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.

Mistakes happen—especially when you’re working with gold. In this episode of The Jeweler’s View, master goldsmith Jeanette Caines and I get real about meltdowns, torch fear, and why failure is the fastest path to mastery. We talk about the emotional side of goldsmithing, how to move from panic to confidence, and the value of refining—not just metal, but your mindset.

Gold feels like a finish line—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Jeweler’s View, master goldsmith Jeanette Caines shares how to ditch the fear and start working with gold on your own terms. We talk torch work, mindset, materials, and the hidden gold dust story you’ll never forget.

You don’t have to crash to know something’s off. In this reflection, I share seven subtle signs that you might be moving too fast in your creative business—even when everything looks fine on the outside. This isn’t a productivity pep talk. It’s an invitation to pause, reset your rhythm, and reconnect with what really matters.

This article explores how to protect your focus, honor your goals, and create the consistency that helps your creativity thrive—even when distractions are everywhere.

This piece is a call to reclaim your creative voice by shifting out of the comparison trap and back into your own momentum. Real tools, real talk, and a reminder that your pace is enough.

From construction zones to the casting bench, I’ve learned that momentum—not mastery—brings progress. This post explores how one decision at a time builds a creative life.