Blaine Lewis is the founder of New Approach School for Jewelers, based just outside Nashville in a building shaped, fittingly, like a diamond. He came to jewelry the long way. Raised in a blue collar family of metal workers, he was arc welding by thirteen and building ships in Norfolk before he found a metal he loved more than steel.

He began teaching in 1995 and has since trained more than 18,000 students over 32 years, helping pioneer high-magnification instruction in the industry and consulting for some of the most respected names in the trade, including building out Tiffany's bench team. His philosophy is as much about generosity as it is about craft. In a field that once guarded its secrets, Blaine built his career and his school on sharing everything he knows.

In this SNAG × Detroit recap, Nadja moderates The State of the Bench, a conversation about the present and future of life at the bench. She's joined by Jennifer Markas of Jewelers Mutual on the health of the talent pipeline, independent studio artist Casey Sobel on what a bench test really reveals, and Sophia Gallette, a bench jeweler in Harry Winston's high jewelry workshop, on building a career from the ground up.

Platinum does not forgive, and Nadja is still learning its temper. In this episode she walks through the week day by day, the wins and the stubborn problems both, and shares what made the platinum class with Blane Lewis worth every effort to attend New Approach School for Jewelers.

Nadja lands from JCK 2026 and reviews her last few days. Working the booth for Pepe Tools and getting to connect with other members of the trade, she is excited and encouraged about the state of the industry.

Moving unexpectedly, I needed a new place for my shop. Tour coming soon!

In this episode of Pass The Torch: Legacies and Jewelry, I travel to Taos, New Mexico for my first-ever visit and sit down with Peter Gilroy — jeweler, machinist, climber, and the owner of Bonny Doon Tools, where he continues the legacy of innovation in hydraulic presses and tools for the jewelry industry.

Bonny Doon Manual Press:

https://www.riogrande.com/product/bonny-doon-classic-20-ton-manual-hydraulic-press--ram/110501GP?code=110501&objectID=110501&queryID=c4668850e906c73d37556e787b974214

Bonny Doon Starter Kit: https://www.riogrande.com/product/bonny-doon-intro-starter-kit/110605GP?code=110605&objectID=110605&queryID=4ad41333b89fbcae3ed8c4b2201dd207

I’m bringing you along for my first real experience breaking down what it takes to take your jewelry to a craft show and have it be a successful event for your business. I spent several days at artisan jeweler Michael Boyd’s booth, and both Michael and his assistant Josie generously shared so much of their knowledge with me. We get into setup, displays, and all the things you don’t realize until you’re in it. This episode is brought to you by Pepe Tools.pepetools.com

Link to Saw Blade Organizer: https://pepetools.com/products/kerf-saw-blade-organizer-dispenser?variant=34796291719319&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=22802381515&utm_content=&utm_term=&gadid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22798664561&gbraid=0AAAAADo-zVPSS_FnKFnVRE63gHPOOgPKb&gclid=CjwKCAjwtcHPBhADEiwAWo3sJvAN7oFdbbWsazDyE1DvcDw0PQza8s2EWXXCWP-qs4E4LOqVqQ9JZhoChdEQAvD_BwE

Link to Nano Blades: https://pepetools.com/products/nano-jewelers-saw-blades

In this episode of Pass The Torch: Legacies in Jewelry, I sit down with Katerina Perez—one of the most influential voices in the global jewelry industry.

Known for her sharp eye, fearless opinions, and deep love for craftsmanship, Katerina has built a platform that bridges heritage maisons and emerging designers alike. But behind the polished world of high jewelry is a story of risk, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

We talk about what it really takes to build a respected voice in an industry rooted in tradition, how storytelling shapes the value of jewelry, and why standing firm in your perspective matters.

This conversation is about more than jewelry. It’s about legacy, taste, courage, and the responsibility that comes with influence.