Making Jewelry Out of Broken Plates The next item selected for our Indie Merchant Holiday Gift Guide is a necklace made by IBreakPlates.com

By Colleen DeBaise

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Making Jewelry Out of Broken Plates
The Recycled China Pendant, made by The Broken Plate Pendant Co. of Baltimore, priced at $40.

Editor's Note: We're rolling out 12 Days of Indie Merchant Gifts. Readers can vote for their favorite gifts, starting Dec. 12.

Talk about a niche business. Juliet Ames, an independent merchant in Baltimore, specializes in making custom jewelry from broken sentimental family china. The name of her website says it all: IBreakPlates.com.

We received scores of submissions for our gift guide from jewelry makers, but Ames's recycled china pendant stood out to us because it's truly one-of-a-kind -- not to mention quite pretty. And the sentimental inspiration behind her business appealed to our softer side.

"Most mothers, grandmothers and friends show love by preparing a great meal," she wrote. "When a plate breaks, people save the shards to hold on to what or who the plate represents. I have had the honor of working with broken wedding plates, plates salvaged from hurricane Katrina and plates that survived fires, just to name a few."

Ames's jewelry isn't cheap -- this pendant sells for $40 -- but one can argue that some things are priceless.

Check back tomorrow to see which indie merchant's gift we've selected for Day No. 5. And don't forget to vote for your favorite, starting Dec. 12.

Day 1: "The Shopping List Bag" - L.E. Green Bags
Day 2: Children's multicultural books - Hartlyn Kids
Day 3: Chalkboard beer mug - The Man Registry
Day 4: Recycled china pendant - The Broken Plate Pendant Co.
Day 5: Vegan lip balm - Sprout Skincare
Day 6: Fair-trade-certified soccer ball - Senda Athletics
Day 6: Fair-trade-certified soccer ball - Senda Athletics
Day 7: Digital luggage scale - EatSmart Products
Day 8: Dog treat pouch - Sara Bella Upcycled
Day 9: "Not sent from my iPhone" Stationery set - Red Letter Paper Co.
Day 10: Key lime BBQ Sauce - Reva Foods
Day 11: Periodic Table of Elements necklace - My London Sun

Colleen DeBaise is special projects director at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Leadership

Lead From the Top: 5 Core Responsibilities of a CEO

Knowing exactly what the chief executive's role entails is critical for steering a company to success.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Social Media

Learn How to Become a Successful Online Content Creator for Only $35

Discover ways to use AI to make viral videos, a successful blog and more, plus the principles behind freelancer and entrepreneur success.

Leadership

I've Seen 25 Years of Change in My Career — These 3 Lessons Every Business Owner Should Know

The business world moves fast, and you're already behind if you're not keeping up!

Business News

Want to Be the Next CEO of Jack in the Box? You Have to Be Really Good at Fortnite.

The fast food giant and Fortnite have a simple question: Do you have what it takes to be Jack in the Box's next CEO?