Jewelry Making Tips with Metalsmith Society

In today's episode, I sit down with Nina Eichacker, an Economics Professor at the University of Rhode Island, to break down something every jeweler has been feeling in their wallet — record high gold and silver prices in 2026. Nina helps us understand why this is happening and what it might mean for small jewelry businesses like ours. Links & Resources Mentioned : The GameStop movie is ca...

Today's episode is sponsored by New Cabochons ! Use code METALSMITHSOCIETY for 10% off your order. You can find more information about Cristina Villegas work on her website and you can follow her on Instagram @cristina.rocks . Where To Find Certified Recycled Metals: Hoover & Strong ,  Stuller , and Riva - Fairmined Gold Chains Gemstones & Responsibly Sourced Suppliers: Find a full li...

In this episode, I’m joined by jeweler Emilie Shapiro —owner of a brick-and-mortar shop, wholesale pro, author, and educator. We dive into inventory management, production planning, and selling wholesale. Follow Emilie on Instagram at Emile Shapiro Jewelry and Emily Shapiro Studio for updates on classes and workshops. She offers in-person workshops at her Long Island studio and a full online libra...

In today’s episode I will be discussing pricing your jewelry and common mistakes many jewelers make with special guest Jessica Rose. Jessica Rose is the award winning founder of Jewellers Academy where she and her team have helped over a million people learn to make jewellery through in-person and online courses over the past two decades.  Support the podcast and become a PATREON, all of my Patreo...

In today’s episode we get into a festive spirit as I chat with contemporary goldsmith Allie Perry about her process for curating small business holiday gift guides. We’ll explore the joy of supporting local makers, the thought behind her selections, and how these guides spotlight unique, handmade treasures. Plus, we dive into my own Gift Guide for Jewelry Makers , highlighting tools, supplies, and...

In today’s episode I will be discussing some of the challenges independent jewelers face today with special guest Liz Kantner. We chat about high gold costs, doing trade shows and social media struggles. Liz Kantner is passionate about working with independent jewelry artists to help them define their voices and thrive in the modern marketplace and has been working with artists since 2012. Liz is...

In today’s episode I will be discussing thinking outside the box when it comes to jewelry making with special guest Nicole Ringgold. Nicole is a jeweler who creates amazing botanical and nature inspired jewelry. She has been a full time jeweler for over 8 years. She also teaches jewelry making workshops around the world and at her home studio in Winthrop, Washington. She is also an author and her...

In this week’s episode I will be discussing how to sell niche jewelry with confidence with my special guest Alex Camacho of Acid Queen Jewelry. Alex crafts unique statement pieces and every day armor inspired by art nouveau, nature, and mysticism. Since 2011, her Idyllwild-based brand has evolved from found object designs to intricate wearable art using traditional metalsmithing and wax techniques...

In today’s episode I want to discuss ManyChat a social media tool I have been using for over a year and it has been a game changer! It allows me to create automations on Instagram that drive email subscribers, sales and more. Sign up for ManyChat using my affiliate code: https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/xe19aszuxttg Examples of automations I have used to build my email list for @metalsmithsociety:...

In today’s episode, I will be discussing how you can use the Patreon platform as a jeweler with special guest Emily Marquis. Emily has 17 years of experience and is a second generation jeweler. Her business Emily Marquis Designs which she runs with her husband Cal specializes in custom and semi-custom fine jewelry. She also runs Marquis Jewelry Academy located in Stonington Connecticut. She has be...

In today’s episode, I will be discussing the importance of refining precious metals as a jeweler. If you are working in silver, even in small amounts as a hobbyist or student this episode will have very important information. Collecting metal dust and scraps will prevent you from losing the money you’ve invested into those materials, it is more environmentally responsible and if you use some of th...

In today’s episode, I will be discussing how to sell your jewelry during an Instagram live with special guest Chelsea Leigh Jewelry. Chelsea makes each piece of jewelry from her home studio in North Carolina, she has been a full-time jeweler for over three years. Chelsea has been successfully doing Instagram live sales since 2020 and it’s been a major revenue generator for her business. She makes...

In today’s episode, I will be discussing how to prevent rust on your jewelry tools and what to do when you do discover rust. You’re not gonna panic, I got you! Preventing your jewelry tools from rusting is essential for maintaining their quality and longevity. Thank you to our sponsor Pepetools you can shop through my affiliate link and each purchase helps support the podcast: https://pepetools.co...

In today’s episode I am discussing some tips to organize your sheet metal, wires, chains and other materials for Jewelry! Join my Patreon community for exclusive discounts, monthly giveaways and more! https://www.patreon.com/metalsmithsociety Tip for using file folders to organize your materials from @cindyliebeljewelry: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBXydTihUv7/ Using rolling plastic crates with ha...

In today's episode I will be discussing four tips for selling your jewelry using Instagram with special guest Laura Niblack. Laura is @thewildpine on Instagram, she currently has over 56,000 followers and has made thousands of sales to all fifty states and over ten countries, all through her Instagram page. She has been supporting her family through her artwork for 7 years. Follow Laura over...

In today’s episode I want to talk to beginner jewelers and folks who are interested in getting started. I am going to provide resources for where to find classes in person and online plus basic tools and equipment. Materials to get started, safety resources, book recommendations and even some consideration for those that think they might one day want to sell their jewelry. Today’s episode is broug...

In today’s episode I am going to talk about some of our tips that went viral with millions of views. What made them go viral, what happened as a result of them going viral and I’m going to share the experiences of two women in our community that also had posts go viral. It’s an interesting topic so stay tuned! Stats are from March 2024 and will likely increase! Be sure to check our gorgeous turquo...

On today's episode, we're going to explore a topic that's sure to be of interest to every jewelry maker out there. Have you ever found yourself frustrated with your tools, wishing they could just work a little bit better for you? Well, you're in luck because today, I'm going to share some invaluable tips on how you can modify your existing jewelry tools to work a bit bette...

In today’s episode I am going to share some tips about bezels, how to prevent your stones from getting stuck before you’re ready to set, what to do if they do get stuck. I’ll cover what to do if a bezel is too short or too tall, or too snug! I’ll also go over a sawing tip, a sanding tip and a soldering tip! Having an email list is crucial if you run your own business, I highly recommend Flodesk. I...

In today’s episode, I am talking about safety when it comes to jewelry making. I will go through my recommended  list of safety tools that every jeweler should  have whether they’re a hobbyist or professional. As a disclosure I am not providing any medical advice on this podcast. Checkout Dovetail Workwear, my favorite pants and coveralls for working in my studio (and garden!) Use code METALSMITHS...

In today’s episode I will be discussing soldering tips! How you can use potatoes and pennies as soldering props but I’ll explain why you can’t use just any penny! Today’s podcast sponsor is Sandgren clogs. They have become my favorite footwear in my studio. They are comfortable and super cute. Sandgren is offering our community 10% off your order when you use code: CORKIE : https://sandgrensclogs....

In today’s episode I am going to share my top tips for photographing your jewelry to sell and I will also be sharing inexpensive photography hacks that have been shared by our community over the years. Today’s episode sponsor is Replica Surfaces, they make lightweight photography backgrounds you can use to get consistent photos of your latest jewelry collection. Use our code: Photos12 to save 12%:...

In today’s episode I am discussing some of the product recommendations shared by our community that I purchased as soon as they sent me the tip. Everything from a mini vacuum that collects your precious metal dust, wooden storage drawers for your stone hoard, an inexpensive solution to store your stamp collection and a tool that has gone viral in the jewelry space. This episode’s sponsor is CANVAS...

In today's episode I am talking about working in gold, and how it differs from silver. I will be sharing some tips and considerations so you start experimenting with confidence! Checkout Dovetail Workwear my favorite pants and coveralls for working in my studio (and garden!) Use code METALSMITHSOCIETY to save $10 off your order: https://www.dovetailworkwear.com/METALSMITHSOCIETY Check out Met...

In today’s episode I am talking about stamping jewelry which appears… deceptively simple. I will talk about tools, best practices and share some of the awesome tips our community has shared over the years. You can create your own custom logo stamp with ImpressArt, they are quick, affordable and come in five different sizes. Shop here: http://shrsl.com/4dwyl Combination 3" Steel and 4" Ru...