Chris Ploof, designer and founder of Chris Ploof Designs, has launched a new vertical shorts video series on YouTube in collaboration with Engagement101.
Titled Conversation with Chris Ploof, the six-part series covers Ploof’s background as a jeweler, his approach to sustainability, and advice for men shopping for wedding bands.
The series includes behind-the-scenes footage from Ploof’s Central Massachusetts studio, where he works with modern metals such as Damascus steel, mokume gane, and meteorite. The first five episodes are now available on YouTube, with the final episode of Season 1 scheduled for release at the end of March 2025.
Digital Storytelling in Jewelry
The videos aim to provide insight into both Ploof’s technical skills and his perspective as a jeweler. “I am excited by this medium of storytelling and its accessibility on YouTube, especially as the popularity of vertical shorts continues to grow in the social media world,” said Ploof. He noted that the format allows for a deeper look at his process, adding, “The short videos give us a chance to share so much more of what we do and how we do it—and more importantly, why we do it.I hope everyone will enjoy the series as much as we enjoyed creating it. And we can’t wait to share more later this year.”
Producer Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement101, explained that the vertical shorts format was selected to showcase both Ploof’s craftsmanship and personality. “I like to adapt each format to what best suits the subject. In Chris’s case, his mastery of modern metals, like Damascus steel and mokume gane, is just part of the story. He’s this incredibly passionate person who loves cooking, mountain biking, traveling, and he has deep roots in his local Leominster, Massachusetts community. His workshop process and size are so different from what we typically see in the NYC Diamond District, and having his wife Ann, a goldsmith too, as his muse and partner adds another layer of romance to his creative journey that our audience can really connect with.”
“A six-part multi-channel conversation series with behind-the-scenes footage gave us the perfect format to capture Chris as both the craftsman of amazing wedding rings and as the person. We are thrilled with the result,” states Ferrari. She further added, “Season 2 is also in the works. Stay tuned…”
This series reflects the increasing use of digital content in the jewelry industry, particularly short-form video optimized for mobile viewing. Social media-friendly formats allow jewelers to present their techniques and brand identity in a way that is accessible to consumers.
For jewelry professionals, Conversation with Chris Ploof highlights how video can be used to engage audiences and communicate craftsmanship. Ferrari has confirmed that a second season is in development, continuing the focus on Ploof’s work.View Season 1 of the Series here
