About

Tepoz Jewellery is a dream twenty years in the making.

Hi!

I’m Lea Wright, and I created Tepoz Jewellery when I found that chainmaille was my passion.

I just happened to walk into a craft store one Tuesday afternoon. I was a little drained as I had just been through a highly powerful therapy session. I had no direction, and at twenty-two, I had to find a career. I had to make something of myself, and I was no closer to finding what that future would be. At this craft store though, I found a book. I didn’t have a lot of confidence. I wasn’t sure I could create the beautiful jewellery within its pages. But I came home with that book anyway. I didn’t even open it at the store, I just took it home. It called to me.

When I got home, I read it cover to cover. Then I read it again. And you know what? I could do it. I could create beautiful, timeless, elegant pieces of jewellery. I never thought it would grow from a book I picked up on a whim to Tepoz Jewellery.

So what is Tepoz Jewellery?

“Tepoz” is an Aztec word meaning “metal.” I’ve had an interest in Mesoamerican cultures for as long as I can remember, and I used that as a starting point to research a name for my jewellery business.

Signature Topaz earrings

My birthstone happens to be topaz as well, which is extremely similar to Tepoz. It was perfect. And just like finding that book, I knew this was meant to be.

Tepoz Jewellery is all about providing beautiful, handmade jewellery. I make everything from rings to hair clips, from necklaces to bookmarks. Chainmaille is so versatile, I can offer a wide variety of options for everyone.

How did you become interested in chainmaille?

I never actually thought I’d do chainmaille until recently, but ever since I was a little girl, I longed to create. I wanted to make things. When I was very young, I wanted to buy craft books and make the things inside them, and I wanted to make up stories. Some of my best school memories are of me sitting in a class, and instead of listening to the teacher, I would be writing furiously in a notebook.

I had always been surrounded by beautiful handcrafts. My grandmother knitted and sewed, and my mother cross stitched. I also am lucky enough to live in an area that is well-known for various arts, and that I have parents who showed me handmade objects at various shows and events for as long as I can remember.

I feel honoured to be part of this rich tradition of creating.

This weave used to be used in armor

What exactly is chainmaille?

 Chainmaille is an ancient art, centuries old, using small, interlocking rings. It was used as armor in history, but has since evolved and is now also used to create beautiful jewellery and accessories. Some pieces are so fantastic, they are true works of art.

I combine ancient techniques with modern twists to create elegant and timeless adornments.

Why Blog?

I wanted to get started with a blog for a few reasons.

One, I love to write, and I want to improve my writing. I can’t do that unless I write.

Two, with my business growing and making the leap into the next steps, such as showing my

This is another ancient weave

jewellery at shows, I have to become more comfortable putting myself out there. Blogs are an excellent way to do that.

And three, I want to share not just my jewellery, but all the handcrafted, and beautiful things I’ve come across. I want to share this passion of mine.

Want more? Feel free to explore this blog, or drop me a line. Curious about my jewellery? You can find my shop on Etsy.