Ep 75: Doug Napier - Creating Jewelry Wrapped in Story, Finding the Bigger Purpose to Our Work, & More Wisdom from the Jewelry Monk
In this episode, I sit down with Doug Napier—a thoughtful, seasoned artist with decades of experience in the jewelry world. Doug shares stories from his early days at the bench and how a lifetime of global adventures shaped the way he sees and approaches his craft today.
We talk about what it means to stay adaptable in a changing industry, how to balance time-honored techniques with modern tools, and why teaching, mentoring, and storytelling matter so much—especially now. Doug opens up about the spiritual side of making jewelry, the pressures that come with making a living from your art, and how he works to keep joy and curiosity alive in the process.
We also explore how platforms like YouTube have helped him pass on hard-earned knowledge, and how his identity as a creator continues to evolve. Doug reminds us that it’s okay to question the old rules, to find your own rhythm, and to think about the legacy you want to leave behind—not just in your work, but in the way you show up for others.
It’s a soulful, generous conversation that left me thinking long after we wrapped. I think you’ll feel the same.
Listen Now:
Follow Along:
Doug on Instagram: @jewelrymonk
Doug’s Website: jewelrymonk.com
Doug on YouTube: Doug Napier (Jewelry Monk)
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