Why is Peter Stone Sterling Silver and Gold Jewelry Company is Unique!
Hey, good evening everyone from the other side of the world! If you're on the other side, greetings from Australia, just a bit north of you. If you're in New Zealand, good morning! Good morning Papua New Guinea, good morning Manila, Japan, and Hawaii.
Here we are, another day on the ether. My name is Peter Stone, founder of Peter Stone Jewelry. Why did I start a company in a foreign country with a different language and culture? I had brief tastes and touches from stops around the world, from Africa to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and South America. As a teenager on merchant ships, I rode my 10-speed bicycle through the Andes, a bike I bought in Houston, Texas, at a pawn shop. I rode through the Andes Mountains on a beautiful Saturday morning into Salivary, Peru. It was a deserted road, and I biked 10 miles up into the hills to a town, got a hotel room, and found a fiesta in the plaza at night. At 18, I was alone, spoke some Spanish from my time on the ship, where many crew members were fluent. I learned French in high school but forgot it within six months in South America.
Let me tell you a bit about South America. It is evening in one of my favorite places, Chile. I love Peru, and if you're watching, hello! I had a blast. I left my bicycle in my hotel room, locked up, and went to the plaza to enjoy the night.
The title of this video session is "What's Different About Peter Stone." Quite frankly, the guy who built Peter Stone is different. I was an outcast, not a black sheep, but I didn't do what everyone else did. I was out in the ocean catching lobsters, fish, and digging clams, always curious about the sea and the world. This curiosity helped me build my company in Thailand. Richard Branson wrote a book, "Screw It, Let's Do It," which resonated with me. A story trainer from Hollywood told me I was like a "poor man's Branson" because I lived a similar life. It's not about comparing but having a mindset that guides our life.
When you expect the best to happen, it will, though you'll get beat up along the way. Surprises will come, but that's where the adrenaline jumps up. I gave up drugs long ago before I built my company. No matter where you are in life, you can change anything. My wife, from a farming family in Thailand, decided she wasn't going to be a farmer. She aimed for better, and she helps poor people back in her village, proving we all have the same opportunity.
Sorry for the interruption, I had an incoming order. One of our customers from Jamaica, a shaman, has us make custom designs. He doesn't use a computer, but he knows the energies of our designs and shares great information. He helps clients in New York City with special jewelry pieces, shifting their energy through baths, oils, flowers, and herbs. We're working on a guidebook on this subject.
People use Peter Stone Jewelry in amazing ways. A famous witch in Salem once asked if I knew the power in my designs. It's like a muse thing—I follow my gut and the messages to my mind. This is the Peter Stone difference. It's about our core as individuals and humans. I don't focus on selling the jewelry but on the essence behind it.
I did some voice training with Roger Love in Hollywood and learned about comedy from a trainer. We talked about mindset and how I see God as a partner, not something separate from me. It's about connection. My approach is guided by common sense and gut feelings, not just books and traditional business methods.
I grew up not hanging out with all the kids, being distracted, and doing what my parents said. Instead, I followed my heart and discovered the gifts of life. I remember spending hours looking at the life in the sea pools, talking to the birds, the sea, the ocean, myself, God, and the universe. It's all there to serve us. I believe this is the biggest place where people have a disconnect. They go to church on Sunday or Monday, but they miss the bigger picture.
Back in 1987, my accountant, George, walked into my office. He was the VP of the company and said, "Peter, I got the year-end numbers." He asked me what I thought, and I told him the numbers I had in mind. Running the company in my head, I guessed a seven-figure number and it was $354,000. This wasn't just about the numbers; it was about the gift of raising awareness and being present. When you are present, everything is there for you to access. You don't need a lot of people; you just need to mingle, learn, and listen.
I learn from trainers, speakers, and mindset coaches. I take what resonates, plug it into myself, and listen to my inner guidance. In Seattle, I had a 2,500 square foot warehouse in South Seattle. I worked on ships, traveling all around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It was fun and adventurous. But then they tied up my ship, and I had to decide: should I take my vacation check and go to Asia to start my silver business? I decided to quit my job, took my vacation check of over $10,000, and flew to Thailand. I knew nothing about jewelry, but I started my business anyway.
Returning to Key West, I knocked on doors all day, facing rejection after rejection. Finally, at 5:30 PM, a gift shop owner bought $169 worth of jewelry. That fueled my fire, and I kept going. Today, I've built a five-story building and a thriving business.
I didn't go to business school, but I loved to trade, create, and make money doing something fun and creative. Since I was a kid, I was always learning and creating. This lifestyle taught me to be resilient, innovative, and persistent. I never aimed for perfection but for progress and enjoyment.
Starting my own company in Thailand, my wife helped me find the right people. Though the jewelry quality got worse for a year, I persevered. I even bought jewelry from a trash buyer to keep the business going. We threw parties for birthdays and worked closely together, building a strong, supportive team.
The difference with Peter Stone Jewelry is the unique journey and mindset behind it. I followed my instincts, learned from every experience, and stayed true to my creative spirit. This is the Peter Stone difference—it's about passion, perseverance, and the willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown.
Life at Peter Stone Jewelry: A Journey of Dedication and Passion
When I first arrived at Peter Stone Jewelry, we didn't have air conditioning. Every penny had gone into our jewelry business. I didn’t have an electronic scale either—just a basic one. We even had a fax machine from America that required a large converter. Our maid would occasionally forget to plug in the converter, causing it to blow up, so we constantly had to replace it.
Security was an issue, too. We had to count the silver every night because people were stealing. We eventually caught a girl stealing silver, highlighting our challenges in maintaining integrity and trust.
Despite these struggles, our team was dedicated. In 1992, we worked tirelessly, sometimes until 5 a.m., to get shipments ready. I remember buying snacks and baked goods to celebrate our hard work, creating a sense of camaraderie and commitment.
Building a Community and Overcoming Challenges
People often wonder why our jewelry is more expensive. They don’t see the labor and passion behind each piece. For years, our team worked long hours, often without air conditioning. Over time, conditions improved—we introduced air conditioning, ensuring better safety and quality of life for our employees.
We use environmentally friendly rubber wood and create intricate designs, ensuring no seams are visible. This dedication to quality sets us apart from those who copy our designs and sell them cheaper.
Our team’s longevity is a testament to our working environment. Many employees who stayed up late to pack shipments in the early days are still with us. We value heart and hard work, and we treat our employees with respect and dignity, providing them with opportunities for growth and a better life.
A Philosophy of Connection and Creativity
At Peter Stone, we believe in a holistic approach. I meditate and draw energy from nature, seeking inspiration from places like the Dali Museum in Spain. Our jewelry is crafted with creativity and care, not just for profit. We use 93.48% silver, exceeding the industry standard of 92.5%, making our jewelry not only beautiful but also of superior quality.
We embrace cultural differences and learn from each other. Anger has no place in our workplace; instead, we focus on constructive feedback and growth. Our team is trained in fire safety and other essential skills, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
The Essence of Peter Stone Jewelry
Every piece of jewelry we create is a symbol of our commitment to quality and integrity. We don't compromise on our values. We treat our employees well, ensuring they have a better life and, in turn, create beautiful jewelry with care and passion.
Our business model is not just about profits but about creating a meaningful impact. We connect with our customers and community, sharing our philosophy and dedication. Each piece of jewelry carries the essence of our journey, the heart of our team, and the spirit of creativity and connection.
Conclusion
Peter Stone Jewelry is more than a business; it’s a community built on trust, hard work, and a shared vision. We continuously strive to improve, learn, and grow, ensuring everyone who touches a piece of our jewelry benefits from it. Our journey is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and respect for all those involved.
