How life can change in just a few years. In early 2006 I was pursuing a successful career and spending lots of my hard-earned salary on one of my favourite things - jewellery! As the 'Credit Crunch' started to bite, my freelance work slowly began to drop away and I grabbed the opportunity to use my free time to make my own necklaces and bracelets.

Thinking back, my early designs were quite basic. Using semi-precious gemstone beads, I simply strung them onto wire and added a clasp. They looked good, but I knew I could do better. Having checked out what was available elsewhere, I realised my pieces were quite similar to what was on offer everywhere. I wanted my creations to be different - with a very definite wow factor! Same gemstones, different approach!

I spent hours researching on the internet to find the best suppliers of high quality gemstones in the country and discovered a variety of different shapes and some very unusual gemstone beads - perfect! I decided to explore how these would look, and I also used a variety of stringing options, introducing cord and chain to give a very different look to the traditional wire method.

Introducing my jewellery to the public was a tense moment! I opted to take a stand at a few Craft Fairs to test the water - and was delighted by the positive feedback I got from strangers. I had already sold some pieces to family and friends, who were understandably encouraging - so it was nice to get affirmation from genuine customers! This was all I needed to spur me on to the next step, and Unique Beaded Gems was born.

My designs are all created using semi-precious gemstone beads and I use high quality sterling silver findings. Largely based on current trends and colours to complement the catwalk, each piece I make is unique. I am also able to produce completely bespoke designs to order. If you would like to commission a special piece of jewellery please contact me to discuss your requirements. I hope you like my collection, and when you buy one of my designs, I know you will enjoy wearing it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Jo Walters

Unique Beaded Gems

Birchwood Lane

South Normanton

Derbyshire DE55 3DA

Tel: 01773 511308