Throughout high school and college, Sam was active in the business until he purchased it from his father in the mid-70s. “I fell in love,” Sam smiles. His many years of tending to the shop, engraving and learning about stones, cuts and styles are evident through his passion for his family’s business. “As I moved on into jewelry repair and custom designing, I was absolutely intrigued with how you could take a small amount of gold and a few gem stones and create a thing of beauty,” Sam says. Walt’s Jewelers, one of Arizona’s original jewelry stores, made the move to the East Valley in the mid-80s. Now, located on the SE corner of Gilbert & Germann Road, Valley residents can enjoy the uniqueness of this shop. Specializing in custom pieces, Walt’s can create a piece you’ve dreamt of or collaborate with a family heirloom to create something gorgeous and sentimental. Sam and his wife Melissa admit the move was like starting over. Sam possessed the knowledge and talent to make and repair jewelry, but it was Melissa who held the knowledge and talent to run a successful business. Sam is grateful for the team that they create together. “Operating a business has not always been the cakewalk that a lot of people think, but it’s a whole lot easier when your business partner, your best friend, and your wife are all the same person,” Sam says. If you are looking to combine currently owned items or create a one-of-a-kind piece, the Walt’s team will guide you through style design and selection. A rough sketch, computer render and finally, a wax form are made in-house, making your jewel-filled dreams a reality. Sam praises the talent of his creators. “Someone can come into the shop with a drawing on a napkin and we create it.”
Q. WHAT IS “WALT’S WISH LIST”? A. It’s a magnet that states, “I have a wish list at Walt’s Jewelers.” Maybe there is a birthday coming up, so it can be placed on the fridge or somewhere to be seen. Then, the husband or boyfriend can bring in the magnet, and see the wish list. (GENIUS!)
Q. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A “TIMELESS PIECE”? A. Pearls would most definitely be a timeless piece--they have been adornments for thousands of years. Pearls, together with a little gold, or worn as a strand around the neck, are absolutely stunning.
Q. WHAT STYLES ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON? A. We are excited about our custom, one-of-a-kind, pieces. Just think, out of all of the billions of people in this world, you could be the only one who owns this particular piece.
Q. WHAT ARE A FEW JEWELRY TRENDS FOR 2014? A. Gold has once again been recognized as a valuable commodity. Gold jewelry is making a huge comeback in the industry.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WALT’S JEWELERS 143 E. Germann Rd, Gilbert (480) 899-9199 waltsjewelers.com
VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013
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