Customers' Stories, and What's New

My Customers & Their Stories

After writing about the most unusual necklace last month, I realized I wanted to share more of the stories that have come to me along with the chance to do a repair, or recreate a new piece from something old.

I plan to tell some of those stories here, and incorporate them on the website. Here's a sampling:

A customer with metal allergies came to me and I had her test two nonallergenic metals. When we found one she could wear, she brought 5 pairs of earrings for me to change the ear wires. She handed me one pair and said, "These earrings were the first gift my husband ever gave me, and I'm sorry I could never wear them. That was 28 years ago. He'll be so happy to see me wear them." It was an absolute thrill for me to swap out the ear wires and give her back this gift.

As a result of doing metal allergy research for this and other customers, I have discovered clasps made from stone, plastic buttons, and more. Metal allergies don't mean you can't wear jewelry. You just have to be a bit more creative in order to make it work for you.

Another customer brought me a few repairs that her daughter requested as a Christmas gift. Her daughter didn't want anything new, just to be able to wear her treasured necklaces that were broken. One of the necklaces belonged to her grandmother, so she was especially happy to have it back.

One customer had difficulty putting on and taking off her jewelry. Since most of the pieces I make for her are custom-made, I always use magnetic clasps, which she loves. She can take off and put on her jewelry with ease. As a result of this, I've gathered a good collection of magnetic clasps for various sizes (and weights) of necklaces. Even if you don't have trouble undoing clasps, magnetic clasps are beautiful and functional too.

It is a privilege for me to learn your stories as I repair your cherished possessions. And I feel totally enriched by them.

Thank you, and I hope to learn many more stories from you this year.

--Hazel

	Of All The Beads Newsletter	January 2009 Hazel Brutsché
What's New	My Customers & Their Stories After writing about the most unusual necklace last month, I realized I wanted to share more of the stories that have come to me along with the chance to do a repair, or recreate a new piece from something old. I plan to tell some of those stories here, and incorporate them on the website. Here's a sampling: A customer with metal allergies came to me and I had her test two nonallergenic metals. When we found one she could wear, she brought 5 pairs of earrings for me to change the ear wires. She handed me one pair and said, "These earrings were the first gift my husband ever gave me, and I'm sorry I could never wear them. That was 28 years ago. He'll be so happy to see me wear them." It was an absolute thrill for me to swap out the ear wires and give her back this gift. As a result of doing metal allergy research for this and other customers, I have discovered clasps made from stone, plastic buttons, and more. Metal allergies don't mean you can't wear jewelry. You just have to be a bit more creative in order to make it work for you. Another customer brought me a few repairs that her daughter requested as a Christmas gift. Her daughter didn't want anything new, just to be able to wear her treasured necklaces that were broken. One of the necklaces belonged to her grandmother, so she was especially happy to have it back. One customer had difficulty putting on and taking off her jewelry. Since most of the pieces I make for her are custom-made, I always use magnetic clasps, which she loves. She can take off and put on her jewelry with ease. As a result of this, I've gathered a good collection of magnetic clasps for various sizes (and weights) of necklaces. Even if you don't have trouble undoing clasps, magnetic clasps are beautiful and functional too. It is a privilege for me to learn your stories as I repair your cherished possessions. And I feel totally enriched by them. Thank you, and I hope to learn many more stories from you this year. --Hazel
There are some lovely new pieces in the Design Gallery, including a triple-strand bracelet that was custom-made to match this necklace. Clusters and pearl trios are featured on the What's New page, as well as one amazing strand of graduated flower jade beads with a ruby clasp. Refer A Friend: Do you have a friend who has broken jewelry in his or her top drawer or jewelry box? Refer your friend to me and receive a pair of earrings or a discount on a future purchase as a thank-you gift. Shop Of All The Beads by appointment at 502 Great Falls Street, Falls Church VA 22046. Call me at 703-901-3738 or email me to schedule an appointment. Garnets are January's birthstone. Here's a luscious example of deep, purple garnets with white contrasting pearls. The whole thing was inspired by the clasp!

Of All The Beads » Hazel Brutsché