Natural Diamonds For the Coast: Katey Walker Opens First Store in Connecticut

On a charming stretch of Main Street, USA, jewelry designer Katey Walker has put out the shingle for her first retail store right where she lives in Old Saybrook, CT. As a trained bench jeweler, it was important for her to showcase how her pieces are made while emphasizing that her original baubles are all made on-site. Therefore, the workbench at the back of the open-concept space is the first thing you see when you walk in. But far from feeling industrial, the entire store is drenched in pale pink paint by Farrow & Ball, including her bench. The result is elegant but friendly, much like Ms. Walker herself.

The Connecticut coastline where Walker grew up has been her lifelong inspiration. Its perpetual influence led Walker to focus on organic shapes and enhancing the natural beauty of her materials. Responsibility is at the core of her practices. Walker insists on environmentally friendly materials, such as 100% recycled gold and natural diamonds. The store itself even focuses on limiting its carbon footprint through renewable energy use. The very fact that it is a store, showroom, and workspace in one small jewel box speaks to that.

“I loved the space. It was so small but originally, there was a wall dividing the space. Being a bench jeweler, I wanted light in the back. I wanted to take down the wall between a traditional jewelry store and a workspace,” Walker tells Only Natural Diamonds. “Usually, it’s a different person making and selling jewelry. I wanted to show people where and how the pieces are made and some of the processes behind it and work more closely with people.”  

She continues, “I really enjoy working with my private clients to unveil the story behind a piece, to recreate items for them that were family heirlooms.” Walker adds, “It gives me such a happy feeling about what I do, connecting and making something special.  I wanted to have a space to both meet and have an intimate environment with a different, more personalized approach.”

The store is personal to Walker’s style but also a family affair. Her sister, Laura Putnam of Laura Putnam Design in Santa Barbara designed the interiors, and her father built the blond wood jewelry cases. There is a living olive tree in the front window sourced by a local florist, who is now a close friend. Anyone entering this space for the first time or for another commission will feel the same.