Turning sea shells into ‘gold’

Well, believe it or not, on a recent trip to Tobago I was told that tourists who come to the island enthusiastically look forward to purchasing local craft, especially hand-made jewelry, for themselves and their loved ones.

Ironic though, in the same manner we treat genuine gold jewelry adorned with precious stones, such as diamonds and jade, that’s how tourists revere local jewelry — with much awe and admiration. Craftsman Dean Walcott, 38, of Tobago, said he was very proud to have the privilege and the God-given talent to create such unique local hand-made pieces for the benefit of the tourists seeking “gold” — local gold.

Walcott is the proprietor of ‘Jah Lambs and Lions Craft Shop’ in Store Bay. He is well known for his unique craft items, especially jewelry, leather or alligator skin handbags and briefcases and tabletop souvenir items.

Walcott was born in England but moved to his heritage home in Trinidad at the age of ten. He now resides with his wife Carla and three children — Elisheba, 11; Jedidah, nine, and three-year-old Messiah.

Ever since his childhood, Walcott was accustomed to creating ceramic items.

As he grew older and began thinking independently, he decided to branch off into his own business of designing and making jewelry.

“I love to make stuff with my hands, especially unique and original items which would capture the eyes and hearts of people,” he said.

Getting raw materials was not at all easy for Walcott. In the beginning he did not have the money, however, according to him — “making it from then to now is surely a divine blessing from above.”

Not wanting to burden himself with taking a loan to start his business, Walcott worked with the few quality raw materials he got in his backyard, alleys and the seaside. He made small items such as earrings, chains and bands and was able to sell them — and so much did he sell that he was able to earn the income needed to purchase more raw materials in bulk. After 14 years, his business is now worth over $100,000.

Walcott, self-taught in his trade, learnt different techniques, including Indian bead weaving and South American wire-bending, which he adapted to a Caribbean flavour.

Walcott’s pieces come in beaded necklace sets, sea shell sets; wire work sets with semi-precious stones and coloured glass. He also uses leather to create fashionable friendship bands and bracelets. In his promise to remain a reasonable seller in the marketplace, no matter how expensive some of the raw material cost, Walcott is able to sell his pieces from $20 to $400.

“I love to make my items affordable, maintaining quality for people whether they are tourists or locals — they want ‘gold’ I give them ‘gold’ at affordable prices. I also give them golden treatment so that they either come back for more or send people,” Walcott said with a smirk on his face.