7. Meet The Jeweller - Goldsmith Stelios Karantonas

This week we’re joined by Stelios Karantonas who is a trained goldsmith. He trained in Greece before moving over to London to set up his workshop. He has his own jewellery brand and is a very knowledgable and talented jeweller. Today he shares some of his journey to encourage us. Let’s get into the episode!   EPISODE RECAP   Tell us a little about your journey into jewellery making (1:42) You trained in Greece and live in London. You sell your jewellery in Hatton Gardens, is that correct? (3:09) When you were doing your training in Greece, what were the key things you learned? (4:14) Tell us a little bit about your business now (9:10) Can you think of any mistakes you’ve made in business and what you learned from them? (10:20) A question we get asked a lot is - what is the different between calling yourself a jeweller, a goldsmith, a silversmith, etc.? (12:09) What was the first collection you ever made? Is that still running? Tell us a little about your evolution as a jeweler. (16:43) We talk a lot in the membership about identifying a signature style as a jeweller and nurturing that as time goes on. Do you feel like you have a signature style? (19:33) If you had to go back to your 26-year-old self and give him one piece of advice from your jewellery career, what would that advice be? (25:08) When you start a jewellery business, it seems like there’s always someone who has something to say that’s not helpful. For me it made me more determined. (27:33) What achievement throughout your jewellery career are you most proud of? (29:21) It’s important to remind ourselves that the work we do matters. It’s not just making pretty things, it has an impact.  (32:15) I know Stelios because he’s been teaching with the Jewellers Academy (33:58) You’re one of the incredible mentors on the Diploma Course. Can you tell us a little about that and what it’s like to be a mentor? (36:14) Something I always say about Stelios is that he’s one of the most talented jewellers I know, but is so giving with his knowledge and skills. (38:13)     RESOURCES Diploma In Silver Jewellery Course  Nikos Koulis  Stelios Karantonas Stelios Karantonas Instagram