For the Love of Jewelers: A Jewelry Journey Podcast Presented by Rio Grande
For the Love of Jewelers is a podcast from Rio Grande, a jewelry-making supply company, that explores the craft and business of jewelry making. Each episode features candid interviews with jewelers, designers and industry influencers who share their creative journeys, sources of inspiration and the obstacles they have overcome. The show is aimed at both experienced jewelers looking for fresh perspectives and aspiring artisans seeking practical guidance. Listeners are invited to send questions and topic suggestions to the show's email address to help shape future conversations.
Episodes
S6-E9: Traditional Meets Tech: CAD’s Role in Jewelry Design with Sara Greco
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 wi
S6-E8: Inside the Jewelry Industry: Tariffs & Supply Chain with Sara Yood
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.
S6-E7: Andrew from Jewelers Board of Trade® On Membership Advantages
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 w
S6-E6: An Inside Look at Jewelers for Children
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,
S6-E5: Explore The Art Of Soulful Jewelry With Teresa Kiplinger
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
S6-E4: Carving Success with Kate Wolf: Precision, Passion & Adaptation
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 leve
S6-E3: Annie Osburn: A Life in Words & Art
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 intervi
S6-E2: Behind the Scenes of Our Custom Casting Services
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 SWANSTRO
S6-E1: How Two ABQ Teachers Are Shaping Tomorrow's Jewelers
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 File
S5-E16: Will Vanaria of Metalwerx, Polishing Tips, & Merard
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 Ri
S5-15: Bonny Doon & Hand Forming with JJ Otero
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
S5-14: Laser Precision with xTool F1 & Jewelry Educator Meaghan Young
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,
S5-13: Fostering Indigenous Growth in Bhutan
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 Ja
S5-07: Etched in Passion
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-mak
S5-04: Peter Gilroy & Therese Keltner of Bonny Doon Tools
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 ma
S5-02: Forging the Next Generation
Middle and high school jewelry programs are booming across America as upcoming generations discover this captivating artform that combines creativity, critical thinking and endless potential! This episode of For the Love of Jewelers welcomes Bryan Petersen of Bozeman High and Stacie Smith of Gallatin High School—two enthusiastic Rio for Schools instructors from Bozeman, Montana, who empower aspiri
S5-01: Ben Claus: Divine Feminine Rising
Kicking off season five, our For the Love of Jewelers Podcast co-hosts, Paulene Everett and Shane Hendren, chat with the 2023 Fall Design Challenge Winner, Benjamin Claus. Tune in as they discuss the concept and inspiration behind his prizewinning design, Divine Feminine Rising. They discuss his path to jewelry making, the joy of connecting to other creators and clients through social media and th
S4–08: Boline Strand, Wearable Sculptures & the Symbolism of Seeds
Boline Strand, artisan and winner of the For the Love of Jewelers Summer Earring Challenge, draws creative inspiration from the minimalist traditions of Denmark while exploring themes of growth and transformation in sculptural jewelry design. With a background in painting and mosaic work, she experiments with form and color through traditional gold and silversmithing techniques, creating “wearable
S4–07: Bella Neyman & JB Jones, The Co–Founders of NYC Jewelry Week
Meet the co-founders of New York City Jewelry Week, Bella Neyman and JB Jones. With a Master of Arts in History of Design and Curatorial Studies, Bella is an established historian, independent curator and journalist specializing in contemporary jewelry and currently serves as the mastermind of programming for NYCJW. JB Jones employs her background in creative direction, having served on The Site U
S4-06: Peter Gilroy, Choose Adventure
Peter Gilroy is an industry innovator and artisan forged by his passion for rock climbing and self-inspired mantra, “Choose adventure.” After working during summers for his uncle, master goldsmith Phil Poirier, and internalizing years of jewelry-making knowledge, Peter now owns Bonny Doon Hydraulic Presses and Tooling. Additionally, he runs his own design business, offering jewelry, hats, belts an
S4-05: Nick Noyes, Chasing the Joy
Jeweler, entrepreneur and influencer Nick Noyes creates one-of-a-kind heirloom jewelry designs, favoring high-karat gold, a stunning spectrum of custom-cut colored gemstones and intricate hand engraving. After years of creating handcrafted wire-wrapped jewelry to sell on the music-festival circuit, Nick attended the New Approach School for Jewelers to further develop his craft, and his evolution c
S4-04: Monica Stephenson, Dedicated to Responsible, Ethical and Fair Practices
In Swahili, moyo means heart. Monica Stephenson, founder of ANZA Gems, founding collaborator of two NGOs—PACT and the Tanzania Women’s Miners Association (TAWOMA) of Moyo Gems—and President of the Board of Ethical Metalsmiths has devoted her career to responsible and fair-mined jewelry practices. A documentary film project in East Africa led her to the edge of a tsavorite mine, and the rest is his
S4-03: Sarah Sides, Permanent Entrepreneur
Sarah Sides, CEO and owner of Love Weld and Permanent Jewelry Solutions (PJS) has experienced exponential growth since 2020. Her national Love Weld brand, currently in eight different locations across the United States, anticipates nearly doubling its storefronts by the end of 2023. Its sister-company PJS teaches welding safety and permanent jewelry best practices. By offering high-quality chain a
S4-02: Vikki Tobak, Hip-Hop Historian
Writer, journalist and curator Vikki Tobak is the author of Contact High and Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History. In collaboration with pioneering jewelers, rappers and other industry artists, her work—of provocative essays and poignant photography—documents the creative subculture within hip-hop. “Early jewelers had to understand something about hip-hop, which is that hip-hop loves customization,
S4-01: John W. Ford Sr., Running the Show
CEO of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), John W. Ford, Sr. states, “that if you’re in the sale of colored gems, you need to be associated with ethically-sourced gems.” At the helm of an organization whose members share this mine-to-market mentality, John confidently knows that every AGTA gemstone, “comes with ethics. It comes with disclosure. It is a peace of mind.” John’s jewelry journey
S3-12: Patricia Carruth, Third-Generation Jeweler, Commitment Designer and Storyteller
Patricia “Trish” Carruth is a third-generation jeweler, custom engagement ring specialist and owner of Your Personal Jeweler in Royal Oak, MI. Her exposure to the industry began as a young child in her grandfather’s jewelry pawn shop. There, Trish developed a fascination with engagement and wedding jewelry, and the stories that brought these pieces to the business. “I actually wanted to be a weddi
S3-11: Nellie Barnett, Bridging Connections
Nellie Barnett, corporate communications manager for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), co-founder and communications chair for the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) and founder of NellBells Fitness discusses equity in the jewelry industry. In this episode, Nellie sits down with host Courtney Gray to discuss the history of BIJC and its Together by Design competition. “I think, when it com
S3-10: Jeanette Caines, The Deep Bench of a Master Goldsmith
Jeanette Caines, director of Jewelry Arts, Inc. in New York City shares her secret to becoming a renowned master goldsmith. “Once you learn to control the flame (…), that's your universe. You can control anything,” she says. Her bench of knowledge is deep—beyond her well-documented expertise in ancient jewelry-making techniques. Jeanette authored #1 Best Seller and a #1 New Release, Soldering
S3-09: Rich Youmans, Many Paths to One Goal
Rich Youmans, publisher at MJSA and executive director at the MJSA Education Foundation shares about collaboration, connection and the renowned publication. “People come to us (…) to make their jobs…, their lives easier…, and to get that feel that we’re all working together to create something that’s better,” he says. Rich’s latest project is on reviving jewelry-trade apprenticeships and he is wor
S3-08: Allen Aragon, Miniature Potter, Painter and Master Jeweler
Innovative jewelry artist and gallery owner Allen Aragon draws from traditional Navajo, Pueblo, Hopi and Acoma themes for his fresh approach to pottery and silversmithing. To create his signature jewelry, Allen sets intricate handmade ceramic paintings in sterling silver. Through his unique process, he creates one-of-a-kind earrings, rings, bolo ties and concho belts. Along with jewelry, he showca
S3-07: Kendria Thompson, Creating for a Better World
Kendria Thompson is a self-guided metalsmith, lapidarist and illustrator with a penchant for change. The owner of Solid Treasures also founded Metalsmiths for Change—a social advocacy group of artist donors that raise money through fundraisers and auctions in hopes of creating a better society. “We advocate (…) for racial and social justice through collaboration and (…) provide equitable opportuni
S3-06: Tony Rodrigues, Sculpting Jewelry in Scale
Master goldsmith Tony Rodrigues is a 3D-manufacturing jewelry legend, the Vice President of Product Development for William Henry and co-founder of ZBrush Jewelry Workshop. An early adapter of CAD, Tony has been pushing boundaries and sharing strategies on sketching, sculpting, modeling and printing intricate jewelry designs. His detailed, sought-after pieces are worn by celebrities like Richie Ra
S3-05: Viviana Langhoff, Tenacious, Creative & Community-Made
Viviana Langhoff, owner of Adornment + Theory in Chicago is an entrepreneurial artist, interior designer and activist. A fine jeweler, Viviana’s custom designs feature intricate metalwork, unexpected hues, antique stones and historical nods. With acute business savvy, a resilient voice and a sense of humor, Viviana has channeled many different design sectors—supporting fellow BIPOC female artists,
S3-04: Karissma Yve, A Visionary Leader and Creator
Karissma Yve is the founder and CEO of Gildform, a startup that connects artists and designers with innovative technology, allowing them to take their concepts from sketch to finished piece in a streamlined process. Karissma has won numerous awards including “Best Idea for Growth” from the New Economy Initiative, “Best Pitch” from Google-sponsored Black Girl Ventures and “Best in Business.” Her in
S3-03: Sam Alfano, Cut to the Point
Sam Alfano, certified master engraver, musician, photographer, instructor, author and watchmaking hobbyist demonstrates hand engraving and diamond setting techniques to students and enthusiasts around the world. Known for his intricate designs, precise details and flawless execution, Sam’s engravings—on guns, knives, jewelry and other metalwork—are found in museums including the Smithsonian Instit
S3-02: Jamie Schulze, What Native Arts Means to the World
Jamie Schulze, director of operations for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) and enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, organizes the world’s largest Native American art show—the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market. The annual event—celebrating its centennial year in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2022—draws an international crowd interested in all facets of Native arts including p
S3-01: Jennifer Markas, A Woman in Charge
Jennifer Markas is the executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) and the former sustainability reporting manager for Tiffany & Co. The 2016 recipient of the New York Business Journal Women of Influence Award, her career has spanned the financial, creative and nonprofit industries—including as founder of Damsels in Design. “I've never been a jeweler, but I'm so excit
S2-09: Chris Gage, A Second Chance at Life
For many years, lapidarist Chris Gage was known as Mr. Holly Gage, of Gage Designs. A well-respected chef in his own right, Chris accompanied his award-winning wife—a certified metal clay instructor—around the country and world providing delicious meals at her workshops and local retreats. But three years ago, he suffered a trauma so intense that it altered the course of his life completely. “As h
S2-08: Holly Gage, Shaping Dialogue by Casting Imperfections
Award-winning jeweler and certified metal clay instructor Holly Gage of Gage Designs is an active conference speaker and respected author on jewelry technique. While her creative journey began at a young age, it wasn’t until mid-adulthood that Holly learned more about her dyslexia and how art helped her to find her voice and speak clearly. “[M]y creativity, visual, […] spatial strengths and proble
S2-07: Susan Wheeler, Purpose-Driven Design
Cause jeweler, writer and advocate for fair trade jewelry, Susan Wheeler is also the founder of the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference and the nonprofit Responsible Jewelry Transformative. Dedicated to working with certified and ethical supply chains—emphasizing a reduced impact on the environment and the safe working conditions for all jewelry employees—Susan invites us to learn more about th
S2-06: Bernd Stephan, A Third-Generation Gemstone Craftsman
Bernd Stephan, a third-generation German gemstone manufacturer, shares the foundational story behind his family’s celebrated, international brand, Herbert Stephan KG. Having been taught the value of education and self-reliance by both his father and grandfather, who founded the company in 1932, Bernd studied English and French in order to communicate with his biggest customers and gain their trust
S2-05: Scott Hardy, Always Looking for That Next Hill to Climb
Scott Hardy comes from a strong lineage of ranchers. Following a childhood spent cowboying, shoeing horses and welding, Scott’s love of handiwork led to his tinkering in jewelry for bridle saddles and buckles, and even some early attempts at engraving. Yet it wasn’t until Scott was told, “Man, do you need help,” by one of his horse jewelry idols, that he began to appreciate the true dedication, sk
S2-04: Corkie Bolton, Making Space in Life for Dreams
Like the fragmented pieces of early designs buried away in a shoebox, jeweler Corkie Bolton hid the pain of her youth behind the veneers of addiction. She sold off all of her jewelry-making tools to a support an addiction that concealed a hard-earned degree in metalsmithing from the Pratt Institute. But she kept her senior project, a mailbox with a personal inscription, I dreamed, laughed, worked,
S2-03: Matthieu Cheminée, Imprinting Tradition & Technique
Artist, author, educator and Toolbox Initiative cofounder Matthieu Cheminée is a man of many talents, each informed by his first true love, hand stamping. His award-winning designs feature his signature “stampclastic” style, born out of learning experiences with native artists in Taos, New Mexico and Mali in Western Africa. Throughout his world travels, the Parisian-born jeweler developed a deep a
S2-02: Sarah Williamson, Making Art for a Living
“It chose me,” Sarah Williamson declares about her career as a custom bridal jewelry designer. Drawn by the challenge of creating one-of-a-kind engagement rings that maintain a timeless look and feel, Sarah’s bridal line, Precious Ghost, represents countless bench hours spent on intricately crafting small rings symbolic of the love between two people. While a vintage, minimalist designer at heart,
S2-01: Alex Boyd, An Art Jeweler’s Jeweler, Too Knock-Kneed to be an Olympian
After overcoming his despair when he realized he could technically never grow up to be a firetruck, Alex Boyd, surrounded by a family of artisans, was encouraged to create. A working artist, teacher and jewelry-repair aficionado—the bills still have to be paid—Alex has developed textured, yet linear aesthetics at his bench and avoids as much polishing as possible. Never one to take himself serious
S1-08: Beth Millner, “Take It in Bite Sized Pieces”
Beth Millner always knew she wanted to be an artist. While still in school for her BFA at Northern Michigan University, Beth decided she didn’t need to wait to graduate to begin on her jewelry business journey. What started as just Beth and her traveling trade show table today employs a small team focused on using eco-friendly materials and providing customers with designs they can feel good about
S1-07: Charles Lewton-Brain and Nanz Aalund, “Real Glimpses of the Future”
Fixing the wheel rather than reinventing it seems to be a running theme with master goldsmiths and educators Nanz Aalund and Charles Lewton-Brain. Whether it’s providing much-needed, accredited learning spaces for students or the need for jewelry businesses to embrace young apprentices, Nanz and Charles are all for building on what’s been done—the key word being build. In this episode, join Nanz,
S1-06: Tomas Wittelsbach, “Transcend the Transaction”
Tomas Wittelsbach was a sculptor before he was a jeweler. At age 9 he built micro-worlds within repurposed baby food jars. He then spent most of his adult career creating movie sets—for Batman and Robin, he and his team had 8 days to produce 22-foot sculptures. Today, Tomas applies digital sculpting to jewelry design. As a ZBrush pioneer and instructor he helps students discover the intersections
S1-05: Jo Haemer, “The World Doesn’t Owe Me a Thing”
Mechanical and engineering skills are matrilineal in Jo Haemer’s family. Jo’s trailblazing mother studied chemistry in college in the early 1930s at age 15. When Jo started out in the jewelry industry, she was always the “first and only woman” in every place she worked. Her spectacular journey has included confronting the stigma imposed on her dyslexia, learning old-world skills from camp survivo
S1-04: Mehrnoosh Ganji, Step into Your Power
As a young girl in Iran, Mehrnoosh Ganji could not fully express herself. Now based in Melbourne, Australia, she creates bold jewelry fueled by the intermingling of cultures and influenced by her lingering love of geometry after years as an industrial designer. Her intricately-engineered “Prospect Palace” won first place in the Silver/Argentium® Silver category of the 2019 Saul Bell Design Award.
S1-03: Tim McCreight, Books from the Bench
While working on his iconic volume, The Complete Metalsmith, Tim McCreight imagined, “What if silver was writing this?” In 1985 he started Brynmorgen Press to provide practical, bench-tested textbooks on metalsmithing and design. Decades later his experiential approach to research led him to co-found the Toolbox Initiative, which delivers new and gently-used tools and silver to jewelers in Africa.
S1-02: Karin Jacobson, Keep Throwing Darts
Karin Jacobson confesses to screaming when she learned that she’d won a Saul Bell Design Award. She compares entering contests to “throwing darts and hoping one is going to stick,” and believes in embracing and learning from failure.In this episode Karin shares her competition experiences, ponders hiring an apprentice, and remembers her own teenage jewelry apprenticeship.
S1-01: Rémy Rotenier, Passion and Lucidity
As a designer, Rémy Rotenier “loves collaborating with good hands.” His own education as a bench jeweler began at age 19—“too old” by the standards of the École de la Rue du Louvre in his native France. During his first time at the bench he drove a diamond bur through his finger, an experience that influenced his decision to “stick with design.” That, and looking through the iconic Tiffany Blue Bo
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