Nadja reflects on her bench career and the challenges ahead. This episode benchmarks the first 100 days of Pass The Torch: Legacies of Jewelry.

Brady Mesch is a distinguished designer and goldsmith known for his masterful hand engravings and exceptional high jewelry creations. Drawing inspiration from classical design while embracing contemporary aesthetics, his work reflects a refined balance of tradition and innovation.

With extensive experience collaborating with esteemed jewelers and training under internationally recognized masters, Brady has cultivated a deep expertise in hand fabrication. His meticulously crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces are a testament to his dedication to artistry and craftsmanship.

From his workshop and showroom in Evergreen, Colorado, Brady continues to create timeless jewelry that embodies elegance, precision, and enduring beauty.

Chapin Dimond is a Colorado-based metalsmith and jeweler whose work fuses hand fabrication with an uncanny ability to MacGyver his way through nearly any obstacle. His jewelry is meaningful, personal, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship and creative problem-solving.

Born and raised in Louisville, Colorado, Chapin began his journey into metalsmithing in 2003 during high school, supported by a grant from Impact on Education. He apprenticed under master jeweler Kit Hollingshead from 2003 to 2010, laying the foundation for his artistic path.

Chapin earned a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2009, where his senior thesis was funded by the Nagel Award. After graduation, he launched his business, C Dimond Designs, participating in art exhibitions and local festivals. By 2015, he formalized his venture as C Dimond LLC, and by 2023, his work was showcased in seven galleries across Colorado, complemented by appearances at fine art festivals.

Chapin’s creations are inspired by nature and the transformative power of fire and metal. Using techniques like mokume gane alongside traditional hand tools, he creates jewelry that tells personal stories and captures moments in time. His collections—such as Nature, Vein, Crackle, and Bubbles—reflect his commitment to blending organic forms with human expression.

Beyond his studio work, Chapin is dedicated to education and community engagement. Since 2017, he has taught workshops at the Boulder Metalsmithing Association and other venues, offering both group classes and one-on-one instruction. He remains active in organizations like the Colorado Metalsmithing Association (CoMA), Boulder Metalsmithing Association (BoMA), and the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG).

Chapin continues to design and create jewelry in his Louisville studio, inviting clients to collaborate on custom pieces that become cherished heirlooms. His philosophy—"Swing that hammer, light that torch, and make that magic happen"—encapsulates his passion for the craft and his hands-on approach to artistry.

For more information or to explore his work, visit cdimond.com.

Michael Robinson is not just a jeweler; he is an extraordinary artisan whose creations are celebrated as museum-quality treasures. With a career spanning over thirty years, Michael has earned a reputation as one of the most exceptional jewelers in the world, renowned for his unparalleled craftsmanship and visionary designs.

Michael's journey into the realm of jewelry began as a child, where he was captivated by the beauty of gemstones and the intricate dance of light within them. His exceptional skill set, combined with his innate talent and passion for innovation, truly sets him apart in the industry.

Michael's work epitomizes the fusion of timeless elegance and modern artistry. Each piece he creates tells a story, meticulously crafted with an eye for detail that transforms raw materials into breathtaking works of art. Known for his remarkable ability to create single-author jewels of museum quality, his designs are not just adornments; they are treasures.

Renowned for his ability to set and transform the finest gemstones, Michael's collections have graced the red carpets and jewelry exhibitions around the globe. He has collaborated with elite brands and has a loyal following among celebrities and connoisseurs who seek the extraordinary. His pieces often become family heirlooms, cherished for generations.

Beyond his status as a leading jeweler, Michael is a passionate mentor and advocate for the art of jewelry making. He dedicates his time to nurturing the next generation of artisans, imparting his wisdom through inspiring workshops and engaging lectures. His commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability reflects a deep respect for the earth and the art form he loves.

In a world where trends come and go, Michael Robinson stands as a beacon of excellence, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity while honoring the rich traditions of jewelry making. His legacy is not just in the exquisite pieces he creates, but in the inspiration he provides to aspiring jewelers and lovers of fine art everywhere.

Michael Robinson is not just a jeweler; he is an extraordinary artisan whose creations are celebrated as museum-quality treasures. With a career spanning over thirty years, Michael has earned a reputation as one of the most exceptional jewelers in the world, renowned for his unparalleled craftsmanship and visionary designs.

Michael's journey into the realm of jewelry began as a child, where he was captivated by the beauty of gemstones and the intricate dance of light within them. His exceptional skill set, combined with his innate talent and passion for innovation, truly sets him apart in the industry.

Michael's work epitomizes the fusion of timeless elegance and modern artistry. Each piece he creates tells a story, meticulously crafted with an eye for detail that transforms raw materials into breathtaking works of art. Known for his remarkable ability to create single-author jewels of museum quality, his designs are not just adornments; they are treasures.

Renowned for his ability to set and transform the finest gemstones, Michael's collections have graced the red carpets and jewelry exhibitions around the globe. He has collaborated with elite brands and has a loyal following among celebrities and connoisseurs who seek the extraordinary. His pieces often become family heirlooms, cherished for generations.

Beyond his status as a leading jeweler, Michael is a passionate mentor and advocate for the art of jewelry making. He dedicates his time to nurturing the next generation of artisans, imparting his wisdom through inspiring workshops and engaging lectures. His commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability reflects a deep respect for the earth and the art form he loves.

In a world where trends come and go, Michael Robinson stands as a beacon of excellence, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity while honoring the rich traditions of jewelry making. His legacy is not just in the exquisite pieces he creates, but in the inspiration he provides to aspiring jewelers and lovers of fine art everywhere.

Kindred Lubeck is the owner and creative force behind Artifex Fine Jewelry, where she combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. With a deep appreciation for fine materials and meticulous detail, Kindred's design and hand engraving work reflects both her artistic vision and technical skill. Through Artifex Fine Jewelry, she creates distinctive pieces that celebrate individuality and timeless elegance.

Bob Staley is a seasoned jewelry artisan based in Cartersville, Georgia, with a career spanning over 46 years. Since 1979, Bob has been dedicated to the craft of custom jewelry design and precision repair services.

While known locally for his skill in restoration, Bob’s real niche is in redesign—breathing new life into old pieces. His commitment to sustainability is evident in his passion for reimagining existing jewelry. His work blends traditional craftsmanship with advanced technologies like CAD design, 3D printing, and laser welding—an area where he’s particularly respected in the jewelry industry, even if, as he likes to joke, “the younger generation probably doesn’t know I exist”.

In recent years, Bob’s workshop has become a multi-generational venture. His daughter, Victoria Staley, recently completed training at the New Approach School for Jewelers and has joined him at the bench. Under Bob’s mentorship, she’s adding her own creative perspective to their shared practice while incorporating social media to give the world a behind the scenes view of their work.

In both his hometown and the broader jewelry world, he’s respected for his expertise and for his quiet but unwavering commitment to quality.