In the Loupe
Episodes
SEO Strategies and Google's SEO Starter Guide Explained: Mastering the Art of Digital Visibility
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder why some websites rank higher than others, or how to make your site the jewel in Google's crown? Michael and Stuart unravel the mys...
From Intern to VP: Navigating Marketing and Leadership with Nikia Levesque of Day's Jewelers
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A NOTE FROM MIKE: In the introduction of this episode, Michael mistakenly states Day's Jewelers have 10 locations. At the time of publishing this...
Why Every Tradeshow Attendee Should Make Time for Education ft. Penny Palmer
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The first half of Trade Show Season concludes with IJO Dallas, and Mike speaks with Penny Palmer, Director of Member Services at IJO, to talk about th...
Behind the Sparkle: Sara Schoenlank's Journey in High Jewelry Design at Tiffany & Co
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Step into the sparkling world of Tiffany & Co. with Sara Schoenlank, a Jewelry Designer on the High Jewelry team. High Jewelry is characterized as...
The Bold Leap to Jewelry Retail Expansion // Diamond Diaries
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike is joined by Alex Schlindwein, also known as Diamond Diaries, to discuss her recent decision to expand one of their retail locations to include a...
The "20 under 40" Rising Stars Transforming the Jewelry Industry ft. Jewelers of America
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join the celebration of innovation and leadership as Michael is joined by Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America, to tease the "20 under 40" li...
The Brilliance of a Diamond Marketplace ft. Nivoda
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready to unveil the future of diamond retail with Andre from Nivoda, as he sheds light on an app that's changing the game for jewelers everyw...
Crafting Elegance: Inside the World of a Concierge Jeweler ft. Paige the Jeweler
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael sits down to speak with Paige the Jeweler, a concierge jeweler who works one on one with her clients to bring their imagination to life! We di...
How to Prep for a Tradeshow with Trevor from Leitzel's Jewelry
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike sits down with Trevor from Leitzel's Jewelry, to discuss his preparation for the RJO Palm Springs trade show. Which vendors is he most excit...
Treasures and Trends: A Wild Year for National Rarities
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael follows up with Justin VanMatre of National Rarities to unpack a year of unprecedented growth and treasure hunting by hitting the sweet spot w...
Decoding the Modern Consumer Journey in Jewelry Sales with Stuart Blessman
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Regardless of if a shopper starts online or walking the sidewalk in front of your store, the path to purchase is as unique as the pieces themselves. T...
What 2024 Is Gonna Look Like
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're setting our sights on the latest technological advancements and decoding the secrets of successful digital marketing for jewelers. Michael ...
Wrapping Up 2023 - The Best Bits
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's the final episode of Season 4! Which means another Best Bits episode!In this wrap up, we covered highlights from:S4 E33 -Exclusive First Int...
Holiday Retailer Roundtable ft. Sundance Jewelers & Arezzo Jewelers
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's the busy time of the year, but that's not stopping us from talking with jewelers in the middle of making their holiday sales. We compar...
The Art of Crafting, and Improving, Punchmark's Vendor Vault
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the follow up episode to S4 E16, where we discussed the creation process (and mistakes) of our new publication, the Vendor Vault.Now, after th...
Reimagining Employee Recognition // Diamond Diaries
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let's do employee recognition differently this year, and learn how our guest, Alex Schlindwein also known as Diamond Diaries, celebrates with the...
Dazzling the World Through Lab-Grown Diamonds with Zulu Ghevriya, CEO of Smiling Rocks
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is the follow up to S3 E37 of In the Loupe where we first interviewed Zulu about Smiling Rocks.Ever wondered how a company can make a dif...
Exploring Custom Jewelry Design and Technology ft. Matthew Ego from Guild and Facet
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest this week is Matthew Ego, CEO & Founder of the forward-thinking Guild and Facet, a renowned white label jewelry manufacturing company. H...
Unearthing the Journey of Gemstones with Gem Legacy ft. Rachel Merisheki
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered about the journey a gemstone makes before it adorns your favorite jewelry piece? Our guest, Rachel Merisheki from Gem Legacy, j...
Black Friday Prep with Stuart Blessman
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready for Black Friday and this holiday season, with our special guest, Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing at Punchmark. We've pa...
Everything That's Changed Since Last Year ft. Ostbye
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike is joined by our most requested guest from Season 3, Craig MacBean, the President and Leader of Ostbye, one of the most influential and trend set...
Breaking Down the Best - Nike
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of In the Loupe unboxes the strategy behind Nike's multi-brand approach and their innovative website. We take a deep look at the oft...
A Masterclass on Email Marketing with Stuart Blessman
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to amp up your email marketing game? We've got Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing at Punchmark, sharing the nitty-gritty of ema...
The Website Facelift // Diamond Diaries
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who said building a jewelry website has to be a daunting task? Mike is joined by Alex, Diamond Diaries, to discuss her recent website rebuild process ...
I Tried Every Vertical Video Platform So You Don't Have To (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels)
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to unlock the world of vertical video content? Join me as we delve into the intricacies of Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok, ...
60% Off the Store Sales ft. James Porte
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine transforming your jewelry store's old inventory into cold, hard cash. With us today is James Porte from Porte Marketing, who offers to re...
What Goes Into Starting Your Own Jewelry Line ft. Birthright Foundry
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I sit down with the inspiring Constance Palamalu, the creative genius behind the high-end jewelry brand, Birthright Foundry. Drawing from h...
Exclusive First Interview with IJO's New President, Stephen Barnes
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the Loupe EXCLUSIVEIn his first interview as acting President of IJO, Stephen Barnes opens up about his vision for IJO and what being president mea...
Digital Accessibility and Your Website ft. AccessiBe
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a website, it's important for you to understand what the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) means for you. Delve into the world ADA com...
10 Summer Store Cleaning Tips // Diamond Diaries
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to revamp your store and streamline your processes for the upcoming holiday season? Your journey starts with an insightful conversation with Ale...
A Need for Speed
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Page speed for your website might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to optimizing your website for online performance, but I assure yo...
With Love from Antwerp, Why Every Jeweler Needs to Visit Belgium
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Antwerp, Belgium, is the Diamond Capital of the World. Antwerp's intriguing lore, intoxicating mix of vibrant diamond markets, and the impressive...
Let's Talk With: Ring Buyers (Part 3)
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your favorite episode theme is back, baby! We've gotten so much love from the first two ring-buyer interviews, we came back for a third one. What...
The Intelligent Revolution: Unveiling the Power and Perils of Artificial Intelligence // Diamond Diaries
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives? Want to know how businesses can tap into the potential of AI? Join us on the...
Stay In the Loupe!!
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready to unlock the strategies of the best in the business as we bring together an array of professionals from the jewelry industry. We bring on i...
Navigating the World of Jewelry Retail: Tips, Tricks, and Insights from Three Punchmark Retailers
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how some jewelry stores stay thriving while others struggle? Join us in this episode as we talk to three successful Punchmark clients - ...
Stop Making These 10 Social Media Marketing Mistakes!! // Diamond Diaries
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or LinkedIn, there are best practices for how to run your business's Instagram account. Posting at ...
What Led to the Creation of the Gellers' Blue Book; an Interview with David Geller
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Few things have a hold on the world of jewelry quite as great as The Geller Blue Book. More of a binder full of pricing menus, this understated guide ...
Finding Hidden Treasures: Exploring the Lucrative World of Estate Buying w/ National Rarities // Diamond Diaries
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we dive into the world of discovering hidden treasures, and unveiling the secrets of lucrative estate buying with the experts at National R...
I Interviewed Jewelry Industry Leaders Ft. Clientbook, Edge Retail Academy, National Rarities, Classic Grown Diamonds, INOX
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoy this compilation of mini interviews I got to do with some Jewelry Industry leaders at the Punchmark Client Workshop. Send us a text Send feedba...
I Went to the Punchmark Workshop and All I Got Was This Podcast Episode
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mike for an exciting vlog-style podcast episode as he takes you behind the scenes of the highly anticipated Punchmark Client Workshop, in Charlot...
Managing a Successful Jewelry E-Commerce Website // LIVE! // Diamond Diaries
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Coming to you LIVE from the 2023 Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC! For the first time, Michael is joined by Alex, Diamond Diaries, in front ...
The Heart of IJO - An Interview with Penny Palmer
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are a member of the Independent Jewelers Organization, commonly known as IJO, buying group, then you've probably had a conversation with P...
How AI Can Optimize Operations and Boost Growth
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on small businesses' operations and growth. Our guest, Jio...
The Newest Jewelry Publication - How We Made The "Vendor Vault"
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Publications used to be more common, however they've risen in scarcity as things have shifted to more digital approach in nearly every industry. ...
How to Leverage a Funnel Approach to Marketing
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the latest episode of In the Loupe, where we will be discussing the funnel approach in marketing. The funnel approach is a proven methodolo...
What's It Like Growing Up In a Jewelry Store? // Diamond Diaries
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the first installment with our recurring correspondent, Alex Schlindwein, Owner of Kiefer Jewelers & Top 20 under 40 of the jewelry industry in...
How to Market Your Business Through Instagram in 2023
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With the continued growth and evolution of social media, it's more important than ever for businesses and brands to have a strong presence on Ins...
Best In Class 2
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In Season 2 of In the Loupe, Gasper Spinosa. Sales Representative at Punchmark, joined Mike to talk about their favorite e-commerce website experience...
Enhancing Your At-Home Shopping Experience with Augmented Reality ft. Kirin Sinha of Illumix
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The oft-repeated criticism of the e-commerce experience for jewelry is that its missing the tactile and personal feel a customer feels when you visit ...
Breaking Down the Best - StockX
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our newest recurring series, Michael takes a deep dive into what the best e-commerce websites are doing to really move the needle and elevate their...
The 2023 TSG Marketing Guide
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The yearly guidebook written and released by The Smithee Group at the start of each year is your ultimate strategy guide for making 2023 your best yea...
5 Things That Are Working Right Now In E-Commerce
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We spend a lot of time measuring results of a wide variety of different digital marketing techniques, and it shouldn't come as a surprise to hear...
I Went to RJO San Antonio and All I Got Was This Podcast Episode
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The first ever In the Loupe "audio-blog," Mike takes you, the listener, to RJO San Antonio with him to experience a jewelry show. Jewelry sh...
Design Updates for Online Jewelry Success
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your website’s design is one of the first things a visitor notices about your jewelry store, but many websites are outdated. Punchmark’s Art Direc...
Dazzling Diamonds for Mom ft. David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Doug Meadows, Owner of David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry, says, "We deal with cold metal and hard stones, but it's the people that wear t...
Interview with Alex from Diamond Diaries
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While you might know Alex Hevia by her online moniker "Diamond Diaries," what is lesser known is that she also manages the online presence f...
How You Should be Marketing Through Facebook in 2023
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A lot has changed since In the Loupe covered Facebook marketing in S1E10. Facebook became Meta, which we still refuse to refer to it as, and are focus...
What Actually Worked in Digital Marketing Last Year
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The marketing for your website can best be described as the type of fuel you put in your car. If you want performance, you'll need performance fu...
What We Are Most Looking Forward To in 2023
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back and there's so much to be excited about with in 2023! There are new trends to explore, new technology and social media to explore, an...
Wrapping Up 2022 - The Best Bits
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's the end of Season 3! We will be off for the next two weeks, but to help ease the time apart, listen back on our favorite moments from the ye...
Fraud Protection Around the Holidays
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A majority of retailers make upwards of 70% of their online sales in November and December, which means the probability to encounter fraud around the ...
Merchandising and Displaying Your Jewelry In-Store and Online ft. Larry Johnson
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Larry Johnson is one of the most experienced jewelry showcase and display consultants in the industry. He’s worked with stores around the world, hel...
Putting the "Success" in Succession & Retirement Planning ft. Stephen Barnes
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"If you enjoy what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life..." is how the saying goes. But anybody who has worked the holi...
How to Prep for Black Friday & Cyber Week 2022
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's that crazy time of year again!! We want our listeners to push the needle this year, and that's why we have The Smithee Group back again...
Next Generation Jewelers & Nerd Jewelry ft. Arezzo Jewelers
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's no secret that retail jewelry owners tend to skew towards the older generations, which can feel intimidating for the few owners that are on ...
Elevating Jewelry Vendors With the New Punchmark Vendor Portal
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Punchmark has been busily working on creating their next product, the Vendor Portal, which aims to provide a platform and content management system to...
How to Host a Guys Night ft. INOX
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Male self-buyers are one of the prime target demographics for this upcoming holiday season for jewelers, which is why we are breaking down the best ty...
Your Store Traffic Is Slowing Down, Now What?
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Store traffic can ebb and flow throughout the seasons and years. It can be exhilarating when traffic is up and your marketing efforts are paying off, ...
102 Years of Excellence, Meet Ostbye ft. Craig MacBean
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A business doesn't stick around for over 100 years if they aren't doing things the right way. Craig MacBean is the 4th generation President ...
Making the World a Better Place One Smile at a Time: an Interview with Smiling Rocks
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Smiling Rocks are a new lab grown diamond & jewelry business with a focus on giving back. Their jewelry has been worn on the red carpet by celebri...
A World of Jewelry In Your Pocket, Meet Virtual Diamond Boutique ft. Tanya Nisguretsky
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A background in retail jewelry is a great way to find out exactly what most irks a jeweler. One of those is ordering a specific piece for a customer, ...
It's Time to Talk About TikTok Marketing
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The fastest growing social media platform is made to feel authentic, unpolished, and fun. However, all of these adjectives contrast starkly with how m...
Meet Edge Retail Academy ft. Sherry Smith
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase, "If it can't be measured, it doesn't matter"? Or maybe you've heard this one: "...
In the Loupe Episode 100
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the Loupe originally began under the name The Jeweler's Survival Kit, a podcast dedicated to coverage of the Pandemic's impact on the Jew...
Made by Malyia ft. Malyia McNaughton
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Malyia McNaughton found her jewelry and lifestyle brand in 2014 to fill a gap in the market that she identified when she was searching out the perfect...
Diamond Diaries, Becoming a Jewelry Retail Influencer ft. Alex Schlindwein
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Schlindwein is the Marketing Director and former General Manager of Kiefer Jewelers, but you might know her as @_diamond_diaries, her Instagram i...
Why Everyone Needs to Be a LinkedIn Expert ft. Megan Crabtree
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The misfit of the social media sphere, LinkedIn has long served as the primary place for humble brags about promotions. However, Megan Crabtree believ...
An Interview with the Women’s Jewelry Association ft. Jennifer Markas
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Markas, the Executive Director of the Women's Jewelry Association joins us this week to talk about the impact WJA is making in the indus...
The Starting of Picup Media's Empire ft. Picup Media
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You know them as brilliant minds behind one of the most transformative pieces of technology in jewelry e-commerce, the GemLightbox, but do you know th...
How to Host Million-dollar In-store Events ft. Megan Crabtree
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Preparation is the key to success, and also the key to a successful in-store event. Megan Crabtree has helped a number of jewelers take their in-store...
Running a Jewelry Store ft. Stambaugh Jewelers
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're listening to this, chances are you already know that there's a lot more to running a jewelry store than just buying jewelry to sel...
Our 2021 Predictions, and Speculating About Our Futures
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier on In the Loupe, we made some predictions (you might call them "educated guesses") about what was going to happen in 2022. So, were ...
What We Learned at the Biggest Jewelry Trade Show In the Western Hemisphere
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
JCK, the biggest jewelry show in the Wester Hemisphere just ended last week, and Michael wanted to hear how it was so he invited Stuart Blessman, Dire...
Make a Big Impact with Your Advertising (with Impact-Based Ads)
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Say, do you remember that Christmas ad Apple made a few years back that made everyone cry? Here's a secret: it doesn't matter which one you ...
How to Sell to Gents ft. Nelson's Jewelry
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Selling jewelry to men isn't the exact same process as selling jewelry to women. There's a different cadence to the sales transaction, with ...
How Did You Get Your Name? ft. Various Jewelers
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's in a business name? It can mean everything to you, a banner that you and your employees rally around, and gives purpose and value to your ...
Inside the Data and Growth of Selling High-End Goods Online ft. ClearSale
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine trying to convince your grandma to buy a nice pair of diamond earrings online - chances are she'll be skeptical at best, and potentially ...
How to Make a Successful Digital Marketing Campaign
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At some point in the year, you will probably be tasked with creating a marketing campaign. Regardless of whether it's for Black Friday, Christmas...
This Is How We Do It! Fix Your Marketing Today
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You can't fix what you can't measure, so you need to be measuring everything! The state of play for online marketing is constantly shifting ...
Branching Out with Your Business: Opening 2nd or 3rd Locations ft. Robert Irwin Jewelers
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
2021 was one of the best years ever to be a jeweler. After the relative loss of 2020, most stores had record years last year and are continuing to see...
Jewelry Organizations and the Role They Play ft. RJO
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jewelry organizations are an important part of the jewelry ecosystem, providing a valuable mediation between vendors and retailers, and hosting annual...
I Don't Need It... but I Really Want It: Marketing to Emotions
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The essence of "luxury" defies reason and instead pulls at an emotional connection. Jewelry is the quintessential luxury item -- does anyone...
How Digital Marketing Has Changed in the Last 5 Years
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Digital Marketing is a compilation of techniques and tools focused on one thing: driving traffic to your business. The goal stays the same, but the te...
What You Need To Know When Opening Your First Jewelry Store ft. The Hills Jewelry
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Most jewelry stores have been around for ten, if not a hundred, years. Amy Baird is an outlier, having opened The Hills Jewelry, in Worthington, OH, i...
From B to C: How to Convert Casual Browsers to Paying Customers
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Okay, so you've figured out how to get potential customers to your site -- but have you made the sale yet? Conversions take people through the ma...
How to Plan Your Next In-Store Event
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After a two-year hiatus, people are desperate for in-person shopping, and in-store events are making a come back in a big way! However, it's not ...
The State of Play for SEO in 2022
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is one of the most important long-term investments you can make in your website. SEO's main goal is to get yo...
Where to Go From Up
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's taken many years of progress to get to e-commerce to the point it currently is at, and our guest this week, Dan Sirois, CPO & Co-Founder...
Upping Your Off-Season: Grads, Dads, and Groomsmen ft. INOX Men's Jewelry
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of our most popular guests of Season 2 is back! Sebastian Velasquez from INOX Men's Jewelry is here to explain how to capitalize on three maj...