Pass The Torch: Legacies in Jewelry - podcast cover

Pass The Torch: Legacies in Jewelry

Nadja de Sá Van Diestpodcasters.spotify.com
Studying the Greats- Discussions with the World's most renowned Artisan Jewelers and Industry Professionals.
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Episodes

Liviu Mocan

Liviu Mocan is a Romanian sculptor whose work is rooted in faith, resilience, and remembrance. Born and raised under the oppressive Communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, Liviu came of age in a time when creativity was feared, censored, and surveilled. Artists were expected to serve the state—or remain silent.In December 1989, the Romanian Revolution erupted, sparked by student protests in the city of Timișoara. As the protests spread, the regime responded with brutal violence. In Cluj-Napoca, w...

Aug 19, 202558 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Osmium Institute: Scarlett Clauss

The Osmium Institute is the global authority on osmium—the rarest and most valuable precious metal in the world. Dedicated to the scientific authentication, documentation, and ethical trade of crystalline osmium, the Institute serves as the central certifying body for jewelers, investors, and collectors worldwide. Through education, research, and industry partnerships, the Osmium Institute ensures transparency and trust in the osmium market while promoting the metal’s unique beauty and structura...

Aug 06, 202559 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Rough Diamond World: Andrew Slesinger

Andrew Slesinger is a sixth-generation diamond dealer and the owner of Rough Diamond World, a New York-based wholesale company specializing in natural rough diamonds. Raised in the traditions of the diamond trade, Andrew’s path was shaped from a young age by the values of trust, precision, and quiet excellence passed down through his family.Operating out of Manhattan’s famed Diamond District, Andrew has built a reputation as a discerning eye in the world of rough—sourcing, evaluating, and moving...

Jul 22, 202540 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Justin K Prim

Justin K Prim is a lapidary artist, educator, and gemcutting history scholar known for his precision faceting and design-forward approach to gemstone cutting. Based in France, Justin brings a rare combination of deep historical knowledge and modern craftsmanship to his work—cutting each stone not just for brilliance, but with intention, story, and artistry in mind.A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and a seasoned instructor, Justin has taught gem cutting at internationally ...

Jul 16, 20251 hrSeason 1Ep. 17

100 Women of Jewelry: Linda Kozloff Turner

Linda Kozloff-Turner is Owner and Designer of Christine Marguerite Designs, and author of the book, 100 Women of Jewelry.In this episode, we dive deep into the making of the book: the powerful stories that emerged, the emotional and artistic connections she forged, and what she learned about the resilience, creativity, and community of women in jewelry. It’s a conversation about legacy, visibility, and the power of being seen.

Jul 08, 202559 minSeason 1Ep. 16

100 Days of Pass The Torch

Nadja reflects on her bench career and the challenges ahead. This episode benchmarks the first 100 days of Pass The Torch: Legacies of Jewelry.

Jun 18, 202511 min

Brady Mesch

Brady Mesch is a distinguished designer and goldsmith known for his masterful hand engravings and exceptional high jewelry creations. Drawing inspiration from classical design while embracing contemporary aesthetics, his work reflects a refined balance of tradition and innovation. With extensive experience collaborating with esteemed jewelers and training under internationally recognized masters, Brady has cultivated a deep expertise in hand fabrication. His meticulously crafted, one-of-a-kind p...

Jun 12, 202541 min

Chapin Dimond

Chapin Dimond is a Colorado-based metalsmith and jeweler whose work fuses hand fabrication with an uncanny ability to MacGyver his way through nearly any obstacle. His jewelry is meaningful, personal, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship and creative problem-solving. Born and raised in Louisville, Colorado, Chapin began his journey into metalsmithing in 2003 during high school, supported by a grant from Impact on Education. He apprenticed under master jeweler Kit Hollingshead from 2003 to 2010, la...

May 28, 202540 min

Michael Robinson: Part II

Michael Robinson is not just a jeweler; he is an extraordinary artisan whose creations are celebrated as museum-quality treasures. With a career spanning over thirty years, Michael has earned a reputation as one of the most exceptional jewelers in the world, renowned for his unparalleled craftsmanship and visionary designs. Michael's journey into the realm of jewelry began as a child, where he was captivated by the beauty of gemstones and the intricate dance of light within them. His exceptional...

May 06, 202536 min

Michael Robinson: Part I

Michael Robinson is not just a jeweler; he is an extraordinary artisan whose creations are celebrated as museum-quality treasures. With a career spanning over thirty years, Michael has earned a reputation as one of the most exceptional jewelers in the world, renowned for his unparalleled craftsmanship and visionary designs. Michael's journey into the realm of jewelry began as a child, where he was captivated by the beauty of gemstones and the intricate dance of light within them. His exceptional...

Apr 23, 202542 min

Kindred Lubeck: Artifex Fine Jewelry

Kindred Lubeck is the owner and creative force behind Artifex Fine Jewelry , where she combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. With a deep appreciation for fine materials and meticulous detail, Kindred's design and hand engraving work reflects both her artistic vision and technical skill. Through Artifex Fine Jewelry, she creates distinctive pieces that celebrate individuality and timeless elegance.

Apr 16, 202542 min

Bob + Victoria Staley

Bob Staley is a seasoned jewelry artisan based in Cartersville, Georgia, with a career spanning over 46 years. Since 1979, Bob has been dedicated to the craft of custom jewelry design and precision repair services. While known locally for his skill in restoration, Bob’s real niche is in redesign—breathing new life into old pieces. His commitment to sustainability is evident in his passion for reimagining existing jewelry. His work blends traditional craftsmanship with advanced technologies like ...

Apr 09, 202556 min

Jeff Parke

Jeff Parke is an accomplished engraver with a lifelong passion for artistic expression. Growing up immersed in drawing, writing, and music, Jeff’s creative pursuits took a new direction when he began working as a bench jeweler at his brother’s store. Discovering both a natural talent and a deep love for the craft, Jeff dedicated himself to mastering jewelry work. His journey led him to study hand engraving, fabrication, wax carving, and diamond setting. With unwavering dedication, Jeff spent cou...

Apr 02, 202547 min

Michael Boyd

Michael Boyd is a visionary jewelry artist whose extraordinary creativity has redefined contemporary lapidary work. Renowned for his masterful ability to reimagine how we approach stone cutting, Boyd has developed a distinctive style that fuses metal and stone in ways that are both bold and elegant. His pieces are instantly recognizable — each one a testament to his unparalleled skill, artistic intuition, dedication to play, and deep understanding of materials. With decades of experience, Boyd h...

Mar 18, 202548 min

Kimberly Collins

Kimberly Collins is a renowned gem dealer and jewelry designer, celebrated for her exquisite colored gemstone collections and fine jewelry line.

Mar 11, 202543 min

David Geller

David Geller is a 14th-generation jeweler and former owner of a retail store in Atlanta. He is known for creating “Geller’s Blue Book,” a jewelry repair pricing guide, and for his expertise in QuickBooks setup for jewelers. He has recently announced his retirement.

Mar 03, 202545 min

Jamie McLandsborough

Jamie McLandsborough – Master Jeweler, Metalsmith, and Educator With nearly two decades of experience in the jewelry industry, Jamie McLandsborough is a highly skilled jeweler, metalsmith, and educator known for his expertise in custom design, repair, and traditional goldsmithing techniques. His passion for the craft began in high school and evolved into a distinguished career dedicated to both artistry and precision. Jamie spent 18 years at the renowned Gusterman’s Silversmiths in Denver’s hist...

Mar 03, 202550 min

Jason Marchiafava

Jason Marchiafava is a third-generation artist and craftsman renowned for his mastery in jewelry fabrication, hand engraving, and stone setting. From an early age, he immersed himself in his family’s jewelry business, cultivating a profound passion for working with precious metals and gemstones. In 1999, Jason embarked on his journey into hand engraving, dedicating himself full-time to fine gun and knife engraving by 2002, with a particular focus on Italian techniques. His pursuit of excellence ...

Mar 02, 202528 min
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