At Walters Wish Jewelry in the small town of Prospect, CT we are passionate about jewelry, pugs and giving back. We offer top quality handmade jewelry at affordable prices, and donate a portion of our sales to a pug rescues or charity.
Where I Create
I create my jewelry right at home, at my kitchen table. From here, I have a fabulous view of the backyard, and my pugs are always just a few feet away, providing endless companionship and inspiration while I work. In the living room, I pack orders and handle all the administrative tasks it takes to run a small business.
Working from home allows me to blend creativity with comfort, surrounded by the things I love. My home is not just a place; it's the heart of my creativity and the headquarters of my business.
Where do I get my ideas
The short answer: Everywhere.
Creativity is an unpredictable force. It strikes in the most unexpected places. Some of my best ideas have come to me in the shower, in the middle of the night, and even while driving. Inspiration doesn't adhere to a schedule; it appears when you least expect it.
Colors and patterns play a significant role in sparking my creativity. A beautiful sunset, a unique fabric, or even the intricate design on a piece of pottery can set my mind racing with new concepts. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that lead to the most innovative designs.
Customers also contribute to my creative process. Their unique tastes and requests often challenge me to think outside the box and explore new possibilities. A single comment or suggestion from a customer can ignite a whole new direction for a project.
In essence, inspiration is all around us. It’s about keeping an open mind and being ready to capture those fleeting moments of creativity whenever and wherever they occur.
What Goes Into Quality Handmade Jewelry
The Materials
Creating quality handmade jewelry starts with selecting the finest materials. Over the years, I have built strong relationships with my suppliers, ensuring that I receive consistently top-quality gemstones at reasonable prices. These relationships are invaluable as they also allow me to source specific gemstones that might not be readily available.
Most of my natural gemstones come from India, where they are meticulously cut, cleaned, and polished. Some beads are hand-cut, while others are precision cut by machines, each contributing to the unique beauty of the finished piece.
My Karen Hill Tribe bead supplier is from Thailand, where each bead is handmade with exceptional craftsmanship. The Kingman Turquoise I use is sourced from the family-owned and operated mine in Arizona. I source my semi-precious and precious metal findings and beads from local suppliers within the USA, striving to support local businesses whenever possible.
Every element that goes into my jewelry is carefully chosen to meet the highest standards. It's this dedication to quality and craftsmanship that makes each piece of my jewelry truly special.
The Construction
My best sellers are bracelets, and over time, I have perfected their construction to ensure durability and quality. The process began with extensive testing of basic supplies such as wire, crimp tubes, clasps, and wire guards. I tested various brands to find those that stand up to wear and time.
Whenever I test a new component, I give bracelets to my friends and family to wear. Their feedback is crucial, as I need to be confident that my jewelry will hold up to daily wear and tear.
Through years of testing, I have settled on using 49-strand professional beading wire. The higher the strand count, the more durable the wire. This wire is both strong and flexible, making it perfect for bracelets.
For a stronger hold, I fold my crimp tubes like a sandwich instead of flattening them. Additionally, I use wire guards to protect the wire from abrasion and ensure the longevity of the piece.
Every bracelet I create is a result of careful consideration and testing of each component. This dedication to quality construction ensures that my customers receive jewelry that is not only beautiful but also built to last.
In Conclusion
Crafting quality handmade jewelry is a journey that involves meticulous selection of materials and careful construction. From sourcing top-quality gemstones and beads to perfecting the construction techniques, every step is taken with great care and attention to detail.
The relationships I have built with my suppliers ensure that I can offer the best materials to my customers, while rigorous testing of components guarantees that each piece is durable and long-lasting. Whether it's the professional-grade beading wire or the handmade Karen Hill Tribe beads, each element contributes to the uniqueness and quality of my jewelry.
Creating jewelry is more than just a business for me; it's a passion. I take pride in every piece I make, knowing that it is crafted with love, care, and the highest standards of quality. Thank you for supporting my work and allowing me to share my passion with you.