Why Not Go Gold? Exploring the Power, Mystique, and Mindset Behind Gold Jewelry

Author: Courtney Gray

Podcast Episode: The Jeweler's View | Episode 39 ft. Jeanette Caines

For so many jewelers, gold feels like a finish line material. Something we use once we feel confident enough, skilled enough, or successful enough. But what if that mindset is holding you back?

In Episode 39 of The Jeweler's View, I sat down with Jeanette Caines—master goldsmith, Director of Jewelry Arts Inc., and one of the most no-nonsense, generous educators in the industry. We had a wide-ranging, hilarious, and deeply honest conversation about why gold matters, how to start working with it, and why the biggest hurdle isn’t technical—it’s emotional.

What Makes Gold So Different?

Jeanette breaks it down: technically, gold isn’t that different from silver. They’re like cousins, she says. The big difference? It’s not what gold is, it’s how we feel about it.

The fear around gold often begins the moment someone picks up a torch. The price tag, the pressure, the fear of screwing it up—it all bubbles up fast. But Jeanette has a way of disarming that fear from the very beginning. Her approach is all about starting where you are and building practical confidence, one small success at a time.“We don’t have jewelry problems. We have emotional problems,” Jeanette said. And wow—did that hit.

You Don’t Need Permission to Start

There’s a false narrative in the jewelry world that you have to “earn your way” to gold. But as Jeanette put it bluntly, you don’t need a permission slip. You need a little gold, a little heat, and a willingness to try.

Some of her favorite ways to ease in?

• Add a gold granule to a silver earring.

• Fuse a bit of 24k gold powder to a textured surface.

• Use gold sparingly to create massive perceived value.

These aren’t high-risk steps—but they have high-impact results, both in your work and in how customers perceive it.

The Legacy of Gold

One of my favorite moments from this episode was when Jeanette talked about tearing up the floors of her old studio before a move—and finding thousands of dollars in gold dust buried in the wood.

That story perfectly captures the enduring value of gold. It doesn’t disappear. It doesn’t degrade. It just waits to be reclaimed, reworked, and loved again. And working with it puts you in a timeless lineage of makers.

“Gold isn’t mine to keep,” Jeanette said. “I just get to hang out with it for a while.”

Jeanette’s Teaching Philosophy

Whether she’s working in ancient techniques or mentoring modern students, Jeanette’s approach is refreshingly clear: bring what you have, and we’ll work with it. No shame. No gatekeeping. No need to have it all figured out.

She shared a preview of her newest offering too—a membership program that brings her problem-solving brain and legendary teaching style to a global audience. If you can’t get to New York, this might be the next best thing.

My Takeaway? Just Start.

If you’ve been waiting to work with gold, this episode is your sign. You don’t need to wait until you’re ready. Start small. Get curious. And give yourself permission to play with the good stuff.

Listen to the Full Episode

→ Episode 39: Why Not Go Gold? Featuring Jeanette Caines of Jewelry Arts Inc.

Available on all major podcast platforms + YouTube

Follow Jeanette:

Website: www.jewelryarts.com

Instagram: @jewelryarts

Want more conversations like this? Follow The Jeweler’s View on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform, or visit courtneygrayarts.com for coaching, tools, and the Transform course.

Thanks for reading—and if this post gave you something to think about, pass it on to a fellow maker. Let’s keep the knowledge (and the gold) moving forward