Explore every episode of the podcast Pass The Torch: Legacies in Jewelry

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.

Jeff Parke is an accomplished engraver with a lifelong passion for artistic expression. Growing up immersed in drawing, writing, and music, Jeff’s creative pursuits took a new direction when he began working as a bench jeweler at his brother’s store. Discovering both a natural talent and a deep love for the craft, Jeff dedicated himself to mastering jewelry work.

His journey led him to study hand engraving, fabrication, wax carving, and diamond setting. With unwavering dedication, Jeff spent countless hours refining his skills, blending private instruction with relentless practice.

Today, Jeff specializes in engraving Rolex watches with his distinctive signature style. With a meticulous eye for detail and unwavering dedication to his craft, Jeff creates intricate designs that transform fine jewelry into exceptional works of art. His engravings reflect a masterful command of traditional techniques, seamlessly blending classic elegance with modern aesthetics.

Michael Boyd is a visionary jewelry artist whose extraordinary creativity has redefined contemporary lapidary work. Renowned for his masterful ability to reimagine how we approach stone cutting, Boyd has developed a distinctive style that fuses metal and stone in ways that are both bold and elegant. His pieces are instantly recognizable — each one a testament to his unparalleled skill, artistic intuition, dedication to play, and deep understanding of materials. With decades of experience, Boyd has not only earned a place among the most respected names in artisan jewelry but has also inspired countless makers through his workshops and mentorship. His work, celebrated in prestigious exhibitions, galleries, and publications, continues to set a remarkable standard in the world of jewelry design.

Kimberly Collins is a renowned gem dealer and jewelry designer, celebrated for her exquisite colored gemstone collections and fine jewelry line.

David Geller is a 14th-generation jeweler and former owner of a retail store in Atlanta. He is known for creating “Geller’s Blue Book,” a jewelry repair pricing guide, and for his expertise in QuickBooks setup for jewelers. He has recently announced his retirement. 

Jamie McLandsborough – Master Jeweler, Metalsmith, and Educator

With nearly two decades of experience in the jewelry industry, Jamie McLandsborough is a highly skilled jeweler, metalsmith, and educator known for his expertise in custom design, repair, and traditional goldsmithing techniques. His passion for the craft began in high school and evolved into a distinguished career dedicated to both artistry and precision.

Jamie spent 18 years at the renowned Gusterman’s Silversmiths in Denver’s historic Larimer Square, where he honed his skills in creating custom jewelry and restoring heirloom pieces with meticulous attention to detail. His work reflects a deep respect for traditional metalsmithing while embracing modern techniques to push the boundaries of design.

Beyond the bench, Jamie is a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge through workshops and classes at institutions such as the Boulder Metalsmithing Association and Clear Creek Academy. His teaching focuses on preserving the integrity of handcrafting while equipping students with the technical skills to thrive in the evolving jewelry industry.

As a passionate advocate for craftsmanship and local artisans, Jamie continues to explore new creative avenues while fostering a love for jewelry-making in future generations. His commitment to quality, innovation, and education makes him a respected voice in the world of metalsmithing.

Jason Marchiafava is a third-generation artist and craftsman renowned for his mastery in jewelry fabrication, hand engraving, and stone setting. From an early age, he immersed himself in his family’s jewelry business, cultivating a profound passion for working with precious metals and gemstones.

In 1999, Jason embarked on his journey into hand engraving, dedicating himself full-time to fine gun and knife engraving by 2002, with a particular focus on Italian techniques. His pursuit of excellence led him to study under world-renowned master engravers, including training in Bulino engraving in Italy and intaglio engraving under the Chief Engraver of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving in the United States. These experiences honed his skills in banknote engraving and micro chasing, instilling a deep appreciation for quality, detail, and disciplined craftsmanship.

Jason’s expertise garnered the attention of Tiffany & Co., where he served as the company’s first Master Craftsman. He later advanced to the role of Director of Process Development and Technology at their historic Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City, contributing significantly to the creation of the famed Blue Book Masterpieces.

In 2017, Jason transitioned from his corporate role to establish his own studio, J.Fava, located within the New Approach School for Jewelers in Arrington, Tennessee. There, he continues to create museum-quality high jewelry of his own design and shares his extensive knowledge through educational content for the jewelry industry. His commitment to preserving traditional handcrafting techniques while embracing modern innovations has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the world of fine jewelry and metalsmithing.