279. How Jewellers Grow: Tools, Techniques & Truths from the Diploma Diaries

Ever wondered what it's really like to take a jewellery diploma? In this week's episode, host Jessica Rose sits down with this year's Jewellers Academy Diploma Diarists - Tori Foster, Jane Taylor, and Emma René to talk about their experiences studying, teaching, and creating jewellery as part of the Jewellers Academy Diploma programs.

The Diploma Diaries is an Instagram initiative where selected students and tutors share their year-long journeys with the wider jewellery-making community. This year's diarists represent three different perspectives:

• Tori Foster, a jewellery business owner and teacher from Yorkshire, is taking on her fourth diploma, this time in Silver Metal Clay. She shares what it's like starting new projects, finding inspiration, and staying motivated week by week.

  Follow Tori on Instagram @torifosterjewellery

• Jane Taylor, a jeweller and tutor since 2001, gives us the inside scoop on the Fine Jewellery Diploma from a mentor's perspective. She opens up about experimenting with new techniques, sharing failures as well as wins, and why pushing yourself creatively is so valuable.

  Follow Jane on Instagram @jewelledgodalming

• Emma René, founder of Narratorium and part of the Jewellers Academy team, reveals how she balances family life, work, and study while diving deep into the Fine Jewellery diploma. She talks about time management, filming her progress, and why embracing mistakes can be as powerful as celebrating success.

  Follow Emma on Instagram @narratorium

   

And make sure you're following @jewellersacademy as we will be sharing them too!

Together, they explore the joys and challenges of jewellery-making education - from learning complex settings and techniques to overcoming setbacks, managing time, and putting themselves out there online. Their stories remind us that becoming a jeweller is about progress, not perfection.

If you've ever thought about joining a Jewellery Diploma Program, want tips on tools, techniques, and study hacks, or simply love hearing about the creative process behind the bench, this episode will give you inspiration, encouragement, and plenty of real-world insights.

Don't forget to follow the Diploma Diaries on Instagram and join the conversation with #JADiplomaDiaries to see their projects come to life.

Interested in learning jewellery making with one of our online Diploma courses?  Learning that is flexible and fits around your schedule? We have four Diplomas to choose from from beginner to advanced silver and goldsmiths.

Take the free quiz to find out which Diploma is for you: https://g0ul0nhugve.typeform.com/to/N9DGQC9r

Learn more about the Diploma courses: https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas