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.

In this episode of Pass The Torch, Nadja moderates a Lincoln–Douglas style debate between two voices in the jewelry world, Jean Paul (JP) and Michael Robinson, centered on a timely question:Does the integration of AI in jewelry design undermine the integrity of creativity?Taking the affirmative position, JP argues that AI functions as a tool that expands creative possibilities, allowing designers to explore ideas faster while keeping vision, intention, and artistic judgment at the center of the process.Taking the opposing position, Michael defends traditional craftsmanship, emphasizing the importance of hand fabrication, learned technique, and the lineage of artisanal skill that has defined jewelry making for generations.Structured with opening statements, rebuttals, and a live crossfire discussion, the debate moves beyond theory into a passionate exchange about authorship, authenticity, and the future of the craft.As the conversation unfolds, both perspectives challenge each other—and the listener—to consider a larger question: As technology enters the studio, what truly defines creativity in jewelry design?
This Podcast is sponsored by Pepe Tools: https://pepetools.com/

What happened in Arizona? Not much after I got sick.

However, there is a lot to look forward to! These are some of the goodies I returned with as well as a personal update and a vision for the content to come.

In this solo episode, Nadja returns to Pass the Torch: Legacies in Jewelry to talk candidly about a brutal platinum project that pushed her to the edge of her skill, patience, and resolve. It’s a story about being humbled, bruised, and very aware of her limits and choosing to stay in it anyway. She also shares what it means to lock in for a serious, intense year ahead and prepares to step onto the Tucson gem show stage for the first time carrying both fresh lessons and a sharpened vision. Season 2 kicks off with brutal honesty, a deeper look at the cost of mastery, the discipline behind legacy, and what it really takes to keep showing up to the bench. Messy, funny, and unapologetically real, this episode sets the tone for a season of hard lessons and bold momentum.

In this episode of Pass The Torch: Legacies in Jewelry, Nadja sits down with Melanie Grant to trace the path that led to The Jewelry Book. Melanie shares her background, how she came to jewelry through media and editorial work, and the experiences that shaped her. Together, they unpack why this book needed to exist, how it was built, and what it means to document jewelry with intention.

In this engaging conversation, Nolan Sponsler and Stephanie Elsperman, the dynamic duo behind Deep River Jewelry Design, share their journey of love, partnership, and craftsmanship. They discuss how their individual strengths complement each other in their business, the importance of communication and conflict resolution, and their vision for the future of their jewelry brand. The couple emphasizes the significance of client experience, the art of pricing handmade jewelry, and their aspirations to educate and uplift other craftsmen in the industry. They also delve into the nuances of social media marketing and storytelling, providing valuable insights for aspiring jewelers.

Shelly Sergent is a celebrated curator, storyteller, and lifelong advocate for the beauty and significance of colored gemstones. Based in Phoenix, she serves as the Collection Manager of the renowned Somewhere in the Rainbow gemstone and jewelry collection—a privately held, museum-caliber assemblage dedicated to educating the public and elevating appreciation for fine gems and artisan-crafted jewelry. Under her stewardship, the collection has traveled to museums, galleries, and institutions across the country, inspiring thousands with its mission to preserve and share exceptional artistry.

With more than 35 years in the jewelry industry, Shelly’s journey began at age sixteen as a holiday gift-wrap girl at Zales Jewelers. From those early days, she quickly rose through roles in sales, service, philanthropy, and management, fueled by an unmistakable passion for gems, design, and heartfelt client connection.. Her work bridges historical appreciation, modern craftsmanship, and gemological excellence, making her a respected figure within both the trade and museum communities.

I’m honored to call Shelly a dear friend and to welcome her as a guest on Pass The Torch: Legacies in Jewelry, where she brings her signature warmth, insight, and wonder to our conversation about the stories gems can tell.

Nadja visited Tomales, CA to study design with Alan Revere for a weekend workshop.