|
My business developed from a hobby which started when I was ill in 2000.
I needed something which would interest me and pass the time and my love of beads, gemstones and jewellery saved the day.
From very humble beginnings, my hobby grew and gradually developed into a craft.
I joined a local craft association, Ochil Crafts, expanded my stock and began attending Craft Fairs. Meeting customers and selling my products was very rewarding.
Then I joined another craft association, Loch Lomond, and started selling jewellery at Craft Fairs further afield.
In 2004 I became ill again and in 2005 I retired after 25 years as a School Lab Technician as I could no longer work in that field because I had developed chemical sensitivity.
I then took some time to develop my stock base and to find suppliers for boxes, bags, beads, silver fixings, etc, etc. and at the beginning of 2006 I started my own business, Jude's Jewels.
I soon realised that I needed to find a variety of outlets for my products, so I contacted Fife Farmers Markets and other associations to ask if I could join their stallholders. As I make all the jewellery I sell, I was accepted and started attending St Andrews, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Cupar Farmers Markets. By chance I was then given the opportunity to attend the Farmers Market at Loch Lomond Shores as well. Then I was accepted by Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Stirling Farmers Markets.
With the help and support of my partner Nick and daughter Jennifer, I now sell my handmade jewellery at Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs, in Shops, Galleries and Hotels, and at Wedding Fairs across Scotland, from St Andrews to Largs.
I also offer a Bespoke design service for Wedding, Prom and Special Occasion jewellery and, across the Central Belt, do Party Plan as well .
My jewellery is made, at home, using beads sourced from all over the world, including Pearls from Shanghai, shell from New Zealand and Florida, gemstones from China, Amber from the Baltic, Turquoise from Arizona, glass from the Czech Republic, Swarovski Crystals from Austria, and anything else that interests me.
Because so many customers suffer from Nickel allergies, I use Sterling Silver fixings and findings for all the necklaces and earrings which comply to EU nickel content guidelines. If a customer requests it, I will also make pieces using 9ct gold as well. I use waxed cord on many of my glass and gemstone pendants, again for people with skin problems who cannot wear metal at all.
I really enjoy making my jewellery and I hope you like it.
| 
