Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast

What does it take to build a jewelry empire from a modest storefront into one of South Florida's premier luxury destinations? In this inspiring episode of Pearls of Wisdom, host Guy Pineda sits down with Ed Dikes and Danni Dikes of Weston Jewelers to explore the remarkable story behind their family-owned business and its upcoming 25th anniversary milestone. Founded in 2001, Weston Jewelers began a...

In this inspiring episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, Guy sits down with Sylvan Eugene Needham V of S.E. Needham Jewelers to uncover the incredible story behind one of Utah's oldest jewelry stores. With a remarkable 130-year legacy spanning five generations, Sylvan shares how the Needham family has continued to evolve while staying true to the values that built their reputation—integr...

In this inspiring episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, hosts Guy and Elesa sit down with Giovanna and Roger Barrios, the dynamic siblings behind Casa Leon Jewelers, a fourth-generation family business with a story as powerful as the pieces they create. From its beginnings in Cuba in 1946 to its thriving presence in Lake Mary, Florida, Casa Leon represents resilience, heritage, and inno...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, Guy Pineda and Elesa Dillon talk with Tammy Geraci of Peter & Co Jewelers about how consistency, courage, and community shaped her business journey. From humble beginnings in Avon Lake, Ohio to expanding into a brand-new location in Avon, Ohio, Tammy shares the evolution of a family-owned jewelry store built on trust and relationships. Tammy...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, Guy and Elesa chat with Andy Koehn, the third-generation owner of Koehn & Koehn Jewelers in West Bend, Wisconsin, for a conversation that challenges the traditional mold of the jewelry industry. Andy isn't your typical jeweler—he proudly calls himself the "lead singer" of his store and has built a thriving business by doing what many retaile...

In this uplifting episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, Guy with Southern Jewelry News sits down with Laura Foster of Worthmore Jewelers to celebrate her inspiring journey in the jewelry industry and her recognition as the 2025 Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship recipient. Laura's story begins at just six years old with a Christmas bead kit that sparked a lifelong passion for jewelry....

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we're joined by Sebastian "SEBAS" Velasquez, Brand Manager of INOX Men's Jewelry, for a high-energy, insight-packed conversation on how men's jewelry can thrive at retail when story, training, and lifestyle align. INOX has built a reputation as the brand for "men who don't like jewelry," delivering bold designs, approachable price points, an...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on David Baird, Head of Growth at Master Casting & CAD, a company that has become a trusted partner for jewelers across the country seeking to elevate their custom design capabilities. Based in Chicago's bustling jewelry district, Master Casting & CAD has built its reputation on providing A-to-Z production, including CAD design, casting, polishing, and finishi...

Here's Part 2 of the Best Moments of 2025 from the Pearls of Wisdom jewelry podcast—continuing the powerful stories and insights shaping the jewelry industry. This collection begins with Episode 88 at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, where Joanna Gruver shares the importance of networking, growth, and genuine industry connection. Episode 89 highlights Worthmore Jewelers' 32-year journey built on family,...

Here is the Part 1 of the Best Moments of 2025 from the Pearls of Wisdom jewelry podcast, a curated collection of standout conversations that highlight the passion, craftsmanship, and community spirit shaping our industry. This special episode revisits key insights from Episodes 75 through 87, beginning with Episode 75, where Slav Galkin shares why authenticity and a growth mindset remain essentia...

In this inspiring episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, Guy chats with the remarkable Daniela Sokolowski, founder and creative force behind DiCuore Diamonds—a bespoke jewelry studio built from passion, precision, and purpose. Daniela's journey is anything but ordinary. Born in Romania and later moving to New York City with no background in diamonds or jewelry, she began her career manag...

In this special episode, Guy and Elesa are ready to talk about a huge, surprising announcement: Southern Jewelry News (SJN) has new ownership! Guy reveals that Chris Smith and Bill Newnam, the former owners, have sold Southern Jewelry News... to him! This transition marks the first major change since SJN began printing monthly in 1988. After over 35 years and 25 years of running the publication, B...

In this insightful and uplifting episode of Pearls of Wisdom, we chat with John Carter, the driving force behind Jack Lewis Jewelers. John opens up about the remarkable journey from humble beginnings to unveiling one of the most stunning jewelry stores in the nation. His story is a masterclass in leadership, perseverance, and passion for both people and craft. For 31 years in the same location, Jo...

In this inspiring and captivating episode of Pearls of Wisdom, we chat with Jerry and Amanda Robinson of Robinson Family Jewelers in Cortland, New York. What began as a dream during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a shining success story of passion, grit, and family values. Jerry, a veteran of over 36 years in the jewelry industry, and his daughter Amanda, a gemologist, built their business from...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we sit down with the remarkable Todd Malcolm of Malcolm Jewelers in Moline, Illinois. A third-generation jeweler with more than 39 years of experience, Todd carries forward an 80+ year family legacy that began with his grandfather in 1941. From their roots in Philadelphia to building one of the Quad Cities' most trusted jewelry names, Malcol...

In this lively episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, At the Atlanta Jewelry Show, Elesa and Guy catch up with Ginny and Lauren of Holland's Jewelers in Apex, North Carolina. A respected, second-generation family business with more than 65 years of service. Holland's Jewelers is a shining example of true hospitality, community connection, and jewelry expertise. Ginny and Lauren share how...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, brought to you by Southern Jewelry News and Jewelry Store Marketers, host Guy welcomes Chuck Keohler of Anthony's Jewelers and special guest Chuck Frey of Charles Frey and Company. With more than 40 years of experience, Chuck Frey specializes in helping jewelers navigate major business transitions—from liquidations and stock reduction events to reti...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, host Guy welcomes Melissa Mor, founder of Mrs. Push. Melissa shares the story behind her business, which focuses on "push presents"—special gifts given to moms after childbirth or to celebrate motherhood. While the tradition has existed for years, it has only recently become a widely recognized and celebrat...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show Fall 2025, host Chuck Keohler talks with Brian and Susan Barnes of Barnes Jewelers in Lexington, South Carolina. For more than 25 years, Barnes Jewelers has served as a trusted name in their community, and now the family business is embracing a new era of retail. Brian, who began as a bench jeweler before mo...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, hosts Guy and Elesa sit down with Dalton Powell of Oz's Jewelers in Hickory, North Carolina. Dalton's story is both inspiring and rare: hired on his 17th birthday as a seasonal employee, he worked his way up through the business—and by age 22, alongside business partner Melissa Haynes, purchased the store t...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, hosts Guy and Elesa sit down with longtime jeweler and industry supporter Evan Deutsch of Evan James Ltd. Diamond Jewelers & Goldsmiths. Having attended the show for more than 30 years, Evan offers a rare perspective on what makes this event a cornerstone of the jewelry community. Evan explains why the Atla...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, Guy sits down with Doris Butler of Butler Diamonds & Fine Jewelry for a conversation full of humor, honesty, and practical insight. Drawing from years of experience in the jewelry business, Doris shares valuable lessons about customer service, communication, and the day-to-day realities of running a store....

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, we're live from the Atlanta Jewelry Show with a very special guest—Bill Warren, owner of The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts in Hudson, North Carolina. Bill has built a thriving business that combines traditional jewelry with modern custom design and repair, offering clients a unique experience that keeps them coming back. Beyond running his store, B...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, hosts Guy and Elisa sit down with Harris and Geri from Worthmore Jewelers, a beloved Atlanta-based jewelry store celebrating over 32 years in business. From their first location to expanding into Decatur, Worthmore has grown not only as a jewelry store but as a family—now with their daughter joining the next generation of leadership. Harris and Geri...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, hosts Guy and Elisa take you behind the scenes at the lively Atlanta Jewelry Show, joined by special guest Joanna Gruver of Jo & Co. Jewelers. Joanna brings her trademark energy and insight as she shares what makes this show stand out—not just the easy travel and location, but the warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a homecoming for industry...