MJSA Podcast

Insights and advice from the jewelry industry's top designers, manufacturers, bench jewelers, business executives, and educators.

5 Favorite Tools with Charles Lewton-Brain 06/12/2025

5 Favorite Tools with Charles Lewton-Brain Master goldsmith, author, professor, and jewelry expert, Charles-Lewton Brain is renowned for his 'printmaking' approach to working with metal, the work is done in separate steps, groups and layers building towards the finished piece. In this episode, Charles shares the tools he considers most essential for achieving a safe and efficient workflow. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/36973285

5 Favorite Tools with Nanz Aalund 06/12/2025

5 Favorite Tools with Nanz Aalund Nanz Aalund is a freelance jewelry designer, production consultant, and jewelry apprenticeship educational designer. A renown author and educator, Aalund has also won multiple awards for her jewelry design and goldsmithing. In this episode, Nanz shares her most essential tools and explains how they help her create her award-winning pieces. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/36973210

5 Favorite Tools with Christopher Taylor Timberlake 06/12/2025

5 Favorite Tools with Christopher Taylor Timberlake Christopher Taylor Timberlake's interest in jewelry stems from a childhood fascination with the chemical formulas of gems and minerals. Today, he creates artistic jewelry using recycled metals (including his own handmade alloys) and ethically sourced gemstones he often mines and cuts himself. In this episode, Christopher shares five tools that play critical roles in his shop. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/36973130

5 Favorite Tools with Patrick McMillan 12/05/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Patrick McMillan Jeweler and metalsmith Patrick McMillan has spent the past 15 years building his personal business as well as teaching jewelry and metalsmithing. He is currently the director of The Bench, located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a creative and educational studio offering personalized instruction, tools, and workspaces to aspiring and experienced jewelers. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/34290185

5 Favorite Tools with Matthew Tuggle 10/18/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Matthew Tuggle Matthew Tuggle (Tuggle Designs, Denver) utilizes time-honored techniques to create jewelry that exhibits a modern take on traditional design. Tuggle and his wife Lauren are owners of Tuggle Designs in Denver, where they focus on helping clients create emotional connections to their hand-crafted custom pieces. In this episode, Tuggle shares the top tools in his arsenal and explains how they assist in the creation of his exceptional one-of-a-kind pieces. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/33514027

5 Favorite Tools with Kyle Sharos 10/18/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Kyle Sharos Kyle Sharos has been in the world of jewelry his entire life, taking over family-owned Olde World Jewelers after his father's retirement in 2020. In this episode, he shares the tools on which he most relies (beyond his eye for quality craftsmanship) to create one-of-a-kind wearable art. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/33514017

5 Favorite Tools with Michelle Pajak-Reynolds 10/18/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry artist Michelle Pajak-Reynolds handcrafts small collections of one-of-a-kind designs featuring unique gemstones, pearls, and ethically sourced precious metals. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/33513962

5 Favorite Tools with Cady Carlson Dill 10/18/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Cady Carlson Dill Custom jeweler Cady Carlson Dill specializes in working with renewable, ethically sourced materials and updating family heirlooms. Dill relies on a assortment of essential tools that allow her to develop creative solutions to fit her customers' needs. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/33513877

5 Favorite Tools with Alex Boyd 04/01/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Alex Boyd Best known for his pieces that highlight the vivid contrast between high karat gold and oxidized sterling silver, Denver-based jeweler Alex Boyd also teaches at workshops across the country. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/30951823

5 Favorite Tools with Andrew Bugher 03/01/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Andrew Bugher Andrew Bugher is a custom jeweler specializing in creating unique, handcrafted pieces utilizing his expertise in casting, forging and sculpting. Bugher's style combines rugged nature-inspired shapes and textures with more polished and refined details and finishing. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/30951663

5 Favorite Tools with Wendy Woldenberg 02/01/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Wendy Woldenberg A goldsmith and founder of WEND Jewelry in Seattle, Wendy Woldenberg taught high school jewelry/metals for 22 years while making custom jewelry on school breaks. After a two-week backpacking trip around Mount Rainier, everything changed. She founded WEND Jewelry, a rugged fine jewelry brand focused on ethical sourcing and nature-inspired designs. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/30951483

5 Favorite Tools with Melissa Muir 01/01/2024

5 Favorite Tools with Melissa Muir Melissa Muir is a jewelry artist and teacher who's renowned for her high quality, incisive instructional videos and tool reviews. In this episode, Melissa shares five of her most essential tools and explains the role each plays in making her more efficient and productive at the bench. Sponsored by: To see the video edition of this episode and the complete "5 Favorite Tools" series, visit: /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/30951413

Favorite Finishing Touches, with Lee Krombholz 10/13/2023

Favorite Finishing Touches, with Lee Krombholz Lee Krombholz, owner of Cincinnati-based , 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. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/28305284

Discovering the Magic of Steel, with Bette Barnett 06/30/2023

Discovering the Magic of Steel, with Bette Barnett Bette Barnett, owner of , 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. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/27336666

Granulation: Art & Inspiration, with David Huycke 05/03/2023

Granulation: Art & Inspiration, with David Huycke 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 techniques and methods. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/26733072

The Foundations of a Sustainable Jewelry Practice, with Christina Miller 04/18/2023

The Foundations of a Sustainable Jewelry Practice, with Christina Miller 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 sustainable jewelry business. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/26576067

Cutting Loose: Exploring the World of Diamonds with Maarten de Witte 02/07/2023

Cutting Loose: Exploring the World of Diamonds with Maarten de Witte Maarten 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. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/25860159

Crossing Over: From Jewelry Maker to Tool Supplier 01/17/2023

Crossing Over: From Jewelry Maker to Tool Supplier Jewelers 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. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/25633287

What Jewelry Makers Need to Know About Mass Finishing with Judy Hoch 10/01/2022

What Jewelry Makers Need to Know About Mass Finishing with Judy Hoch Judy Hoch of Marstal Smithy (author of ) 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. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/24552447

Pushing the Boundaries of Beading with Valerie Hector 09/01/2022

Pushing the Boundaries of Beading with Valerie Hector Bead artist and metalsmith Valerie Hector () 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. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/24234813

What Jewelry Makers Need to Know About Casters with Scott Bradford 07/28/2022

What Jewelry Makers Need to Know About Casters with Scott Bradford 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. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/23884317

Tips for Keeping Jewelry Businesses Safe with John Kennedy 06/30/2022

Tips for Keeping Jewelry Businesses Safe with John Kennedy 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 , 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. • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/23591975

Responsibly Sourcing Colored Gemstones with Eric Braunwart 04/04/2022

Responsibly Sourcing Colored Gemstones with Eric Braunwart No official certifications currently exist for responsibly sourced colored stones—so Eric Braunwart, president of , 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. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/22677818

Tips for Buying, Selling, and Marketing Lab-Grown Diamonds with Rob Bates 02/07/2022

Tips for Buying, Selling, and Marketing Lab-Grown Diamonds with Rob Bates 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 their levels of quality, their value, and the lingering sustainability concerns regarding their production. • • /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/22051220

Tips for Working with Gemstones with Joel McFadden 01/18/2022

Tips for Working with Gemstones with Joel McFadden 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. /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/21815063

5 Favorite Tools with Michelle Pajak-Reynolds 11/09/2021

5 Tips for Sourcing Responsibly with Christina Malle 10/26/2021

5 Tips for Sourcing Responsibly with Christina Malle A 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. /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/20943086

5 Design Inspirations with Geralyn Sheridan 10/12/2021

5 Design Inspirations with Geralyn Sheridan 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 episode she describes how five such inspirations were translated into standout jewelry designs. /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/20794919

Custom Challenges & Opportunities with Gary Dawson 02/24/2021

Custom Challenges & Opportunities with Gary Dawson Gary Dawson is one of the of the most creative and technically adventurous jewelers out there today, passionate about sharing his jewelry-making know-how and enthusiasm for custom design. /episode/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/18080036

5 Tips for Innovation & Online Success 01/04/2021

5 Tips for Innovation & Online Success 2021, 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/index/show/mjsapodcast/id/17414756

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