In the Loupe is a weekly podcast hosted by Punchmark, the Jewelry Industry's favorite website provider. Each week's episode is focused around the explanation and advocacy of important E-Commerce topics and why every jeweler needs to be focused on their online presence now more than ever.
Mike talks with Peter Smith about why selling stays “Essentially Human” even as AI and short-form content reshape how people pay attention. Along the way, we pull practical lessons from stories about music, used cars, pricing, and resilience that help you sell with more clarity and less anxiety.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
7/14/26 • 60:50
The marketing world moves FAST, which is why Michael checked-in with Digital Marketing Manager at Punchmark, Hope Bellair, to ask if these 10 Digital Marketing techniques still matter. Hope gets candid with us about everything from hashtags and following counts to AEO and Podcasts. You won't wanna miss this one!Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.comSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
6/30/26 • 28:26
Mike sits down with retail jeweler and podcaster Andy Koehn to talk about why many men feel lost in jewelry stores and what actually helps them buy an engagement ring with confidence. We get into meaning over metrics, why the story matters more than the 4 Cs, and how a simple book became an unexpectedly powerful tool for earning trust and closing sales. Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.comSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
6/23/26 • 35:26
Mike discusses a surprisingly great purchasing experience he recently had at a... Lumber Mill. This had him thinking deeper about ways retailers can pull out practical omnichannel lessons jewelry stores can use right away. He focuses on what made the experience feel premium and stress free, then translate those moves into ways to rebuild trust, delight, and loyalty in modern jewelry retail.Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.comSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
6/9/26 • 22:42
Mike sits down with Yoav Singer from UNI Diamonds to unpack what their real-time marketplace data reveals about diamond pricing, buyer behavior, and where demand is actually moving. We also talk through how tariffs, gold prices, memo, and better education are reshaping how retailers source stones and build trust with shoppers. Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.comSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
6/2/26 • 42:00
Mike goes solo and shares five real-life ways jewelry shows up in our world, from a family brooch tradition to the surprising value hidden in old coins. Along the way, we unpack what “worth it” really means when selling an old piece of jewelry.Learn more about Stratus Estate Buyers: stratusestatebuyers.comSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
5/26/26 • 29:08
Mike sits down with Justin VanMatre from Stratus Estate Buyers to unpack how in-store estate buying events work and why they can feel like a limited-time “carnival” that brings new energy into a jewelry store. They discuss the economics, the trust factor, and the real-world mix of items people bring when they need cash or clarity. Learn more: stratusestatebuyers.comSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
5/19/26 • 31:08
Mike sits down with Andre Woons from Nivoda on what it takes to help jewelers sell from global inventory while keeping fulfillment fast, reliable, and margin-friendly. We also dig into why gemstones are harder to sell online, how in-store tools change the customer journey, and what comes next with finished jewelry and flexible credit. Learn More about Nivoda: https://nivoda.com/Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
5/12/26 • 29:06
Recorded LIVE from the 2026 Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC!Mike sits down with Lenny Prion, the voice and educator so many jewelers know as “Lenny from The Edge,” to talk about the early days of The EDGE Point of Sale system and what he learned from working for many years in a retail jewelry store. We dig into how reporting, reorders, inventory aging, and smart automation can make a store run calmer, faster, and more profitably. He also teases the biggest feature update to The EDGE in the last 25 years... you wont want to miss this!Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
5/5/26 • 43:00
Recorded LIVE from the 2026 Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC!Mike sat down with Cole Rowland from Ware's Jewelers to unpack his jump from jewelry vendor to first-generation store owner at Ware's Jewelers. He transparent about what it takes to buy a jewelry store after running a going out of business sale, rebuild inventory and credit, and earn the trust of a community that already has sky-high expectations.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
4/28/26 • 34:40
We break down retargeting as clienteling at scale and explain why it feels like ads “follow you” after you browse jewelry online. Hope Bellair shares practical ways to segment audiences, choose platforms, set budgets, and measure success beyond last-click sales. Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
4/21/26 • 29:58
Mike breaks down the real differences between Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Discord so you can choose a communication platform that fits your team size, tools, and day-to-day work. We also call out why group Gmail threads, group texts, and WhatsApp usually create noise instead of clarity and how to build a single source of truth. Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
4/14/26 • 32:27
Stephen Barnes shares what his first year as owner of IJO really looked like, from decision-making and show strategy to staying grounded when gold prices swing. We talk through how independent jewelers can win with stronger vendor partnerships, smarter education, and a practical approach to tech and e-commerce. Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
4/7/26 • 51:08
Mike talks through the loss of his grandmother and the unexpected way her jewelry becomes a bridge between grief, family history, and love. He shares the story of how an immigrant life, a box of jewelry on a bed, and one garnet brooch shape his view of what jewelry is really for.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
3/31/26 • 20:00
Michael talks with David Berdugo, CEO of Caratwise, about why custom jewelry sales break down when momentum stalls and how better UX helps independent jewelers give confident answers fast. We dig into transparency, real-time design, and the ring builder choices that turn “imagine it” into “see it now.” https://www.caratwise.com/Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
3/24/26 • 35:25
We check in with Ross Cockerham about Punchmark’s sprint into faster payments, a rebuilt Vendor Marketing Library, and a shift to a proactive client strategy. Along the way we talk AEO, rising AoVs, and why human support still drives the biggest wins.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
3/10/26 • 55:36
Mike talks through four topics not about jewelry that he has been paying attention to that can help reframe the jewelry conversation in a new and interesting way. The crashing of the rare plant market, an Olympian who capitalized on the spotlight, how publishing Instagram Reels helps with reach in 2026, and a book release event.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
3/3/26 • 30:43
Mike sits down with Becka Johnson Kibby, the new CEO of Edge Retail Academy, to unpack real jewelry retail benchmarks, smarter inventory moves, and the coaching habits that outperform the market. We cover vendor partnerships, clienteling that actually works, and how to protect margin without leaning on discounts.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
2/24/26 • 39:24
What if brick‑and‑mortar isn’t dying, but splitting into winners and roadkill? We sit down with Peter Smith, former Hearts On Fire president, columnist for National Jeweler, and sales behavior coach, to unpack why independent jewelers just had their strongest five‑year stretch while the total number of stores keeps falling. Peter makes a compelling case that physical retail is both a beginning and an end: a beginning for operators who evolve with data, people, and design, and an end for those who stay stuck in habits from another era.Read the full National Jeweler Article: https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/14583-peter-smith-physical-retail-the-beginning-or-the-endSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
2/17/26 • 55:04
We talk with Ostbye president Craig MacBean about leading through volatility, integrating a business acquisition without losing its soul, and why staying focused on independent jewelers' wins keeps a vendor business grounded. Gold climbs, tariffs become unpredictable... yet smart operations, better data, and classic designs keep momentum strong.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
2/10/26 • 45:55
We discuss gold’s leap past $5,000 (and back) and unpack why refiners are pausing intake even as demand soars. David Siminski explains the credit and capacity squeeze, the silver backlog, and how jewelers can navigate cash settlements versus physical exchanges.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
2/3/26 • 54:50
We talk with Eric Lux, President of Rembrandt Charms, about why charms convert so well online, how vertical integration keeps shelves stocked, and what smart marketing does for repeat sales. Learn more about Rembrandt Charms: rembrandtcharms.comSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
1/27/26 • 29:16
We bring back StoneAlgo's CEO, Devin Jones, to share how a human concierge turns website visitors into verified, high-intent appointments. We also dive into engagement ring trend data across lab grown and natural diamond purchases, straight from the StoneAlgo platform. Book a Demo with StoneAlgo: https://getjeweleros.com/Read the full Engagement Ring Trends report: https://getjeweleros.com/2025-engagement-ring-trendsSend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
1/20/26 • 51:14
We set the tone for Season 7 with a focus on substance: vendor stories without the pitch, real data that guides decisions, and platform upgrades that make selling online easier for everyone. 2026 gets a bold forecast as we track ADA progress, performance trends, and the metrics that matter.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
1/13/26 • 16:18
We close the season by revisiting ten standout moments that shaped a year of change, from AI pricing and buying group leadership to gold’s surge, fancy color diamonds, and how Tahitian pearls really form. • AI pricing tools and the case for fair markup• JewelCraft as the jeweler’s jeweler for scale• Google Workspace as a collaboration backbone• IJO ownership shift and long-term vision• Gold price drivers from rates to geopolitics• Reporting crime with care, not hype• Fancy color diamonds and profit logic• JCK Las Vegas• RJO's leadership focus on systems and learning• Pearl farming truth beyond the sand myth Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
12/23/25 • 52:44
We chart the rebound of jewelry e‑commerce in 2025, why average order value climbed, and how Cyber Monday pulled ahead of Black Friday online. We share two winning models, volume vs high ticket, and a practical plan to hit $50k–$100k next year.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
12/16/25 • 28:16
We unpack how agentic AI shifts marketing from reactive prompts to proactive systems that watch behavior, answer real questions, and stretch budgets. Hope Bellair joins us to map practical steps for independent jewelers, from product data hygiene to Reddit-driven relevance, plus a few warnings about AI ads and synthetic influencers.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
12/9/25 • 31:55
Mike shares five practical fundamental tips to prepare your jewelry store for Black Friday and the holidays. Quick wins stack up: show energy, make hours obvious, trigger visits with email, and remove online friction.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
11/18/25 • 17:51
We break down how a small DNS error inside AWS rippled into a global outage, and why it affected everything from uploads to streaming to... beds? Andy Szoke, Developer at Punchmark, joins us to explain cloud basics, Lambda bottlenecks, and redundancy.Send us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
11/11/25 • 20:49
Michael is joined by three independent jewelers who share how they protect margins, create memorable offers, and keep teams sharp during the busiest weeks of the year. We discuss gold pricing, VIP outreach, gift guides, and why the week after Christmas can outsell Black Friday.Guests: Vincent Spilotro from Arezzo JewelersAnna Barnett from Barnett JewelersLee Elgin from Elgin's Fine JewelrySend us Fan Mail Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our next episode: podcast@punchmark.com
11/4/25 • 49:16
