silver Cut-Out Necklace Day 4: Silver Stacking Bangles Day 5: Twisted Hoop Earrings Here is what you'll learn to make in week 2: Day 6: Granulated Stud Earrings Day 7: Make a Wave Ring Day 8: Gold (or Copper) Inlay Silver Pendant Day 9: Fused Silver Earrings Day 10: Introduction to Claw Setting   ✨ Ready to join? Sign up for free here: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/10-days-of-silver-jewellery   Join now to get started. You get lifetime access and the tools and materials list for all projects to get ahead. Don't forget to share your creations with us on Instagram @JewellersAcademy and in the Facebook group - we love seeing what you make!

Kickstart 2026 is a free, five-day challenge designed to help jewellery makers and jewellery business owners begin the year with clarity, confidence and calm. In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess explains how the challenge offers a gentle, structured way to reflect on your vision, set meaningful goals for your jewellery business, create simple action plans, build supportive routines and consider how money will flow into your business - without the overwhelm or pressure. How does Kickstart work? The FREE five day challenge features a video from Jess each day for 5 days, starting on Monday 5th January 2026. It also includes notes and a Canva template to create your own plan through the week. Day 1 – Get Clear on Your Vision A short exercise to reconnect with why you do what you do and what you want this year to look like. ✔️ It's time for a clearer sense of direction and motivation. Day 2 – Choose Your Focus You'll identify a small number of realistic, meaningful business goals. ✔️ Let's ditch the overwhelm and get clarity on what actually matters. Day 3 – Create an Action Plan Turn ideas into steps you can actually follow. ✔️ Leave with a simple plan instead of a head full of 'shoulds'. Day 4 – Build a Weekly Business Rhythm Define how you'll consistently work on your business, not just in it. ✔️ Feel more organised and in control of your time. Day 5 – Focus on Revenue Shift your attention to activities that help bring money into your business. ✔️ End the week knowing exactly what to prioritise next. Join Kickstart now https://www.jewellersacademy.com/kickstart   Other programs mentioned in the podcast: 10 Days of Silver Jewellery Making - suitable for complete beginners or those who want to stetch themselves with new project ideas starting on 12th January 2026 Week of Wax five free wax carving tutorials starting on 2nd February 2026 Five Days of Silver Metal Clay free tutorials starting on 23rd February 2026 All of these free challenges are open for enrolment now and will start on the dates show above so register now.   Jewellery Business Academy 2026 - our externally accredited one-year business program featuring monthly themes, group support, starter and growth tracks. This runs from January to December and is open now for enrolment.

This week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and Anna Campbell explore their annual tradition of choosing a Word of the Year as a gentler alternative to New Year's resolutions. They reflect on the words they chose for 2025 and how the year lived up to them, before sharing their words for 2026 and what they hope for the year ahead. If you're thinking about setting intentions for 2026, they also share some tips to help you choose a word that feels meaningful and supportive.   If you'd like to choose your own word of the year, there is some guidance on how to do it on our blog. As well as some alternative ideas mentioned in the podcast, including your theme song for 2026!   https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/whats-your-word-of-the-year-for-2026

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