Advertise on podcast: For the Love of Jewelers: A Jewelry Journey Podcast Presented by Rio Grande

Host Mark Nelson sits down with 3D jewelry CAD designing expert Sara Greco in this For the Love of Jewelers podcast episode. With 23 years of experience in bench work, wax carving, and stone setting, Sara has hammered out her skills and refined her creative process. In their conversation, Sara and Mark discuss finding inspiration, her workflows, tools of the trade, and her ongoing collaboration with Rio Grande where she helps create luxury collections as part of Rio’s custom casting services. The focus then shifts to how CAD software has changed the jewelry industry, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge digital tools to achieve precision and artistry.  __________________________________________________________ Want to work with Sara? Find her services below: Custom Casting Services: riogrande.com/custom-casting-servicesInstagram: instagram.com/saragrecojewelryWebsite: saragrecojewelry.com

Host Mark Nelson is joined by Sara Yood, CEO and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, in this For the Love of Jewelers podcast episode. With her legal expertise and deep knowledge of the jewelry industry, Sara brings a unique perspective to today’s rapidly shifting business climate. Together, Mark and Sara explore the impact of changing tariffs and current supply chain challenges. The conversation then shifts to the JVC, highlighting the organization and the benefits that membership offers to those in the trade.  _____________________________________________________ Jeweler Vigilance Committee's Website: https://jvclegal.org/ Tarrif Tracker: https://jvclegal.org/tariff-tracker/ JVC's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jvclegal/

Jewelers Board of Trade® President Andrew Rickard joins Mark Nelson to discuss the JBT and membership advantages.  Newly appointed Jewelers Board of Trade® President Andrew Rickard joins host Mark Nelson in this For the Love of Jewelers episode. They discuss his 20+ years in the jewelry industry and his transition into his new leadership role. Mark and Andrew take a closer look at the mission and work of the JBT, exploring how it supports jewelry businesses through valuable resources and industry insights. Andrew also shares his vision for the organization’s future and highlights the advantages of JBT membership, explaining how it can benefit your business and help you stay connected in our evolving industry.  Find the Jewelers Board of Trade here: https://www.jewelersboard.com/ Save on Technique™ assortments and individual packs now through August 31st 2025 https://www.riogrande.com/product/cat...

In this episode of For the Love of Jewelers, host Mark Nelson sits down with Jewelers for Children Executive Director Sara Murphy for an inspiring conversation about the organization’s mission, impact, and growth. Sara shares a bit about her own background and how she became part of JFC, which was founded in 1999. Together, they discuss the incredible work JFC continues to do for children in need, how the jewelry community has supported the cause over the years, and how you can get involved in making a difference.

Ohio-based jeweler and poet Teresa Kiplinger joins host Mark Nelson in this episode of For the Love of Jewelers. She shares her journey from graphic design to jewelry making and how the visual language she developed in college—storytelling, symbolism, and imagery—continues to shape her work at the bench. Teresa talks about blending poetry and metal to create one-of-a-kind pieces infused with depth and soul.   The conversation also explores her favorite tools, including her latest creative obsession: the Bonny Doon hydraulic press. Teresa explains how this tool has opened a new chapter in her practice, allowing her to form locket-style pieces from flat sheets of metal engraved with entire poems.

In this episode of For the Love of Jewelers, master wax carver Kate Wolf sits down with host Mark Nelson. They explore Kate's journey as a wax carver, uncovering the experiences that shaped her career and drove her passion. Kate shares the story behind her line of wax carving tools, revealing the extensive research and design process that went into creating each one to ensure the highest level of precision and functionality for jewelry makers.

Annie Osburn is an award-winning author featured in such publications as National Geographic Traveler, Southwest Art, and Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. Initially resistant to her talent as a writer, it seems the universe insisted she embrace it. After being introduced to an editor from the Santa Fe New Mexican, Annie kicked off an impressive career writing about local artists. Her first interview with a Santa Fe jeweler in the 1990s lit a creative fire she still feels to this day. In Season 6, Episode 3 of For the Love of Jewelers, Annie chats with co-hosts Mark Nelson and her daughter, Fiona Morrison, about her beginnings, career, and deep passion for jewelry and artistry.   To learn more about Annie and her work, visit annieosburn.com and weavingandforging.com.

In this episode, co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison are joined by Joshua Baca from Rio Grande’s Customization Team. Together, they explore every step of our custom casting service, from order placement to finishing and polishing. Plus, they share how we work with industry experts to make the CAD-to-delivery process seamless. Get 10% off select Swanstrom shape cutters! ⁠ ⁠ Use promo code SWANSTROM at checkout through February 28, 2025 to save 10% on these must-have bench tools. ⁠https://tinyurl.com/ye2b5wzz Learn more about Rio Grande's custom casting services: https://www.riogrande.com/custom-casting-services/

In this episode of For the Love of Jewelers, co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison sit down with Albuquerque High School instructors Lisa Gillett and Eddie Donato. They explore the importance of educating the next generation of jewelers, discuss the comprehensive program they established at the high school, and describe how Rio for Schools supports their efforts.  Sponsored by Friedrich Dick Files. Use Promo Code RIOFILES10 for 10% off all Friedrich Dick files through 1/31/25.

Join co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison as they explore the art of polishing and share invaluable tips and tricks, diving into the best uses of specific Merard compounds. Then, Massachusetts-based jeweler, metalsmith, and art instructor at Metalwerx, Will Vanaria, joins the conversation to discuss his distinctive work, passion for using alternative materials in jewelry, and career. Use code RioMerard to get 10% off all Merard products through 12/31/24.

Join co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison as they dive into the art of moving metal—comparing the efficiency of a Bonny Doon hydraulic press with the finesse of hand hammering.  Then JJ Otero joins the conversation to share his story on trading a 20-year healthcare IT career to pursue his passion for jewelry. The episode wraps up with Mark and Fiona answering two listener questions submitted on YouTube, offering their expert advice on popular jewelry-making topics.

In this episode of For the Love of Jewelers, co-hosts Mark Nelson and Fiona Morrison explore the xTool F1 laser engraver and how powerfully versatile it is for jewelry artists. Then, they join Meaghan Young, a Rio for Schools instructor and founder of Crested Butte and Sedona Jewelry Schools, who shares insights into teaching and the importance of finding your own way. Plus, get tips on polishing, Dedeco® finishing tools, and maximizing efficiency with multiple mandrels.

Tune in to the For the Love of Jewelers podcast for a captivating episode featuring Jacob Morgan, an award-winning Navajo silversmith, as he recounts his transformative experience in Bhutan. Jacob joins Michael McRae, founder of the Bhutan School of Metalsmithing Arts, and host Mark Nelson, Rio for Schools Education Coordinator, to discuss this incredible journey. Mark explains how he nominated Jacob as a guest instructor for the Bhutanese school, leading to Jacob's unique opportunity to teach his craft across the globe. Jacob shares heartfelt stories about his talented students, who amazed him with their rapid progress. He also delves into the unexpected discovery of ancestral cultural similarities between the Navajo and Bhutanese people, reflected in their dialect and sacred temples. One of the highlights of his trip was an unforgettable meeting with His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. Don’t miss this episode full of rich cultural exchanges and personal revelations.

Alicia Goodwin joins co-hosts Paulene Everett and Scott Bradford on this For the Love of Jewelers episode. She is the owner and creative force behind her business—Lingua Nigra. Alicia’s vibrant energy is contagious as they discuss her intense passion for raw, sculptural design and the influence of Mesoamerica and other historical jewelry on her work. Learn how Alicia celebrates ancient jewelry-making techniques like acid etching and metal reticulation and uplifts the beauty of handmade imperfection.

Peter Gilroy, owner of Bonny Doon Tools in Taos, New Mexico, joins Shane Hendren on the latest For the Love of Jewelers Podcast episode. Peter shares how he balances the many hats he wears running a two-person operation at Bonny Doon as well as his passion for creating unique, timeless pieces for his customers. Joining Peter on the podcast is machinist Therese Keltner, who shares her thoughts on making tools for other makers. Manufactured exclusively for Rio Grande, Bonny Doon hydraulic equipment offers unlimited fabrication capabilities in an ergonomic, easy-to-use and durable package. Create perfectly formed bracelets, rings, earrings, components and more. Use promo code Bonny10 to get 10% off all Bonny Doon tools at RioGrande.com. The Promo Code ends 3/31/24. Shop Bonny Doon: https://tinyurl.com/3aybnpja