Jewelry Making Tips with Metalsmith Society

In today's episode, I sit down with Nina Eichacker, an Economics Professor at the University of Rhode Island, to break down something every jeweler has been feeling in their wallet — record high gold and silver prices in 2026. Nina helps us understand why this is happening and what it might mean for small jewelry businesses like ours.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
The GameStop movie is called Dumb Money
Nina mentioned the podcast episode "This Is Why People Are So in Love With Gold" via Odd Lots
I mentioned @metalsmithmelissa's post about why refineries weren't buying silver scrap (worth a read, though many refiners are accepting silver again)
I mentioned Stuller.com for refining in exchange for store credit
Nina recommends Marketplace which a great podcast and show covering business and economic news
Nina recommends Planet Money from NPR
Connect with Nina:
Subscribe to her Substack: The Accidental Beauty Contest
Follow Nina on X: @nina_econ
Join our community: Metalsmith Society on Instagram.

My jewelry: Corkie Bolton Jewelry on Instagram.

Support the Podcast: The best way to support the show is by joining our Patreon community. Your support helps keep this podcast going!
Music attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5
Support the show

Today's episode is sponsored by New Cabochons! Use code METALSMITHSOCIETY for 10% off your order.
You can find more information about Cristina Villegas work on her website and you can follow her on Instagram @cristina.rocks.
Where To Find Certified Recycled Metals: Hoover & Strong,  Stuller, and Riva - Fairmined Gold Chains
Gemstones & Responsibly Sourced Suppliers: Find a full list of vetted suppliers for responsibly sourced gemstones and tools on the Metalsmith Society Suppliers Page.
Podcast Notes: We mentioned @wrmetalarts and Alliance For Responsible Mining
Support the Podcast: The best way to support the show is by joining our Patreon community. Your support helps keep this podcast going!
Join our community: Metalsmith Society on Instagram.
Music attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5

Support the show

In this episode, I’m joined by jeweler Emilie Shapiro—owner of a brick-and-mortar shop, wholesale pro, author, and educator. We dive into inventory management, production planning, and selling wholesale.
Follow Emilie on Instagram at Emile Shapiro Jewelry and Emily Shapiro Studio for updates on classes and workshops. She offers in-person workshops at her Long Island studio and a full online library covering design, production, pricing, wax carving, and stone setting. Listeners get 20% off online classes and memberships with code SOCIETY.
Check out Emilie’s Books!
Join our community and follow  Metalsmith Society for all the jewelry tips.
Support the show become a Patreon Supporter!
Heatless wheels mentioned in the episode, available from Gesswein.
Music attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5

Support the show

In today’s episode I will be discussing pricing your jewelry and common mistakes many jewelers make with special guest Jessica Rose.
Jessica Rose is the award winning founder of Jewellers Academy where she and her team have helped over a million people learn to make jewellery through in-person and online courses over the past two decades. 
Support the podcast and become a PATREON, all of my Patreon supporters will receive a FREE DIGITAL COPY OF JESSICA’S BOOK: Start & Grow A Profitable Jewellery Business
BUY JESSICA’S BOOK: Start & Grow A Profitable Jewellery Business https://amzn.to/3SqzS1K
Head over to Jewellers Academy for the FREE PRICING MASTERCLASS,  the Jewellers Academy Foundation Course, Diploma program and some FREE Jewellery Making Courses.
Jewellers Academy on YOUTUBE.
Be sure to follow Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Metalsmith Society for all the jewelry tips. 
AD: TOYBOX use code METALSMITHSOCIETY to save 10% off your 3D Printer! https://collabs.shop/euyavg
Music attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5
Support the show

In today’s episode we get into a festive spirit as I chat with contemporary goldsmith Allie Perry about her process for curating small business holiday gift guides. We’ll explore the joy of supporting local makers, the thought behind her selections, and how these guides spotlight unique, handmade treasures. Plus, we dive into my own Gift Guide for Jewelry Makers, highlighting tools, supplies, and gifts that are perfect for anyone passionate about jewelry making.

Save 10% on the Toybox Alpha Two with code METALSMITHSOCIETY at toybox.com/METALSMITHSOCIETY

Visit Allie’s Small Business 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Explore my 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Follow Allie on Instagram: instagram.com/allieperrydesigns

Supporting The Podcast
Buy a Metalsmith Society Shirt

Please follow the podcast and leave a rating and review!

Join my Patreon as a supporter or with a free membership! patreon.com/metalsmithsociety

Follow Metalsmith Society for all the jewelry tips: instagram.com/metalsmithsociety

Music attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5
Support the show