Join Mike for a behind the scenes look at Punchmark's annual Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC, offering a glimpse into what makes this educational event special for jewelry retailers from across the country. If you missed the Workshop this year, make sure to mark your calendars for next May to attend our two day educational workshop in person! It's…

Kyle Pancis from Gems by Pancis shares the fascinating world of fancy colored diamonds, revealing how a royal connection in Belgium launched his family's 30-year specialty business. His insider perspective offers rare glimpses into the value, cutting techniques, and origin stories behind some of the world's most exclusive gemstones. Learn more abou…

Atlassian is a suite of products including Jira, Confluence, and Trello. The Atlassian suite offers powerful tools for business organization and knowledge management that can be adapted for jewelry retailers, with special focus on Trello and Confluence. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Pu…

Marketing professionals Lisa-Marie Delgado from Gary J. Long Jewelers & Aurora Simpson from Holliday Jewelry share insights on retail strategies, event planning, and industry trends in an energetic conversation LIVE from the Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe…

Michael hosts a LIVE Vendor Roundtable at the 2025 Punchmark Client Workshop, featuring Jordan Peck from Brevani and Craig MacBean from Ostbye jewelry to discuss how they're navigating current market challenges and preparing for the upcoming buying season. Ostbye: https://ostbye.com/ Brevani: https://brevani.com/ Send us a text Send feedback or lea…

Michael's childhood friend, Taylor, shares his journey of designing a custom engagement ring with a lab-grown sapphire centerpiece, highlighting the collaborative decision-making process with his fiancée Jen who had a clear vision from the start. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark…

Drawing from his recent experience hosting a solo watercolor exhibition, Michael Burpoe shares marketing strategies that business owners can apply to their own store events. He explains how effective event planning, branding, goal-setting, and multi-channel promotion can enhance attendance and sales for any luxury buying experience. Send us a text …

Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler, shares insights on unprecedented industry challenges including record-high gold prices and fluctuating tariffs. The jewelry industry faces a period of uncertainty that feels even more unpredictable than the pandemic era. We cover National Jeweler's impressive 120-year legacy, what stories in the …

Now is the perfect time for jewelers to explore e-commerce as an additional revenue stream, especially during economic uncertainty. Having your products available for online purchase creates "another line in the water" that can catch unexpected sales with minimal effort. Download our free e-commerce strategy checklist at punchmark.com/checklist to …

Pearls are one of the oldest, most influential gems the world has ever known with a rich history dating back well over 5,000 years. Matt Harris shares his passion for this unique gemstone and explains how fashion trends surrounding the gem have shifted in the last 100 years, where he predicts they will head in future years, and how jewelers can ens…

Jordan Wentz, or Jewels of the Trade, shares her expertise on jade, one of the most misunderstood gemstones in the jewelry world, explaining its historical significance and how to identify authentic pieces. She illuminates the differences between Jadeite and Nephrite jade while providing guidance for retailers and consumers on recognizing quality j…

David Siminski, a refiner with 32 years of experience at United Precious Metals in Buffalo, shares his expertise on gold's dramatic price surge, how it might impact custom jewelry projects, and speculates on if the price will continue to climb. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's…

Mike is joined by a panel of retail jewelers to talk about how they navigate the Jewelry Year. From when they schedule in their annual vacations, which jewelry shows they attend, and what jewelry styles are doing well at their respective stores. Matt & Kim from R. Gregory Jewelers in Statesville, NC https://www.rgregoryjewelers.com/ Cole from Ware'…

Prize indemnity insurance might sound like a dry financial topic, but Robin Lang from Tokio Marine HCC reveals it's actually one of the most exciting marketing tools available to jewelers today. We discuss how retailers can offer customers full refunds on purchases if certain events occur – like six inches of snow on New Year's Day, or a Safety dur…

For an exclusive first interview, Michael interviews Stephen Barnes, newly announced Owner and President of IJO about what the changes mean for him, IJO, and the retailers & vendors included in the group. Stephen Barnes shares his journey from longtime IJO member to President and now Owner, discusses his vision for the future of the Independent Jew…

Michael speaks with Bri Black from Buzz Advertising Agency and Hope Bellair, Digital Marketing Manager at Punchmark, for a discussion on the art of creating effective marketing campaigns. Learn how to conceptualize a campaign, set goals and metrics, and execute on marketing for your next effort! Learn more about Buzz Advertisement Agency: https://b…

In the Loupe, is an award winning podcast for jewelers, produced by Punchmark, the Jewelry Industry’s FAVORITE website platform. In the Loupe is made for Retail Jewelers to keep them up to date with the latest and greatest taking place in the world of jewelry, both online and in-store. Join me as I attend jewelry trade shows, educational workshops,…

Virtual Reality (VR) is growing in popularity, and as the technology improves, so do the opportunities for use in real life. Michael has explored VR with his friends the past year and reports back on his experiences, the good, the bad, the... vertigo-inducing. Michael later speaks with three of his best friends who are avid VR users on how they've …

Brevani, an offshoot jewelry brand of Color Merchants, owners Jordan & Allison Peck share their innovative journey in the jewelry industry, focusing on modern trends while maintaining a legacy of responsible sourcing. They discuss their dynamic collaboration as brother and sister, successful marketing strategies, what they stand to learn and gain a…

Today we are taking a deep dive into the Google Workspace Suite of tools. These free tools are cloud based and able to be accessed in minutes after the creation of a Gmail account. These tools are widely considered to be industry standard tools, as they make collaboration and asynchronous editing possible. Learn how the Punchmark team has been usin…

Michael sits down with Justin VanMatre of National Rarities to discuss what the last year of estate buying events looked like, what the most commonly bought items were, and announces the new Punchmark x National Rarities event page templates they recently collaborated on. If you have hosted a NR event, or plan to soon, you'll want to tune in for th…

Meet the unsung heroes of the jewelry world as Mike speaks with Stefanie Wesdorp from Jewel-Craft, a fourth-generation family business that handles service requests for hundreds of retail jewelers around the US. Stefanie shares how Jewel-Craft has carved out a role as the hidden powerhouse behind so many jewelry stores. Tackling everything from int…

Join Michael as he speaks with William Jones IV from Sissy's Log Cabin as we explore JewelLink, a cutting-edge recruiting tool revolutionizing how jewelry stores find the perfect candidates. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to expand or a jeweler seeking top talent, you'll gain valuable insights into refining your hiring process, focusing on …

We are back! Mike shares e-commerce trends from Punchmark's data, focusing on average cart value and sales performance across different months and compares year to year. Take Aways: • AOV reveal fluctuations in average cart value from 2021 to 2024 • Notable months for sales performance include April, August, September, and October • Friday emerges …

It's the final episode of Season 5, which means Mike is giving you a tour of all of the best bits from this season. This is the 50th episode from this season, and we've interviewed some impressive and distinguished members of the jewelry industry this year. We hope you'll enjoy a look back on some of our favorite moments from Season 5! We will be b…

Mike sat down to chat with Hope Bellair, Punchmark's Digital Marketing Manager, exploring the booming resurgence of event-based marketing and the domination of short-form video content. As TikTok's fate hangs in the balance, we consider the clever strategies jewelers can adopt to pivot their marketing efforts while staying ahead in the digital game…

Unlock the secrets to creating a harmonious marketing strategy with our latest episode, "Marketing Symphony." Each channel has it's own unique language and requires a slightly different approach. Discover how to tailor video content to suit the unique quirks of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn! Send us a text Send feedback o…

The holiday season brings a rush of online shoppers, making it crucial for retail jewelers to ensure their e-commerce sites are in top shape. With a well-prepared website, you can enhance your customer experience, avoid technical hiccups, and maximize sales. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get your website holiday-ready, from payment setups to…

Omi was founded nearly 35 years ago by Omi Nagpal and his wife, Preeti, whose family were ruby miners dating back to 19th century Burma. Later, their son, Niveet, founded Omi Privé, their finished jewelry business that specializes in one of a kind finished colored stone jewelry. From design processes to nurturing retailer relationships, Niveet shed…

Prepare to transform your online presence into a powerhouse of holiday cheer. We discuss how to maintain an omni-channel experience that seamlessly connects your digital and physical storefronts especially around the time of year where it matters most! Don't let outdated information be the Grinch that steals your holiday sales—tune in as we share t…

Email marketing has the power to elevate your traffic to new heights. Mike sits down with Hope Bellair, Punchmark's Digital Marketing Manager, and Sarah Weeks, Art Director at Punchmark, to discuss best practices and strategy for your next Email Marketing campaign. Where is the sweet spot for sending "too many" and "radio silence"? What should you …

Are you open every day between Black Friday and Christmas Eve? Do you close between Boxing Day and New Years? Do you have VIP events or "Guys Nights" to drive traffic? Do you stock up your best sellers with multiples or get a broad variety of products? The busiest time of the year is starting, and Michael sat down with Ray Lantz from The Diamond Ce…

Michael is joined by Jason Adams, Director of Education at Punchmark, to discuss how to get your website ready for the busiest time of the year, and encourages all Punchmark clients to get their website tickets and requests in early. There are a few key parts of your website that should be checked prior to the holidays, and Jason shares his experti…

AI has been the buzzword of the last few years, but its accessibility for everyday people can feel limited as some use cases require extra downloads and plugins. Michael wanted to showcase some of the most readily available and accessible use cases for ChatGPT in your every day life. Learn how querying this powerful tool can help with everything fr…

Bryan Braddy, the talented artist behind Bad Art Nice Watch, shares how he has created a business out of helping tell the captivating tales of luxury watches. Beginning with a simple drawing session with his daughter, Bryan rediscovered his passion for art, eventually developing a unique and recognizable style using professional-grade watercolors. …

Mike sits down with Constance Polamalu , the founder of Birthright Foundry to talk about the latest updates to her jewelry line since they last spoke during S4 E34. Constance discusses her journey this past year, highlighting the meticulous selection of her pieces that were featured on the Golden Bachelorette and the importance of creating a brand …

Cheers to Episode 200 of In the Loupe! Whether you've been with us since the beginning, or this is your first episode, thanks for joining us! Join us for our special 200th episode of "In the Loupe," where we journey from our humble beginnings as the "Jeweler's Survival Kit" to becoming a pivotal marketing tool within the jewelry world. You'll hear …

Michael sits down with Ross Cockerham, CEO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, who recently got back from The EDGE Workshop in Connecticut. They discuss what was covered at the workshop, what Ross presented on during his allotted time, and what we can learn from this workshop to improve our own Punchmark Client Workshop. Send us a text Send feedback or lear…

It's time to start thinking about your holiday marketing and begin planning for this year's busy season! Mike speaks with Hope Bellair, Punchmark's Digital Marketing Manager, to discuss how to get your site ready, what the easiest starting points are, and where to look for inspiration. This is the pre-marathon stretch, so buckle up! Send us a text …

This week, Mike talks through his favorite website to order from, and the consistency that has made them stand out to him for nearly 8 years. Moo.com is a company that makes business cards and greeting cards, and their communication, ease of use, and overall quality stand out in a crowded field. Mike tries to pull out a few key lessons that you can…

Mike sits down with Lee Elgin from Elgin Fine Jewelry and Vincent Spilotro from Arezzo Jewelers for a Retailer Roundtable to talk about how the trade shows were this year, as well as how they are prepping their stores for the holidays. We dive into how the surging price of gold effects their business, their strategy for attending shows, and if they…

Announcing the first In the Loupe giveaway of 2024, powered by Picup Media! Join Michael and Marius as they unbox and demo a new GemLoupe, and the many use cases for it. Michael explains the rules of the giveaway and explains how you can enter! https://www.punchmark.com/loupe Learn more about our sponsor Tailored Rings: tailoredrings.com Send us a …

Join us as Stephen Barnes, President of IJO, shares the journey of his first year in leadership. Stephen recounts his experiences leading IJO, highlighted by the recent buying shows at IJO Dallas and IJO Chicago. He discusses the unity and commitment fueling the organization’s mission to uplift its retail members and vendors, reflecting on the over…

Could a simple hinge revolutionize the way you wear your wedding band? Join Michael as he speaks with Hunter Taylor, the mind behind Tailored Rings, as he unveils his journey of creating a unique hinged wedding band. Inspired by his own struggles with traditional rings due to larger knuckles and an active lifestyle, Hunter leveraged his PhD in Meta…

Curious about what it takes to lead a family jewelry business to new heights? Mike sits down with William Jones IV, the newly appointed President of Sissy's Log Cabin. William opens up about his unique journey from the store floor to the executive office and shares the challenges and triumphs that come with guiding one of the most beloved jewelry s…

Mike meets with Hope Bellair, who leads the Punchmark Digital Marketing team, about her recent presentation at IJO: Chicago, as well as to tease her upcoming presentation at RJO: St. Louis. She talks through common mistakes she sees jewelers making with their marketing, as well as explains why "plug and play" marketing, like Punchmark's Antwerp cam…

Mike sits down with Craig MacBean, President and fourth generation owner of jewelry powerhouse Ostbye to learn more their recent acquisition of Victor Corporation, a jewelry vendor that has been making jewelry since 1946. He discusses the timeline for the acquisition, why they made the move, and what it means for Ostbye customers. Learn more about …

Mike is joined by CEO of Punchmark, Ross Cockerham, to have a conversation about the latest season of jewelry trade shows, innovations at Punchmark, and Ross's recent experiences balancing business and family. We explore the importance of work-life balance, succession planning, and empowering team members to step into greater roles Learn more about…

If you carry INOX Men's Jewelry, you've probably met Cole Rowland at a jewelry show, as he traveled to almost every jewelry show imaginable as a vendor for several years. However, when an interesting opportunity to step in as the next generation jeweler for Ware's Jewelry, he couldn't resist. Cole made the jump from vendor to retailer and shares so…

Omni-Channel is a term used in ecommerce and retail to describe a business strategy that aims to provide a seamless shopping experience across all channels, including in store, mobile, and online. At Punchmark, we are constantly encouraging our clients to integrate their online presence with their in-store ones, by integrating with their Point of S…