Why Are Gold & Silver Prices So High With Special Guest Nina Eichacker

In today's episode, I welcome back Laura Niblack of The Wild Pine to discuss one of the biggest life changes a small business owner can face — becoming a parent. Laura opens up about what it's really like to run a full-time jewelry business while planning for maternity leave, and what it's been like stepping into motherhood while staying connected to the work she loves.If you haven't heard Laura's first appearance on the podcast, check out Episode 13: Selling Your Jewelry Through Instagram with The Wild Pine.Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewildpine/Find Laura's jewelry at: https://thewildpine.com/Today's episode is sponsored by Dovetail Workwear. Visit dovetailworkwear.com/metalsmithsociety and use code METALSMITHSOCIETY to save $10 off your order.Follow Metalsmith Society on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalsmithsociety/Check out my jewelry work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corkieboltonjewelry/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 Pond5Support the show

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 MoneyNina mentioned the podcast episode "This Is Why People Are So in Love With Gold" via Odd LotsI 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 creditNina recommends Marketplace which a great podcast and show covering business and economic newsNina recommends Planet Money from NPRConnect with Nina:Subscribe to her Substack: The Accidental Beauty ContestFollow Nina on X: @nina_econJoin 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 Pond5Support 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 ChainsGemstones & 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 MiningSupport 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 Pond5Support 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 Pond5Support 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 BusinessBUY JESSICA’S BOOK: Start & Grow A Profitable Jewellery Business https://amzn.to/3SqzS1KHead 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/euyavgMusic attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5Support 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/METALSMITHSOCIETYVisit Allie’s Small Business 2024 Holiday Gift GuideExplore my 2024 Holiday Gift GuideFollow Allie on Instagram: instagram.com/allieperrydesignsSupporting The PodcastBuy a Metalsmith Society ShirtPlease follow the podcast and leave a rating and review!Join my Patreon as a supporter or with a free membership! patreon.com/metalsmithsocietyFollow Metalsmith Society for all the jewelry tips: instagram.com/metalsmithsocietyMusic attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5Support the show

In today’s episode I will be discussing some of the challenges independent jewelers face today with special guest Liz Kantner. We chat about high gold costs, doing trade shows and social media struggles.Liz Kantner is passionate about working with independent jewelry artists to help them define their voices and thrive in the modern marketplace and has been working with artists since 2012. Liz is the founder of Stay Gold, a community consulting program where she dedicates herself to a select roster of fine jewelry clients, nurturing them to success through digital marketing, trade show strategy, sales-driving techniques, and branding.  She also helps to curate emerging brands for Luxury Lifestyle at NY NOW. She also co-hosts the podcast, Success with Jewelry.Connect With LizJoin the Stay Gold Collective and use promo code TRYSTAYGOLD to save 50% off your first two months!Curated at Luxury Lifestyle at NY NOW: https://nynow.com/luxurylifestyle/You can follow Liz in Instagram: @liz_kantner Visit her website: lizkantner.comCheck out her podcast with Laryssa Wirstiuk: Success with JewelrySupporting The PodcastBuy a Metalsmith Society ShirtPlease follow the podcast and leave a rating and review!Join my Patreon as a supporter or with a free membership! https://patreon.com/metalsmithsocietyFollow Metalsmith Society for all the jewelry tips: https://www.instagram.com/metalsmithsocietyMusic attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5Support the show

In today’s episode I will be discussing thinking outside the box when it comes to jewelry making with special guest Nicole Ringgold.Nicole is a jeweler who creates amazing botanical and nature inspired jewelry. She has been a full time jeweler for over 8 years. She also teaches jewelry making workshops around the world and at her home studio in Winthrop, Washington. She is also an author and her fantastic book “The New Silversmith, Techniques For Creating Nature- Inspired Jewelry” is now available!PURCHASE NICOLE’S BOOK: https://amzn.to/4bDBQDjGet the book from BOOKSHOP.ORG and support local bookstores: https://bookshop.org/shop/metalsmithsocietyLink to Raven Bubble Wand: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8sgXiuPbvz/Follow Nicole on Instagram: @ringgoldnicoleSupporting The PodcastShop UNISEX V-NECK SHIRTSPlease follow the podcast and leave a rating and review!Join my Patreon as a supporter or with a free membership! https://patreon.com/metalsmithsocietyFollow Metalsmith Society for all the jewelry tips: https://www.instagram.com/metalsmithsocietyMusic attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5Support the show

In this week’s episode I will be discussing how to sell niche jewelry with confidence with my special guest Alex Camacho of Acid Queen Jewelry. Alex crafts unique statement pieces and every day armor inspired by art nouveau, nature, and mysticism. Since 2011, her Idyllwild-based brand has evolved from found object designs to intricate wearable art using traditional metalsmithing and wax techniques. Each piece celebrates strength, magic, and self-expression.Thank you to episode sponsor Dovetail. Save $10 on your order with code METALSMITHSOCIETYMentioned During the PodcastStamped app for product reviews + UGC: https://stamped.io/Smile app for loyalty rewards programs: Smile.ioFind Alex OnlineYou can follow Alex on Instagram at @acidqueenjewelryYou can visit her Patreon to check it out or join at: https://www.patreon.com/AcidQueenJewelryYou can find her jewelry and merch at acidqueenjewelry.comSupporting The PodcastPlease follow the podcast and leave a rating and review!Join my Patreon as a supporter or with a free membership! patreon.com/metalsmithsocietyFollow Metalsmith Society for all the jewelry tips: https://www.instagram.com/metalsmithsocietyMusic attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5Support the show

In today’s episode I want to discuss ManyChat a social media tool I have been using for over a year and it has been a game changer! It allows me to create automations on Instagram that drive email subscribers, sales and more.Sign up for ManyChat using my affiliate code: https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/xe19aszuxttgExamples of automations I have used to build my email list for @metalsmithsociety: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1wtP4lOKO1/Example of an automation to sell jewelry I used for @corkieboltonjewelry: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7hffwrOrgh/Support the podcastPlease subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform, if you love it leave a review!Join the Patreon community, your small monthly donation helps support me in creating this podcast, my blog at metalsmithsociety.com and sharing tips @metalsmithsociety on Instagram. You will also get exclusive discounts from companies like Rio Grande, Gesswein, PepeTools, Sunstone and many more! https://www.patreon.com/metalsmithsocietyFollow Metalsmith Society for all the jewelry tips: https://www.instagram.com/metalsmithsocietyMusic attribution: Stock Music provided by RomanSenykMusic, from Pond5Support the show