True Tales: Wild and Crazy Custom Jobs

Published

10 years ago

February 17, 2014

True Tales: Wild and Crazy Custom Jobs

Published in the March 2014 issue

BEAR IT

A couple came into the store that I worked at before I had my own business. Each had killed a bear and wanted a necklace made with the bear claws — turquoise and jet on a silver chain for her, and he wanted a manly looking choker. I guess they liked what I created for them, as they wore them to a hunters’ awards banquet the next year! — Pamela Hecht, Pamations, Calumet, MI

GIFT HORSE

I make elk tooth jewelry. The client usually supplies the tooth. One time an old cowboy came in and asked me if I could make a ring with a tooth from his favorite horse (recently deceased). I explained that horse teeth have enamel, similar to human teeth, not ivory like elk “whistler” teeth. To make a long story short, I made the ring. About a year later he brought it in and the tooth had shrunk and cracked (as I had warned him). I finally removed the horse tooth and rebuilt the back with epoxy and re-set the tooth. Nine years later, he still wears it and talks about that horse to this day. — Mark Thomas Ruby, SunSpirit Designs, Loveland, CO

TALKING TURKEY

We had a guy call and ask if we could make custom sterling silver earrings out of … wait for it … turkey toes! When my husband said, no, the customer said he understood. He didn’t know how we were going to get the toes off the turkey legs anyway! — Beth Cevasco, Scott’s Custom Jewelers, Fairlawn, OH

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”