Like so many Etsy artists, my craft started out as a hobby and grew into a passion. I started making jewelry as an activity that I could share with my daughter. She actually taught me how to make my first couple of necklaces. Everything after that was self-taught from books or online research, and it didn't take long before I was totally hooked.

Initially I sold my jewelry exclusively thru craft fairs, but longed to start an online business. It looked so difficult and overwhelming, and for the longest time, I didn't even try to realize that goal. Then one day I stumbled across Etsy on a jewelry search and browsed the site a bit. Shortly thereafter, I was in France with a family member after her wedding and a package arrived for her from an Etsy shop in the USA. That validated Etsy as a legitimate site to investigate, and when I got home I started the process of opening a shop. I was delighted to discover how easy it was to get started, although I never would have imagined how much I'd need to learn about photography!

My shop has evolved since it was first opened, and now contains a mixtures of beaded stone jewelry, lampwork glass pieces, jewelry featuring Swarovski crystal and pearls, cameo necklaces, and other romantic Victorian jewelry designed with the Bride in mind. I’m now splitting my jewelry into three shops: https://www.etsy.com/martywhitedesigns has a heavier emphasis on crystal and pearl jewelry, while https://www.etsy.com/mwhitejewelry has a heavier emphasis on the stone and metal jewelry, and https://www.etsy.com/shop/mvwjewelry has more emphasis on anniversary gifts. I'm too in love with cameos to restrict them to one shop, so they can be found in all 3!

I'm a compulsive perfectionist, and producing a quality product is important both for my self-esteem and the benefit of my customers. If I don't like a piece of jewelry, I'll take it apart and start again. I love working with my buyers to produce a custom piece, and in fact, some of my most popular items derive from custom requests!

I'd like to thank all my wonderful customers. It's such a joy to have a customer send me a note about the special significance of my jewelry for them, or to be able to help brides create a beautiful "look" for their wedding. Having a creative outlet is great, and I enjoy making a wide array of jewelry, but it's knowing how my creations affect other people's lives that really makes my work fulfilling.

Please visit my my Etsy Bridal Boutique, MartyWhiteDesigns, at https://www.etsy.com/shop/martywhitedesigns

and my Etsy anniversary shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/mvwjewelry