Every artist faces resistance, the pause before the breakthrough. In this three-part series from The Jeweler’s View, metalsmith and creative business coach Courtney Gray explores how makers can move through resistance, trust the process, and take imperfect action to find lasting flow and confidence in their craft.

Discover how Gesswein, a family-run leader in jewelry tools and technology since 1914, blends legacy, innovation, and hands-on training to help jewelers, manufacturers, and retailers stay ahead of the curve. From electropolishing breakthroughs to shop setups and trade show demos, this conversation with Roger Gesswein shows how values and partnerships shape the future of jewelry making.

Struggle isn’t proof that you’re failing—it’s the raw material of growth. In this post, I share how my son’s creative journey, my own seasons of burnout, and years of running a metalsmithing school taught me that failure, when reflected on, becomes a forge for resilience and innovation.

Some of the world’s greatest innovations—from Post-it Notes to Cartier’s Mystery Clock—were born from mistakes. In jewelry, too, failures often lead to breakthroughs. Here’s how to reframe “happy accidents” and turn setbacks into your next big idea.