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.

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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 aspiring teens to learn new skills as they help forge the next generation of jewelers. They join co-hosts, Paulene Everett and Mark Nelson to discuss the younger generations’ growing interest in jewelry fabrication and metalsmithing.

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 the value of taking risks on one’s journey to self-actualization.

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 sculptures” in karat gold, recycled sterling silver and natural gemstones. Boline joins host Courtney Gray in this episode of the For the Love of Jewelers podcast to discuss the power of symbolism and the influence of her personal history on the evolution of her design aesthetic. Learn how the concept of “play” and her “use what you have” mantra informs her creative process as she discusses the honor and aftermath of winning Rio Grande’s Summer Earring Challenge.

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 UnScene platform for emerging street artists in Los Angeles, to oversee event initiatives, marketing and social media content and educational programs. She also co-hosts NYC Jewelry Week’s podcast Rough Cut, one of the largest jewelry industry podcasts in the United States. Tune in as host Courtney Grey stirs memories and asks big questions of the cultivated, self-proclaimed “crazy” women of NYCJW.Pouring their hearts out with pride, they share how they joined forces to produce a weeklong, city-wide festival of over a hundred live and virtual events, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity, encouraging makers, curators, independent designers and brands to tell their story through jewelry.

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 and accessories. As a true advocate for sharing knowledge, he often teaches classes on die making and using Bonny Doon tools and machinery. Listen in as he chats with host Courtney Gray on this episode of the For the Love of Jewelers podcast about combining his passion for the outdoors with designing artistic, meaningful jewelry. Through creative experimentation and fearlessly turning mistakes into successes along the way, Peter shares his perspective on artistic freedom. They discuss the importance of “play” in the learning and design process, a brief touch on the history of Damascus steel and so much more!