MJSA Podcast
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★ - 4 ratingsInsights and advice from the jewelry industry's top designers, manufacturers, bench jewelers, business executives, and educators.
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Episodes
Favorite Finishing Touches, with Lee Krombholz
October 13, 2023 01:49 - 10 minutes - 9.82 MBLee Krombholz, owner of Cincinnati-based Krombholz Jewelers, longtime member of the MJSA board of directors, and vice chair of the MJSA Education Foundation, is a third-generation jeweler who has won multiple awards for his custom designs. Krombholz blends cutting-edge technology with old-world craftsmanship to achieve heirloom quality results. In this episode, Krombholz explains his go-to techniques for finishing and texturing jewelry, and how he chooses styles to compliment his creations. ...
Discovering the Magic of Steel, with Bette Barnett
June 30, 2023 17:53 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBBette 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 love for working with steel, and her forthcoming book aimed at passing down the techniques she has developed and honed in the last 13 years. •Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resour...
Granulation: Art & Inspiration, with David Huycke
May 03, 2023 14:22 - 10 minutes - 9.5 MBDavid 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 techniques and methods. •Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. •Learn more about MJSA
The Foundations of a Sustainable Jewelry Practice, with Christina Miller
April 18, 2023 13:02 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBChristina 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 sustainable jewelry business. •Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. •Learn more about MJSA
Cutting Loose: Exploring the World of Diamonds with Maarten de Witte
February 07, 2023 19:49 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBMaarten de Witte is one of the world’s premier diamond cutters and experts, 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 in the trade, his approach to art and creativity, the future of man-made diamonds, and the importance of passing skills to the next generation. •Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. •Learn more about MJSA
Crossing Over: From Jewelry Maker to Tool Supplier
January 17, 2023 16:01 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBJewelers tend to be innovators, especially when it comes to altering and creating tools. We spoke with three jewelers—Jeanette Caines, Jayne Redman, and Ronda Coryell—who not only developed their own tools, but successfully brought them to market. In this episode, they share their stories and explain the key factors that inspired their respective journeys from jewels to tools. •Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. •Learn more about MJSA
What Jewelry Makers Need to Know About Mass Finishing with Judy Hoch
October 01, 2022 13:16 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBJudy 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. •Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. •Learn more about MJSA
Pushing the Boundaries of Beading with Valerie Hector
September 01, 2022 02:33 - 10 minutes - 9.71 MBBead artist and metalsmith 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 techniques. •Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. •Learn more about MJSA
What Jewelry Makers Need to Know About Casters with Scott Bradford
July 28, 2022 05:26 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBScott 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. •Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. •Learn more about MJSA
Tips for Keeping Jewelry Businesses Safe with John Kennedy
June 30, 2022 18:14 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBWhile 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 in violent crime and reviews key security procedures that business owners need to take to safeguard their lives. • Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. • Learn more about MJSA
Responsibly Sourcing Colored Gemstones with Eric Braunwart
April 04, 2022 19:59 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBNo 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 his own story in selling colored stones, promoting responsibility and sustainability, and advocating for improvements to the jewelry supply chain. • Click here for video, show notes, links, and other...
Tips for Buying, Selling, and Marketing Lab-Grown Diamonds with Rob Bates
February 07, 2022 17:53 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBThe 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 their levels of quality, their value, and the lingering sustainability concerns regarding their production. • Click here for video, show notes, links, and other resources. • Learn more about MJSA
Tips for Working with Gemstones with Joel McFadden
January 18, 2022 20:27 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBBreaking 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. • Click here for show notes, links, and other resources. • Learn more about MJSA
5 Favorite Tools with Michelle Pajak-Reynolds
November 09, 2021 20:43 - 20 minutes - 19.5 MBJewelry artist Michelle Pajak-Reynolds handcrafts small collections of one-of-a-kind designs featuring unique gemstones, pearls, and ethically sourced precious metals. In this episide, she shares her five favorite, go-to tools, and describes the impact each has had on her productivity and creativity while at the bench. • Click Here for Show Notes, Links, and Resources • Learn more about MJSA
5 Tips for Sourcing Responsibly with Christina Malle
October 26, 2021 12:52 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBA goldsmith, graduate gemologist, and former human rights attorney, Christina Malle (Christina Malle Jewelry) 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 podcast, she offers five ways to ensure the materials you’re buying are indeed responsible. • Click Here for Show Notes, Links, and Resources • Learn more about MJSA
5 Design Inspirations with Geralyn Sheridan
October 12, 2021 20:03 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBFounder of a family-run studio in Chico, California, goldsmith and gemologist Geralyn Sheridan creates socially responsible jewelry that incorporates natural textures, sculptural curves, and fl owing movement. She draws inspiration from her everyday life as well as from the memories of her childhood, and in this episode she describes how five such inspirations were translated into standout jewelry designs. • Click Here for Show Notes, Links, Images, and other Resources • Watch the Video...
Custom Challenges & Opportunities with Gary Dawson
February 24, 2021 19:40 - 18 minutes - 15.1 MBThose following advancements in jewelry technology in the last couple of decades, and those following MJSA, will no doubt recognize the name Gary Dawson. One of the of the most creative and technically adventurous jewelers out there today, Dawson is passionate about sharing his jewelry-making know-how and enthusiasm for custom design. In this episode, we spoke to Dawson about his personal experience navigating his business through the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities this crisis has create...
5 Tips for Innovation & Online Success
January 04, 2021 15:15 - 18 minutes - 14.6 MB2021, perhaps more than any other new year in recent memory, is filled with anticipation, expectation, and hope. In this episode, Andrea Hill shares five tips for businesses looking to improve and expand their online reach this year. She also suggests several valuable online tools and apps that can help encourage more innovative thinking and simplify content creation for your website and social media channels.
Episode 009 - Today & Tomorrow: Industry Analysis with Erich Jacobs (JBT)
May 12, 2020 11:11 - 35 minutes - 40.6 MBThe global shutdown resulting from the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented, and it’s changing the jewelry industry on many levels. Companies of all sizes are facing serious economic disruptions, as business owners struggle to navigate through the uncertainty. In this episode of the MJSA podcast, Erich Jacobs, President of the Jeweler’s Board of Trade (JBT), shares his analysis of how the crisis is impacting credit, supply chains, and e-commerce, and if the current data are beginning paint a cle...
Today & Tomorrow: Industry Analysis with Erich Jacobs (JBT)
May 12, 2020 11:11 - 35 minutes - 40.6 MBThe global shutdown resulting from the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented, and it’s changing the jewelry industry on many levels. Companies of all sizes are facing serious economic disruptions, as business owners struggle to navigate through the uncertainty. In this episode of the MJSA podcast, Erich Jacobs, President of the Jeweler’s Board of Trade (JBT), shares his analysis of how the crisis is impacting credit, supply chains, and e-commerce, and if the current data are beginning paint a cle...
Paths to Provenance with Daniel Nyfeler (Gübelin Gem Lab)
May 06, 2020 14:54 - 30 minutes - 34.5 MBDespite recent efforts by the jewelry industry to address transparency and tracing issues across the global supply chain, the conditions under which colored gemstones are sourced remain highly opaque and lack reliable independent verification. In this episode, Daniel Nyfeler, Managing Director of Gübelin Gem Lab, discusses his company’s Provenance Proof initiative, aimed at developing new technologies to increase traceability and verify the origin and authenticity of colored gemstones. He...
Ep. 08 - Paths to Provenance with Daniel Nyfeler (Gübelin Gem Lab)
May 06, 2020 14:54 - 30 minutes - 34.5 MBDespite recent efforts by the jewelry industry to address transparency and tracing issues across the global supply chain, the conditions under which colored gemstones are sourced remain highly opaque and lack reliable independent verification. In this episode, Daniel Nyfeler, Managing Director of Gübelin Gem Lab, discusses his company’s Provenance Proof initiative, aimed at developing new technologies to increase traceability and verify the origin and authenticity of colored gemstones. He...
Episode 007 - Succession Planning with Dan Pharr
March 26, 2020 19:27 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBOur guest on this episode is Dan Pharr, president of Pharr Valuation in Richmond, Virginia. With 30 years of jewelry industry experience, Dan specializes in business valuations of closely held and family owned businesses. In this interview, Dan discusses the best practices for business owners who want to exit their companies profitably while ensuring their legacies endure. He also explains how to use business valuations to a boost a company's marketability and better prepare for the purcha...
Ep. 07 - Succession Planning with Dan Pharr (Pharr Valuation)
March 26, 2020 19:27 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBOur guest on this episode is Dan Pharr, president of Pharr Valuation in Richmond, Virginia. With 30 years of jewelry industry experience, Dan specializes in business valuations of closely held and family owned businesses. In this interview, Dan discusses the best practices for business owners who want to exit their companies profitably while ensuring their legacies endure. He also explains how to use business valuations to a boost a company's marketability and better prepare for the purcha...
Succession Planning with Dan Pharr (Pharr Valuation)
March 26, 2020 19:27 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBOur guest on this episode is Dan Pharr, president of Pharr Valuation in Richmond, Virginia. With 30 years of jewelry industry experience, Dan specializes in business valuations of closely held and family owned businesses. In this interview, Dan discusses the best practices for business owners who want to exit their companies profitably while ensuring their legacies endure. He also explains how to use business valuations to a boost a company's marketability and better prepare for the purcha...
Keeping Compliant with Sara Yood (JVC)
December 10, 2019 18:44 - 29 minutes - 23.6 MBOur guest on this episode, Sara Yood, senior counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), has made a career out of helping businesses wade through the myriad guidelines, regulations, and laws that apply to making and selling jewelry. It’s not easy staying up to date—recent changes to the FTC guidelines, for instance, have changed how the industry can talk about karat gold, lab-grown gems, and metal coatings, while a recent Supreme Court decision changed the rules for taxing internet sa...
Episode 006 - Keeping Compliant with Sara Yood
December 10, 2019 18:44 - 29 minutes - 23.5 MBOur guest on this episode, Sara Yood, senior counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), has made a career out of helping businesses wade through the myriad guidelines, regulations, and laws that apply to making and selling jewelry. It’s not easy staying up to date—recent changes to the FTC guidelines, for instance, have changed how the industry can talk about karat gold, lab-grown gems, and metal coatings, while a recent Supreme Court decision changed the rules for taxing internet sa...
Ep. 06 - Keeping Compliant with Sara Yood (JVC)
December 10, 2019 18:44 - 29 minutes - 23.6 MBOur guest on this episode, Sara Yood, senior counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), has made a career out of helping businesses wade through the myriad guidelines, regulations, and laws that apply to making and selling jewelry. It’s not easy staying up to date—recent changes to the FTC guidelines, for instance, have changed how the industry can talk about karat gold, lab-grown gems, and metal coatings, while a recent Supreme Court decision changed the rules for taxing internet sa...
Episode 005 - Building Chains of Trust with Susan Wheeler
October 18, 2019 18:14 - 30 minutes - 24.5 MBResponsible sourcing and transparent supply chains are key topics in the jewelry trade and more important than ever to consumers. Award-winning jewelry designer and founder of the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference (CRJC), Susan Wheeler, has emerged as a leading voice in the responsible jewelry movement. In this episode, Susan discusses her own journey toward responsible practices, the story behind the creation of the CRJC and its mission, initiatives to improve gemstone traceability, ...
Ep. 06 - Building Chains of Trust with Susan Wheeler (CRJC)
October 18, 2019 18:14 - 30 minutes - 24.7 MBResponsible sourcing and transparent supply chains are key topics in the jewelry trade and more important than ever to consumers. Award-winning jewelry designer and founder of the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference (CRJC), Susan Wheeler, has emerged as a leading voice in the responsible jewelry movement. In this episode, Susan discusses her own journey toward responsible practices, the story behind the creation of the CRJC and its mission, initiatives to improve gemstone traceability, ...
Building Chains of Trust with Susan Wheeler (CRJC)
October 18, 2019 18:14 - 30 minutes - 24.7 MBResponsible sourcing and transparent supply chains are key topics in the jewelry trade and more important than ever to consumers. Award-winning jewelry designer and founder of the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference (CRJC), Susan Wheeler, has emerged as a leading voice in the responsible jewelry movement. In this episode, Susan discusses her own journey toward responsible practices, the story behind the creation of the CRJC and its mission, initiatives to improve gemstone traceability, ...
The Next Generation of Jewelers with Nanz Aalund
September 12, 2019 19:15 - 52 minutes - 42.5 MBWith the current generation of master craftspeople aging out of the jewelry industry, demand for professionally skilled workers is high. But a number of barriers stand in the way of developing an effective education-to-employment pipeline for prospective jewelers, including issues such as pay scale disparities, gender bias, a lack of on-the-job training, and misaligned expectations between the industry and educators. Award-winning jewelry designer, goldsmith, author, and educator, Nanz Aal...
Ep. 04 - The Next Generation of Jewelers with Nanz Aalund
September 12, 2019 19:15 - 52 minutes - 42.5 MBWith the current generation of master craftspeople aging out of the jewelry industry, demand for professionally skilled workers is high. But a number of barriers stand in the way of developing an effective education-to-employment pipeline for prospective jewelers, including issues such as pay scale disparities, gender bias, a lack of on-the-job training, and misaligned expectations between the industry and educators. Award-winning jewelry designer, goldsmith, author, and educator, Nanz Aal...
Episode 004 - The Next Generation of Jewelers with Nanz Aalund
September 12, 2019 19:15 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MBWith the current generation of master craftspeople aging out of the jewelry industry, demand for professionally skilled workers is high. But a number of barriers stand in the way of developing an effective education-to-employment pipeline for prospective jewelers, including issues such as pay scale disparities, gender bias, a lack of on-the-job training, and misaligned expectations between the industry and educators. Award-winning jewelry designer, goldsmith, author, and educator, Nanz Aal...
Episode 003 - Selling the Art of Custom Jewelry with Llyn Strong
August 10, 2019 12:47 - 11 minutes - 9.09 MBJewelry artist and gallery owner Llyn Strong made her first piece of jewelry in 1972, igniting a passion that would develop into a now 40-year career. Recipient of an Honorable Mention in the Custom Design Distinction category of the 2019 MJSA Vision Awards competition, Llyn is recognized for her signature collections and her distinctive custom designs. In this episode, Llyn discusses how she got started making jewelry, the story behind the creation of her award-winning cuff bracelet, and ho...
Selling the Art of Custom Jewelry with Llyn Strong
August 10, 2019 12:47 - 11 minutes - 9.22 MBJewelry artist and gallery owner Llyn Strong made her first piece of jewelry in 1972, igniting a passion that would develop into a now 40-year career. Recipient of an Honorable Mention in the Custom Design Distinction category of the 2019 MJSA Vision Awards competition, Llyn is recognized for her signature collections and her distinctive custom designs. In this episode, Llyn discusses how she got started making jewelry, the story behind the creation of her award-winning cuff bracelet, and ho...
Ep.03 - Selling the Art of Custom Jewelry with Llyn Strong
August 10, 2019 12:47 - 11 minutes - 9.22 MBJewelry artist and gallery owner Llyn Strong made her first piece of jewelry in 1972, igniting a passion that would develop into a now 40-year career. Recipient of an Honorable Mention in the Custom Design Distinction category of the 2019 MJSA Vision Awards competition, Llyn is recognized for her signature collections and her distinctive custom designs. In this episode, Llyn discusses how she got started making jewelry, the story behind the creation of her award-winning cuff bracelet, and ho...
Podcast: Finding the Sustainable Path
July 23, 2019 03:17 - 20 minutes - 16.4 MBSusan Crow—owner of East Fourth Street Jewelry in Northfield, Minnesota, and Responsible Practices Distinction winner in the 2019 MJSA Vision Awards—is dedicated to proper environmental, ethical, and sustainable practices. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and overall rewards of building a responsible supply chain and adopting green processes.
Finding the Sustainable Path with Susan Crow (East Fourth Street Jewelry)
July 23, 2019 03:17 - 20 minutes - 16.4 MBSusan Crow—owner of East Fourth Street Jewelry in Northfield, Minnesota, and Responsible Practices Distinction winner in the 2019 MJSA Vision Awards—is dedicated to proper environmental, ethical, and sustainable practices. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and overall rewards of building a responsible supply chain and adopting green processes.
Ep. 02 - Finding the Sustainable Path with Susan Crow (East Fourth Street Jewelry)
July 23, 2019 03:17 - 20 minutes - 16.4 MBSusan Crow—owner of East Fourth Street Jewelry in Northfield, Minnesota, and Responsible Practices Distinction winner in the 2019 MJSA Vision Awards—is dedicated to proper environmental, ethical, and sustainable practices. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and overall rewards of building a responsible supply chain and adopting green processes.
Episode 002 - Finding the Sustainable Path with Susan Crow (East Fourth Street Jewelry)
July 23, 2019 03:17 - 20 minutes - 16.4 MBSusan Crow—owner of East Fourth Street Jewelry in Northfield, Minnesota, and Responsible Practices Distinction winner in the 2019 MJSA Vision Awards—is dedicated to proper environmental, ethical, and sustainable practices. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and overall rewards of building a responsible supply chain and adopting green processes.
Episode 001 - Lab-Grown Diamonds Update with Marty Hurwitz (MVI Marketing)
June 03, 2019 12:49 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this inaugural episode, host Travis Searle talks with Marty Hurwitz, CEO of MVI Marketing, about the current status of lab-grown diamonds. They discuss the impact of bigger industry players like Signet, De Beers, and Richline entering the space, the revenue potential for retailers who are embracing lab-grown options, the marketing techniques jewelers are using to promote them to millennial-age buyers, and what the future of holds.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Update with Marty Hurwitz (MVI Marketing)
June 03, 2019 12:49 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this inaugural episode, host Travis Searle talks with Marty Hurwitz, CEO of MVI Marketing, about the current status of lab-grown diamonds. They discuss the impact of bigger industry players like Signet, De Beers, and Richline entering the space, the revenue potential for retailers who are embracing lab-grown options, the marketing techniques jewelers are using to promote them to millennial-age buyers, and what the future of holds.
Ep. 01 - Lab-Grown Diamonds Update with Marty Hurwitz (MVI Marketing)
June 03, 2019 12:49 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this inaugural episode, host Travis Searle talks with Marty Hurwitz, CEO of MVI Marketing, about the current status of lab-grown diamonds. They discuss the impact of bigger industry players like Signet, De Beers, and Richline entering the space, the revenue potential for retailers who are embracing lab-grown options, the marketing techniques jewelers are using to promote them to millennial-age buyers, and what the future of holds.