Linda Hartley

I am sort of the “mom” of our creative family at Hartley’s, therefore, I am also allowed some bragging rights! We are so fortunate to have such loyal and appreciative customers, who we generally call “friends” that have been using our services since 1967!

At our jewelry store/shop, Rick and I have purposefully attempted to make the design/ repair/heirloom restoration or appraisal process as comfortable and creative as possible with the basic goals we hold dear – integrity, honesty, professionalism and a genuine love for what we all do to achieve these goals.

One of my responsibilities as a jeweler is getting to attend the huge “jewelry market shows” in places around the world. Typically I head directly for the “New Designer” areas, giving me the opportunity to hand pick one-of-a kind brand new styles that I hope will be pleasing to our customers. Many times these designers will find new ways to showcase stones we have been selling for years - in just a new metal or a new vision.

I began my jewelry career in 1981 when Rick and I were just getting to know each other. I had always worked in dentistry and other “helping professions”. After completing my bachelor’s degree at the Evergreen State College, I found it was a bit of a challenge for me to move into a retail environment. Rick asked me to listen very carefully as most people were describing a new chapter in their life. Underneath what seemed to be a luxury request, there were so many life stories that were described in such compelling ways – I was able to transfer my desire to help quite easily. We have designed thousands of pieces of wearable art that have signified so many of life’s events, and continue to work daily with people who can no longer get their 50 year old wedding ring over their knuckle - to someone who has just had a loss in their lives and needs their loved one’s ring sized for a memorial event. Sometimes we even get hugs!

For 17 years, I was the Executive Secretary of the Thurston-Mason Counties Dental Society, from which I continue to enjoy the friendships of many local dentists and their spouses. My favorite moments are the ones we spend with our 3 sons, 2 daughters-in law, one grandson and one brand new granddaughter. We love to travel whenever and wherever, with all of our family if at all possible. My mental therapy comes from gardening, reading and genealogy (as many of you know!).

Of course, the FUN aspect of our business cannot be denied! We are truly blessed with our “Hartley Family” team, who we have recruited over the years, from all over the world. Most of our employees have been with us for over 17 years (we have a combined experience of over 200 years)! Without a doubt, the caliber and quality of our bench jewelers and support staff is what has allowed us to be successful. It would be rare to find a comparable creative group in the entire nation under one roof. Each person has their own story, their own niche in jewelry, and I invite you to visit their individual portraits and get to know them a bit also.

We enjoy supporting our local community and have contributed to clubs and events that include: The St. Peter Hospital Christmas Forest, Children’s Hospital, Zonta Club, Boy’s and Girl’s clubs, Safeplace, St. Martin’s Scholarships, Capital High School, and Evergreen Christian School to name a few of our favorites. We love being the focus for school field trips.

Please be certain that when you enter our store, it will be a unique experience, you will receive complete professionalism on your project, whether it is a small repair or a statement “Hartley” designer piece and we LOVE to educate! We appreciate your continued loyalty and support of our talents and we also LOVE the “Thank You” notes we so often receive!

See you soon!