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Discovering the Magic of Steel with Bette Barnett Airdate: July 1, 2023 Bette Barnett, owner of Studio Migoto, in La Mesa, California, is recognized for her expertise fusing steel with gold utilizing various techniques. In this episode, Bette discusses her transition from a career working in corporate communications to one in jewelry-making, how she discovered her […]

Granulation: Art & Inspiration with David Huycke Airdate: May 1, 2023 David Huycke is an internationally renowned Belgian silversmith, best known for his innovative approach to metalwork, specifically the use of granulation techniques in larger sculptural silverware. In this episode, Huycke discusses his creative process, sources of inspiration, and how he approaches testing and developing new […]

The Foundations of a Sustainable Jewelry Practice with Christina Miller Airdate: April 1, 2023 Christina Miller is the founder of Christina T. Miller Sustainable Jewelry Consulting, providing strategy, education, and guidance to small and medium-sized companies in the jewelry and fashion industries. In this episode, Miller, shares her insights and tips for building and supporting a […]

Cutting Loose: Exploring the World of Diamonds, with Maarten de Witte Airdate: February 1, 2023 Maarten de Witte is one of the world’s premier diamond cutters and expert, renowned as a craftsman, innovator (he created the American Rose Brilliant Cut), and educator. In this episode, de Witte discusses the lessons he’s learned during his 50 years […]

What Jewelry Makers Need to Know About Mass Finishing with Judy Hoch Airdate: October 1, 2022 Judy Hoch of Marstal Smithy (author of Tumble Finishing for Handmade Jewelry) discusses the benefits of mass finishing, why it might be right for your shop, and why she considers it the safest most effective way to finish jewelry. Watch […]

Pushing the Boundaries of Beading with Valerie Hector Airdate: September 1, 2022 Bead artist Valerie Hector (Valerie Hector Designs) brings a background in anthropology, deep knowledge of Asian bead styles, and a passion for pushing boundaries to her work. In this episode, Hector discusses her creative approach to design and why she’s driven to develop new […]

What Jewelry Makers Need to Know About Casting with Scott Bradford Airdate: August 1, 2022 Scott Bradford understands the relationship between good design and a good casting. In this episode, Bradford shares his advice on how jewelry makers and designers can achieve better cast items, especially when working with a contractor. Watch Video • Listen Online • Highlights • Show Notes & […]

Tips for Keeping Jewelry Businesses Safe with John Kennedy Airdate: July 1, 2022 While cybercriminals and scammers continue to target jewelry businesses, a recent uptick in brutal robberies and thefts point toward a frightening trend. In this episode, John Kennedy, president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, shares what jewelers need to know about the recent rise […]

MJSA Mystery Box Challenge 2022 with participating designer Geralyn Sheridan Airdate: June 1, 2022 In this podcast, Geralyn Sheridan of Geralyn Sheridan Designs in Chico, California, breaks down the design and technical details behind her sea-inspired necklace. Read more about the 2022 Mystery Box Challenge and see additional pieces from designers Alex Boyd and Michael Bondanza: […]

MJSA Mystery Box Challenge 2022 with participating designer Alex Boyd Airdate: June 1, 2022 In this podcast, Alex Boyd, owner of Alex Boyd Studio in Denver, explains his approach to design, his experiences working with new and unfamiliar components, and the challenge of working with this year’s Mystery Box “surprise” materials. Read more about the 2022 […]

Responsibly Sourcing ColoredGemstones with Eric Braunwart Airdate: April 4, 2022 No official certifications currently exist for responsibly sourced colored stones—so Eric Braunwart, president of Columbia Gem House, created his own system to provide his customers with the origin story of each gem. In this podcast, Braunwart—a longtime leader in responsible practices—tells hisown story in selling colored […]

Tips for Buying, Selling, & Marketing Lab-Grown Diamonds with Rob Bates Airdate: February 11, 2022 The market for lab-grown diamonds continues to grow, prices continue to drop, and growers are working around the clock to meet demand. In this episode, JCK News Director Rob Bates explores what buyers and sellers should consider regarding lab-grown diamonds, including […]

Tips for Working with Gemstones with Joel McFadden Airdate: January 18, 2022 Breaking or damaging a gemstone is every stone setter’s worst nightmare. In this podcast, jeweler Joel McFadden, a renowned setter and frequent contributor to MJSA Journal, shares insights and techniques that can keep a gemstone intact and securely set—and a customer happy. Watch Video • Listen […]

5 Favorite Tools with Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Airdate: November 9, 2021 Jewelry artist Michelle Pajak-Reynolds handcrafts small collections of one-of-a-kind designs featuring unique gemstones, pearls, and ethically sourced precious metals. In this episode, she shares her five favorite tools and describes the impact each has had on her productivity and creativity while at the bench. Watch Video • Listen […]

5 Tips for Sourcing Responsibly with Christina Malle Airdate: October 12, 2021 A goldsmith, graduate gemologist, and former human rights attorney, Christina Malle is committed to sourcing responsibly. A board member of Ethical Metalsmiths, she always uses Fairmined or certified recycled gold in her work, and she always sources gems from known, reliable vendors. In this […]

5 Design Inspirations with Geralyn Sheridan Airdate: October 12, 2021 Founder of a family-run studio in Chico, California, goldsmith and gemologist Geralyn Sheridan creates socially responsible jewelry that incorporates natural textures, sculptural curves, and flowing movement. She draws inspiration from her everyday life as well as from the memories of her childhood, and in this […]