How life can change in just a couple of years. In early 2008 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. Very occasionally I use silver plate to keep the costs down - this is detailed in the item's description so you always know exactly what you are buying. Largely based on current trends and colours to complement the catwalk, each piece I make is unique, as every gemstone is different. Some designs are limited editions and I also have some "one off" pieces. I am also able to produce completely bespoke designs to order.

Recent additions to my collection include rings and earrings. They are created using gemstones that are not readily available in High Street stores and are available in some unusual designs. These are proving extremely popular.

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