We recently connected with Corkie Bolton and have shared our conversation below.
Corkie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
When I was younger I had dreams of having a super successful jewelry business, one where I was sold in stores all over the country. That didn’t actually happen, I struggled for many years with my jewelry sales, and at one point didn’t make much jewelry to sell at all. I did however continue to teach jewelry classes and in 2018 I founded Metalsmith Society, a community on Instagram where anyone interested could learn about jewelry making. I have realized that my purpose is to connect and help others. Since then I have written a book, Metalsmith Society’s Guide To Jewelry Making and have grown a community of over 250,000. My jewelry business Corkie Bolton Jewelry has since grown as well, and I am grateful but nothing has brought me more joy than our community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Over the years I have studied engraving and stone setting and have recently started working exclusively in gold. You can see my one of a kind pieces over at corkieboltonjewelry.com and follow my jewelry making journey on Instagram @corkieboltonjewelry
If you are interested in jewelry making you can find tons of resources over at metalsmithsociety.com including blog articles, a list to find a local jewelry making class and book recommendations!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe the three most important qualities that have helped me in my jewelry making career are humility, a strong to desire to learn and kindness.
I am always open to what others can teach me, I know that there is so much to learn. I regularly take at least two weeks of jewelry making/engraving classes annually. I am a forever student! Lastly I always operate with kindness. I run my community on Instagram with kindness and support.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for jewelers that want to share a jewelry making tip on the @metalsmithsociety Instagram page! You can email me your pictures and or videos to [email protected] to be featured! I am super grateful to everyone that has supported our community by sharing a tip.
Contact Info:
- Website: metalsmithsociety.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalsmithsociety/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metalsmithsociety/
- Other: corkieboltonjewelry.com My podcast, Jewelry Making Tips With Corkie Bolton: https://metalsmithsociety.buzzsprout.com photo credits: Victoria Costello

Image Credits
Victoria Costello
