Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast

In this special episode, Guy and Elesa are ready to talk about a huge, surprising announcement: Southern Jewelry News (SJN) has new ownership!

Guy reveals that Chris Smith and Bill Newnam, the former owners, have sold Southern Jewelry News... to him! This transition marks the first major change since SJN began printing monthly in 1988. After over 35 years and 25 years of running the publication, Bill and C...

In this insightful and uplifting episode of Pearls of Wisdom, we chat with John Carter, the driving force behind Jack Lewis Jewelers. John opens up about the remarkable journey from humble beginnings to unveiling one of the most stunning jewelry stores in the nation. His story is a masterclass in leadership, perseverance, and passion for both people and craft.

For 31 years in the same location, John and hi...

In this inspiring and captivating episode of Pearls of Wisdom, we chat with Jerry and Amanda Robinson of Robinson Family Jewelers in Cortland, New York. What began as a dream during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a shining success story of passion, grit, and family values.

Jerry, a veteran of over 36 years in the jewelry industry, and his daughter Amanda, a gemologist, built their business from the groun...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we sit down with the remarkable Todd Malcolm of Malcolm Jewelers in Moline, Illinois. A third-generation jeweler with more than 39 years of experience, Todd carries forward an 80+ year family legacy that began with his grandfather in 1941. From their roots in Philadelphia to building one of the Quad Cities' most trusted jewelry names, Malcolm Jewelers has stood a...

In this lively episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, At the Atlanta Jewelry Show, Elesa and Guy catch up with Ginny and Lauren of Holland's Jewelers in Apex, North Carolina. A respected, second-generation family business with more than 65 years of service. Holland's Jewelers is a shining example of true hospitality, community connection, and jewelry expertise.

Ginny and Lauren share how their fa...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, brought to you by Southern Jewelry News and Jewelry Store Marketers, host Guy welcomes Chuck Keohler of Anthony's Jewelers and special guest Chuck Frey of Charles Frey and Company. With more than 40 years of experience, Chuck Frey specializes in helping jewelers navigate major business transitions—from liquidations and stock reduction events to retirement, relocation, or passing the ...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, host Guy welcomes Melissa Mor, founder of Mrs. Push. Melissa shares the story behind her business, which focuses on "push presents"—special gifts given to moms after childbirth or to celebrate motherhood. While the tradition has existed for years, it has only recently become a widely recognized and celebrated category.

Melissa explains how M...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, hosts Guy and Elesa sit down with Dalton Powell of Oz's Jewelers in Hickory, North Carolina. Dalton's story is both inspiring and rare: hired on his 17th birthday as a seasonal employee, he worked his way up through the business—and by age 22, alongside business partner Melissa Haynes, purchased the store that first gave him his start.

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show Fall 2025, host Chuck Keohler talks with Brian and Susan Barnes of Barnes Jewelers in Lexington, South Carolina. For more than 25 years, Barnes Jewelers has served as a trusted name in their community, and now the family business is embracing a new era of retail.

Brian, who began as a bench jeweler before moving into retail, shares how scienc...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, hosts Guy and Elesa sit down with longtime jeweler and industry supporter Evan Deutsch of Evan James Ltd. Diamond Jewelers & Goldsmiths. Having attended the show for more than 30 years, Evan offers a rare perspective on what makes this event a cornerstone of the jewelry community.

Evan explains why the Atlanta Jewelry Show continues to thriv...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, Guy sits down with Doris Butler of Butler Diamonds & Fine Jewelry for a conversation full of humor, honesty, and practical insight. Drawing from years of experience in the jewelry business, Doris shares valuable lessons about customer service, communication, and the day-to-day realities of running a store.

One of the most memorable parts of ...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, we're live from the Atlanta Jewelry Show with a very special guest—Bill Warren, owner of The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts in Hudson, North Carolina. Bill has built a thriving business that combines traditional jewelry with modern custom design and repair, offering clients a unique experience that keeps them coming back.

Beyond running his store, Bill is also an accomplished author,...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, hosts Guy and Elisa sit down with Harris and Geri from Worthmore Jewelers, a beloved Atlanta-based jewelry store celebrating over 32 years in business. From their first location to expanding into Decatur, Worthmore has grown not only as a jewelry store but as a family—now with their daughter joining the next generation of leadership.

Harris and Geri share how running a business toget...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, hosts Guy and Elisa take you behind the scenes at the lively Atlanta Jewelry Show, joined by special guest Joanna Gruver of Jo & Co. Jewelers. Joanna brings her trademark energy and insight as she shares what makes this show stand out—not just the easy travel and location, but the warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a homecoming for industry professionals.

In this episode of Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we sit down with Beth from Conti Jewelers, whose high standards, heartfelt leadership, and marketing savvy are helping shape the future of local jewelry retail. Beth opens up about the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to create standout in-store events, build a cohesive brand, and run a luxury experience that still feels homegrown. She shares how her team often rallies around fa...

In this episode of Pearls of Wisdom, host Guy sits down with Elesa Dillon, president of the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), for an exciting preview of the upcoming August Atlanta Jewelry Show (AJS).

Elesa shares her inspiring journey from board member to becoming the second female president in SJTA's 75-year history. With her energy and heart for the industry, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how this nonprofit...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we sit down with Aleah Arundale, diamond wholesaler, educator, and the dynamic founder of Jewelers Helping Jewelers (JHJ). Known for her bold personality, electric blue hair, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Aleah opens up about the evolution of JHJ and how the group's spin-off, the JHJ Crime Network, has become a vital tool in protecting independent jewelers acro...

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we're joined by Mike Kanoff, owner of Michael's Jewelers in Yardley, Pennsylvania, for a warm and insightful conversation about the journey of running a family jewelry business, expanding after nearly three decades, and finding personal balance in a demanding industry.

Mike opens up about launching Michael's Jewelers back in 1997 with his parents, right in the hometown where ...

How does someone go from sketching ideas in a notebook to becoming a custom jeweler known for transforming her clients' wildest ideas into wearable works of art?

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we welcome Carter Eve, founder of Carter Eve Jewelry, as she shares the deeply personal story behind her journey into the world of fine jewelry. It all began in 2008 while living in New York. As a student, Carter fou...