Jewellers Academy Podcast

In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Kim Thompson talks with goldsmith and educator Iris, whose unique journey through jewellery and cultural sciences has shaped two distinct jewellery brands and a passion for teaching. Iris shares how her creatively rich upbringing and formal training led her to a multifaceted career, balancing bespoke design with a commercial line, all while running hands-on workshops for aspiring makers. Covering the art of jewellery making, the value of continuous learning, and how the Jewellers Academy Silver Diploma helped Iris refine her skills and grow in confidence. This is an episode packed with wisdom, tips and inspiration.

Iris has completed our Diploma in Silver Jewellery and is currently completing the Diploma in Fine Jewellery. Find out more about all of our Diploma courses

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas

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About Iris

In 2018, Iris Van Steenwinckel launched her jewellery brand, Iris Van Steenwinckel Contemporary Jewellery, debuting with a collection inspired by her graduation project. Blending historic artworks and traditional jewellery techniques with a sleek, modern aesthetic, her early designs continue to influence her work today. Since then, her business has evolved to include one-day jewellery courses for beginners and a more accessible, commercial line called Nua Nua Jewellery. Juggling two brands and teaching means every day is full of creative varietybut never enough hours. Iris dreams of opening her own gallery, shop, and workshop space, where she can share her passion for jewellery with an even wider community.

LINKS

https://www.irisvansteenwinckel.be/

https://www.nuanua.be/

https://www.instagram.com/irisvansteenwinckel/

https://www.instagram.com/nuanuajewellery/

https://www.facebook.com/irisvansteenwinckelcontemporaryjewellery/

https://www.facebook.com/NuaNuaJewellery/

In this special episode, Jessica Rose shares the exciting news about the opening of our brand-new sister school, Jewellers Academy Brighton. Located on the stunning south coast of England, this state-of-the-art jewellery training centre is now open for in-person workshops seven days a week.

Whether you're based in the UK or abroad, this could be your opportunity to take your jewellery skills to the next level while investing in your business and yourself. With students already enrolling from the USA and Vietnam, this world-class training centre is quickly becoming a global destination for jewellers ready to learn, grow, and connect.

Jessica, Anna Campbell and Sam Hudson talk through what’s on offer in 2025, including our popular 5-Day Intensives, Masterclasses, and our intensive Diploma courses designed with travelling makers in mind. Plus, discover why Brighton is the perfect creative coastal city to host your next jewellery adventure—and how it might be more accessible (and affordable) than you think.

Want to explore the courses mentioned? Here are the links

Diploma in Silver Jewellery - Summer Intensive 

Silver Jewellery - 5 Day Intensive

Stone Setting - 5 day Intensive

Tiara Wedding Ring Masterclass with April Dace

Halo Set Ring Masterclass with Scott McIntyre

Private Tuition

Jewellers Academy Brighton

Jewellers Academy

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In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, jeweller and tutor April Dace dives into the art and precision behind her Tiara Wedding Ring masterclass. With over a decade of experience in fine jewellery, April shares invaluable insights into bespoke design, stone setting, and how to craft bands that perfectly frame existing rings. From sketching with accuracy to selecting the right jewelry tools, she covers the must-know techniques and pricing strategies that help elevate both your work and your business. Whether you're new to jewellery making or deep into your journey, this episode is packed with practical advice on client communication, intuitive design, and growing your skills with confidence.

Fancy learning from April? Check out the Tiara Wedding Ring Masterclass https://www.jewellersacademy.com/tiara-wedding-ring

Save now with the Masterclass Bundle https://www.jewellersacademy.com/masterclass-bundle

Learn more about April Dace https://www.aprildacejewellery.com/

Follow April on Instagram @aprildacejewellery

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If you love hearing how other jewellers found their way into the industry, this episode is for you! This week, Elin Horgan chats with Ruth and Brendan from I Am Acrylic, a duo who never planned to be jewellers but found themselves falling in love with the craft.

Trained in fine art, they stumbled into jewellery-making after experimenting with acrylic scraps and a fret saw. What started as a creative experiment grew into a thriving business, with independent shops and even celebrities like Angelina Jolie and David Schwimmer snapping up their work.

In this episode, they share their journey of hand-cutting every piece (despite the rise of laser cutting), the joys of selling at markets, and the power of connecting with fellow makers. They also discuss how running workshops helps them stay connected to their craft and community.

If you’re inspired by real-life jewellery journeys, listen now to hear how I Am Acrylic built their business with creativity, passion, and a hands-on approach.

I Am Acrylic on Instagram

I Am Acrylic website

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Pricing your jewellery correctly is one of the most important—and challenging—aspects of running a successful business. In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess breaks down the 10 biggest pricing mistakes jewellers make and how to avoid them.

From undercharging for your time to overlooking hidden costs, we cover the most common pitfalls that could be holding your business back. You’ll learn why comparing prices with competitors can be misleading, how discounting impacts your brand value, and why pricing is an ongoing process rather than a one-time decision.

If you’re ready to take control of your pricing, increase your profits, and feel confident charging what your work is worth, this episode is for you.

The 10 Mistakes - Summary

1. Underestimating the cost of materials

2. Not updating your prices regularly

3. Undercharging for your own time

4. Comparing yourself and your pricing to other jewellers

5. Lowering your pricing to get sales

6. Not accounting for all the extras e.g. hallmarking, packaging, postage etc

7. Over discounting to attract sales

8. Blaming yourself if you don’t get it right first time

9. Using the same formulas for calculating selling direct to customers, wholesaling and fine jewellery

10. Confidence and not taking action to get your pricing right

Learn how to price your jewellery for selling directly to the customer, wholesale and fine jewellery in the FREE How to Price Your Jewellery for Profit Masterclass. Covering everything you need to know as well as spreadsheets that calculate your prices for you. Enrol now free:

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/pricing

Also mentioned in this episode:

The Jewellery Business Starter Kit - perfect for you in your first year of business

Jewellers Academy Brighton

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