Meet the maker Valerie Rooney

Hello, my name is Valerie, and I have been "making" for a number of years now, but have always come back to jewellery. I really am fascinated by gemstones - their properties, colour and even some of the myth and legend attached to them. Gemstones are thousands of years old! I started the way many start, by making for friends, and donating to charities etc., and then attended some training, and most recently completed basic silversmithing.

I always start with the gemstones, there are so many unusual colours, textures and opacity. Gemstones are not uniform, they are all different and that is what makes them unique! I try to use british companies for my gemstones, and I know the majority of my stones are fair-trade. I'm always looking for unusual gemstones and textures - something that looks a bit different to what you would find on the High Street. Each piece is unique because I buy in small quantities and want them all to be different.

I always use quality components, because they are good to work with, and that is what I would look for! For instance, the stretch bracelets are made with Beadalon elasticity, because I think it is the very best, even though there are a lot cheaper ones on the market!

I always try and give very accurate descriptions and measurements of the item and components, but please feel free to contact me if you wish to ask any questions. Also, I would be happy to work with you on any commissions. I have undertaken a number of commissions, and I always enjoy the 2 way process to get it right for the customer.

10% of my sales income is split between two dog rescues, and I regularly donate items for them to auction which raises income for them. Beau is the name of my rescue terrier from a puppy farm, and I have a rescue lurcher called Biscuit. They are NOT allowed in my workspace :-)

Here is some recent feedback (December, 2012) from a lovely buyer who couldn't leave the feedback on my shop, but wanted to comment:

"Beautiful and unusual drop earrings - a good size, yet light and comfortable to wear - and superb value too"

YOUR PURCHASE:

Your piece of jewellery will come carefully wrapped in bubble wrap, and then decorative tissue. I also handmake my labels which are decorated on one side, and then a detailed description of the stones, materials, metals etc., which I think is important to the buyer, and to anyone who might receive a piece as a present.

I post items First Class Royal Mail, within 3 working days of receiving cleared payment. All of my pieces are made with excellent quality materials, and I like to sell only what I would like to receive as a quality item. I hope you will be delighted with any purchases. However, in the event that you are unhappy with your item, or if it arrives damaged, please contact me and I will be happy to work with you to resolve this. Returns are accepted within 7 days for items in unused and original condition and are refundable minus postage costs.

PAYMENT :

I accept Paypal (pay through Paypal with your debit or credit card if you don't have a Paypal account)