By Julie Parker
With five children, a husband, and a family insulation business, Angela Hampton registered for jewelry classes during a busy time of her life.
“Wesley (her husband) told me to chase my dream,” Angela says.
Having taken numerous art courses at the University of Arkansas when she was younger, Angela’s sister suggested she try jewelry classes. Once she began she became passionate in her new artistic pursuit.
Hampton started school at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology (TIJT) at Paris Junior College. The only jewelry school in Texas, TIJT began in the 1940s as horology (watch making and watch repair) vocational training for the disabled and then for disabled veterans after World War II. Certifications related to jewelry and horology are available today, and the institute has become world renowned, attracting international students.
“I believe it’s the best jewelry school in the world,” Angela says. “We were taught precept upon precept.”
She explained that fundamentals in jewelry design and repair were not only emphasized but that each concept had to be mastered before moving to the next level. Grading required at least a 70 percent.
“But who wants a 70?” Angela says. “That’s like eating lukewarm French fries.”
Being in business since 2005, Angela now boasts numerous certifications in gemology and jewelry, setting lofty standards for her performance.
This D color diamond center stone is surrounded by a diamond halo and bands of diamonds. D color diamonds are exceptionally rare in nature and look exquisite in any cut and setting. Photo by Haleigh Hill
“I’m so exact [about my work because] I need to give my customers the very best I can,” Hampton says. “If I don’t do it right, shame on me.”
Because of her discipline and expertise, Hampton’s custom design work has tripled in the last year. Over the past 15 years, she has produced $200,000 worth of adornment for one client alone.
Hampton admits that her skills have been tested and believes it is important to have a team of colleagues for consultation whenever she has a question. Her associates include jewelers across Texas who assist one another occasionally.
This stunning piece showcases a Swiss blue topaz, enhanced with diamonds. Photo by Haleigh Hill
Before finishing jewelry school, Hampton’s plans for opening a jewelry store became fortuitous. She was assisting Odie Clark on Saturdays, volunteering her time to keep his resale shop open on Main Street in Sulphur Springs.
During that time she was able to bring in her own effects to sell as well. After a time, Clark decided to sell Hampton the building at a minimal price, financing it himself. Hampton explained to Clark that she could not afford the building, so he told her to pay him monies from whatever inventory was sold at the resale shop. She paid him monthly, with no interest, until she took ownership.
More serendipity occurred. When Hampton found jewelry equipment listed on CraigsList.org, she and another TIJT student, along with one of her instructors, went to examine the materials. There were two complete sets of equipment located in a retired jeweler’s garage — enough for two jewelry stores.
According to Hampton, if the equipment had been brand new, its value would appraise at $42,000 dollars. This equipment was used, but Hampton still could not afford even a discounted price — or so she thought.
With less than $2,000 to purchase equipment, Hampton told the retired jeweler that she only had a small amount of money. He expressed to her that the equipment had been good to him and that he wanted the same for her; Hampton went home with the equipment.
Hampton did not have time to set up her recent purchases until finals were finished. When she began installation, she found more than $3,000 worth of gold in a Ziploc bag inside one of the drawers. When Hampton tried to contact the retired jeweler, she spoke with his brother-in-law because the jeweler had passed away. The brother-in-law conveyed that his relative wanted her to have the gold.
During her last semester, John and Thalia Freeman were closing their jewelry store in Sulphur Springs so Hampton was able to purchase showcases from them. She also acquired jewelry components as well as gemstones and diamonds. Her new jewelry store was beginning to materialize.
Wesley and Angela Hampton celebrate Hampton House’s 30th anniversary in November, 2022. Photo by Haleigh Hill
After Wesley retired from the insulation business, he took lapidary, faceting, and casting classes. He had pursued a rockhound hobby for many years by exploring the North Sulphur River for fossils, so he found the course work quite interesting. Just like his wife, he’s very meticulous with his work, and Angela readily admits that Wesley casts better than she does.
During their work together in the shop sometimes new customers asked Angela to see the jeweler, thinking the jeweler was her husband. Wesley would appear and reply that they were already speaking with the jeweler — he was just the rockhound.
This ring features platinum and antiqued 14-karat yellow gold with a cushion cut center stone. Outer bands of white diamonds trim each edge. Photo by Haleigh Hill
Three of Angela’s five children assist with the family business. Chelsea manages the store while Haleigh manages digital media. Wesley Jordan monitors the inventory, keeping the display cases stocked. Like his mother, he is also artistically inclined, creating gifts from rocks, leather, and wood and using laser engraving in some of his pieces.
The couple have traveled to gem and rock shows across the country to gather information and materials for the business and the petrology hobby.
Hampton House Jewelry & Rock Shop is located at 305 Main Street in Sulphur Springs and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to jewelry design and repair, the firm is certified to manage luxury watches as well as jewelry appraisal for estate sales. For more information call (903) 439-0294 or visit www.hamptonhousejewelry.com.
