Here's Part 2 of the Best Moments of 2025 from the Pearls of Wisdom jewelry podcast—continuing the powerful stories and insights shaping the jewelry industry.

This collection begins with Episode 88 at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, where Joanna Gruver shares the importance of networking, growth, and genuine industry connection. Episode 89 highlights Worthmore Jewelers' 32-year journey built on family, creativity, and constant evolution. In Episode 90, Bill Warren opens up about his path from jeweler to business coach, offering wisdom shaped by experience and reinvention.

Episode 91 features Doris Butler's honest perspective on balancing truth and customer expectations in modern jewelry retail. Episode 92 celebrates Evan Deutsch's 30-year commitment to community and connection at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, while Episode 93 follows Dalton Powell's inspiring rise from employee to owner—bolstered by mentorship and vision.

Retail trends and the rise of lab-grown diamonds take center stage in Episode 94 with Brian and Susan Barnes. Episode 95 shines a light on Melissa Mor's creative journey building the Mrs. Push brand and honoring motherhood through jewelry. Episode 96 brings Chuck Frey's insight on transitions, liquidations, and the changing future of independent jewelers.

Family, fashion, and timeless sparkle define Episode 97 with Holland Jewelers, followed by Todd Malcolm's story of legacy and love in Episode 98. Episode 99 captures the resilience of Robinson Family Jewelers, while Episode 100 celebrates John Carter's leadership and the evolution of Jack Lewis Jewelers.

The series closes with Episode 101's look at Guy Pineda's leadership transition at Southern Jewelry News and Episode 102, where Daniela Sokolowski shares her heart-led vision and artistic journey at DiCuore.

Together, these episodes showcase the brilliance, grit, and heart powering the jewelry industry's future.

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Here is the Part 1 of the Best Moments of 2025 from the Pearls of Wisdom jewelry podcast, a curated collection of standout conversations that highlight the passion, craftsmanship, and community spirit shaping our industry.

This special episode revisits key insights from Episodes 75 through 87, beginning with Episode 75, where Slav Galkin shares why authenticity and a growth mindset remain essential in a constantly evolving field. In Episode 76, the team at Pierce Custom Jewelers gives listeners an inside look at building trust through craft and genuine connection. Episode 77 then takes us "From Hot Rods to Heirlooms," an inspiring journey of a master jeweler whose path is as unique as his creations.

Episode 78 features Irina Aran from Facets Fine Jewelry, whose resilience and artistry define her brand. Episode 79 turns to digital growth, as Parker Jewelers reveals how SEO is helping them drive more traffic and reach more customers online. Episodes 80 and 81 highlight the stories of Mike, Elise, and Babs—each demonstrating the value of legacy, balance, and authenticity in both business and life.

In Episode 82, Cliff shares how grit, grace, and kindness built his family's jewelry legacy. Episode 83 follows with a heartfelt look at the journey from apprentice to artisan—an inspiring reminder of the power of patience, passion, and innovation. Episode 84 features Mike Kanoff discussing legacy, expansion, and the importance of work-life balance, while Episode 85 brings Aleah Arundale's refreshing honesty about building community and protecting jewelers.

This Part 1 collection closes with the warmth and insight of Elesa Dillon in Episode 86 and Beth from Conti Jewelers in Episode 87—whose leadership and dedication continue to raise the standard in the jewelry world.

Together, these stories reflect the brilliance behind every jeweler, every journey, and every piece.

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In this inspiring episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, Guy chats with the remarkable Daniela Sokolowski, founder and creative force behind DiCuore Diamonds—a bespoke jewelry studio built from passion, precision, and purpose.

Daniela's journey is anything but ordinary. Born in Romania and later moving to New York City with no background in diamonds or jewelry, she began her career managing a diamond wholesale office in the heart of the Diamond District. From working with major names like De Beers and other leading wholesale companies, she gained invaluable industry knowledge—but longed for a space to fully express her creativity and commitment to people. That vision ultimately blossomed into DiCuore Diamonds, founded in January 2024.

Today, Daniela specializes in personalized, handcrafted pieces that celebrate individual stories—bridal jewelry, anniversary bands, repurposed heirlooms, and one-of-a-kind designs infused with emotional meaning. Her process is deeply collaborative, focusing on education, transparency, and understanding each client's personality, lifestyle, and story. For Daniela, jewelry isn't just decorative—it's intimate, symbolic, and crafted "from the heart," honoring the Italian phrase that inspired the name DiCuore.

Beyond her artistic talent, Daniela shares her powerful triumph over cancer and how this life-altering experience reshaped her purpose, strengthened her empathy, and ignited her desire to inspire women to dream boldly and embrace new beginnings. Her recent successes include her appearance on News 12 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting her mission and resilience.

This episode is filled with authenticity, passion, and uplifting insight into the world of custom jewelry and the strength behind the artist.

Tune in to hear Daniela's incredible story, her heart-driven craft, and why DiCuore Diamonds is truly one of a kind. Don't miss this inspiring conversation—listen now!

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In this special episode, Guy and Elesa are ready to talk about a huge, surprising announcement: Southern Jewelry News (SJN) has new ownership!

Guy reveals that Chris Smith and Bill Newnam, the former owners, have sold Southern Jewelry News... to him! This transition marks the first major change since SJN began printing monthly in 1988. After over 35 years and 25 years of running the publication, Bill and Chris were ready to retire. Elesa, who has worked with the former owners for three decades, enthusiastically endorses Guy, calling him the "perfect person to take over the rain". Guy will be working alongside Elesa and Martha Oswald to continue the legacy of the longest-running and most respected jewelry publication.

Guy reflects on the incredible achievement built by Bill, Chris, Elesa, and Martha. He has always seen SJN as a "gold mine", and he is honored to take on this big undertaking with his JSM team, despite having no prior publishing experience.

The team addresses a major change: due to the challenging high costs of paper and postage, Southern Jewelry News and Mid-America Jewelry News (MAJN) will no longer be printed monthly. They plan to publish only a few print issues each year, possibly one every quarter, mainly for trade shows. However, Guy is committed to maintaining the "heart and soul" and respected content of SJN while implementing exciting new features and improvements online by the beginning of January.

Join Elesa and Guy as they celebrate the 100th episode of the podcast and look forward to improving the website, the podcast format, and bringing more value to the industry.

The future is bright, and change is good! Don't miss this must-listen episode to hear all about the transition and the exciting future of SJN!

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In this insightful and uplifting episode of Pearls of Wisdom, we chat with John Carter, the driving force behind Jack Lewis Jewelers. John opens up about the remarkable journey from humble beginnings to unveiling one of the most stunning jewelry stores in the nation. His story is a masterclass in leadership, perseverance, and passion for both people and craft.

For 31 years in the same location, John and his team took a bold step—creating a brand-new, state-of-the-art showroom that redefines what "local luxury" means. Designed through collaboration with a talented architect and creative partners, the new Jack Lewis Jewelers space embodies elegance, innovation, and community spirit. But this transformation wasn't just about bricks and glass—it was about growth. From expanding their team and tripling their display space to creating a regional destination for fine jewelry lovers, every detail was fueled by vision and heart.

John also shares how his involvement with organizations like the American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) shaped his leadership and values. Through his experiences, he reminds us that true success comes from surrounding yourself with good people, uplifting others, and staying grounded in faith, family, and service.

Even with the challenges of construction, long timelines, and evolving retail trends, John's story proves that patience, teamwork, and authenticity can turn a dream into a legacy. His new store stands as a symbol of what happens when excellence meets purpose.

If you've ever dreamed of taking your business to the next level—or simply want a dose of genuine inspiration—don't miss this episode! Tune in now to discover how John Carter built brilliance at Jack Lewis Jewelers.

Brought to you by:

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In this inspiring and captivating episode of Pearls of Wisdom, we chat with Jerry and Amanda Robinson of Robinson Family Jewelers in Cortland, New York. What began as a dream during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a shining success story of passion, grit, and family values.

Jerry, a veteran of over 36 years in the jewelry industry, and his daughter Amanda, a gemologist, built their business from the ground up—literally painting, remodeling, and marketing everything themselves. Together, this "Dream Team" turned Robinson Family Jewelers into a beloved local treasure, named Finger Lakes' Favorite Jeweler five years in a row.

From overcoming the economic uncertainty of opening during a pandemic to weathering four years of construction outside their storefront, the Robinsons' journey embodies resilience and heart. Their dedication to the community shines through—from offering free watch batteries to first responders to building lifelong relationships with customers. Their philosophy? It's not just about selling jewelry; it's about celebrating life's moments, giving back, and treating every customer like family.

Now, as they prepare to open their new, larger, and fully owned location, Jerry and Amanda reflect on the lessons they have learned, their growth as entrepreneurs, and the importance of maintaining authenticity and kindness at the center of their business.

If you've ever dreamed of building something meaningful from the ground up, this episode will leave you inspired. Tune in to hear how love, legacy, and a little sparkle can turn challenges into triumphs.

Brought to you by:

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In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we sit down with the remarkable Todd Malcolm of Malcolm Jewelers in Moline, Illinois. A third-generation jeweler with more than 39 years of experience, Todd carries forward an 80+ year family legacy that began with his grandfather in 1941. From their roots in Philadelphia to building one of the Quad Cities' most trusted jewelry names, Malcolm Jewelers has stood as a symbol of craftsmanship, family, and community.

Todd shares how he boldly transformed the business in 2003 from a traditional 3,000-square-foot full-scale jewelry store into a specialized, by-appointment-only jeweler. This shift not only allowed him to reduce overhead but also gave him the freedom to connect personally with clients and focus on what he does best: custom jewelry design, restoration, and one-of-a-kind creations. His celebrated Stories from the Heart Collection—inspired by love, family, faith, and personal milestones—represents both his artistry and his dedication to creating meaningful jewelry that tells stories across generations.

We explore the challenges of navigating changing economies, evolving consumer habits, and the shift from retail to wholesale. Todd shares one of his most meaningful successes—creating his first piece, "In Mother's Arms", after losing his brother to cancer. The pendant raised $8,000 for Gilda's Club and touched countless lives, including a woman who wore hers until her granddaughter's remission. This heartfelt beginning helped launch his Stories from the Heart Collection. He also offers invaluable advice for young jewelers: embrace education through Gemological Institute of America (GIA), gain hands-on experience in independent jewelry stores, and get involved in your local community.

This conversation is filled with wisdom, legacy, and inspiration. Todd's journey proves that jewelry is more than metal and stones—it's about meaning, connection, and memories. Tune in now and discover why Malcolm Jewelers and Todd's story are truly gems worth celebrating!

Don't miss this episode—listen, learn, and be inspired!

Brought to you by:

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In this lively episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, At the Atlanta Jewelry Show, Elesa and Guy catch up with Ginny and Lauren of Holland's Jewelers in Apex, North Carolina. A respected, second-generation family business with more than 65 years of service. Holland's Jewelers is a shining example of true hospitality, community connection, and jewelry expertise.

Ginny and Lauren share how their family's trusted reputation—built on generations of relationships and craftsmanship—continues to thrive as they welcome a new era of technology, design, and fashion-forward jewelry. From timeless engagement rings to modern lab-grown diamonds, Holland's Jewelers blends tradition and innovation while staying true to their roots. Lauren brings a fresh, digital perspective to the business with social media and website updates, while Ginny and Stacey continue to uphold the personal service and quality that keep families coming back generation after generation.

The family also opens up about the challenges facing today's jewelers, including the unstable price of gold and market uncertainty. Yet, through adaptability, creativity, and dedication to customer trust—rooted in honesty and lasting relationships—the Sears family continues to sparkle. They also share the importance of events like the Atlanta Jewelry Show for networking, learning, and discovering new trends that keep their showcases fresh and exciting.

It's an inspiring conversation filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and timeless insights about running a family business in a changing industry. Tune in now to hear how Holland's Jewelers keeps tradition alive while embracing the future—and be inspired to find your own sparkle in the jewelry world!

Brought to you by:

Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/

Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/

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