The Jewelers Bench - Larry Cooper and Dave Sliwka
"The Jewelers' Bench" has a combined 60 years' of experience in jewelry repair and design. Larry Cooper and David Sliwka offer Waterfall Jewelers customers expert repair...from the simple to the complex...with honesty and integrity.
The two friends, who have worked together for over 15 years, have formed an expert team customers can count on for all their jewelry repair needs. For gold or silver ring sizings, precious stone and diamond setting, or intricate restoration of family heirlooms, the "Jewelers' Bench" provides the highest quality craftsmanship at fair, affordable prices.
Larry and Dave pride themselves in customer relationships. They know that customers want to leave their treasured possessions in the hands of someone who will value them as much as they do.
"Nothing gives us greater pleasure than repairing or restoring something someone thought was lost forever," says Dave. "I love it when a customer gives us the opportunity to design a piece of jewelry for him or her or to use heirloom diamonds handed down and design something special."
Larry agrees, "The smile on the face of a satisfied customer is why we do what we do. We love it!"
Larry and Dave
The Jewelers' Bench
Larry Cooper
When I was 15 years old, I had a life changing opportunity of working at my cousin's jewelry store, DuQuet Jewelers in Farmington Michigan. In the beginning, I spent time after school and on Saturdays polishing jewelry while watching and listening to the bench jewelers. I'll never forget one of the master jewelers, an older Russian man named Leonard. He saw potential in my skills and let me apprentice with him at his bench, passing on his over 40 years of experience. During this time of my life, I developed my love of repairing, restoring, and designing jewelry.
Now I have been in the field for over 30 years. When asked about memorable pieces I've worked on, I admit the creative side of me loves fabricating pieces for one of a kind, hand cut gemstones. The master jeweler in me takes pride in the challenge of setting large diamonds and gemstones of exceptional size and quality. Finally the "neighborhood jeweler" in me loves to play a part in helping create a special gift (like an engagement ring, an anniversary present or a graduation gift) that will be cherished for a lifetime by the people who live and work in my community.
In most jewelry stores, the jewelers are considered unapproachable. They sit at their benches tucked away and out-of-sight from the customers. At Waterfall Jewelers, customers can watch us work through the large glass window and if they would like to talk to me about a repair, a custom piece, or special request, I am always eager to meet and listen to their ideas and suggestions. I especially love to bring a smile to someone's face when they see their finished or restored piece for the first time. The things that really make my work enjoyable is when someone lets me know they love what I've done. That can be anything from a tap on the window with a thumbs up and a smile, a friendly handshake, or a good old fashioned "thank-you". This tells me I'm doing a good job and the customer really appreciates the care and attention I've given to their piece of jewelry.
Larry Cooper
Dave Sliwka
Drawing and designing is something that has always came naturally to me. It's who I am. Originally I planned on being a commercial artist so my career in jewelry design came about quite unexpectedly. In high school, I started working at a local jewelry store under the expert tutelage of a master jeweler. I discovered that designing and jewelry repair just came naturally for me and I loved the interaction with customers.
Thirty years later, I am still drawing and designing except at a whole new level. Thanks to learning from great jewelers and many years of experience along the way, I can now cover all facets of jewelry design and fabrication. I believe this type of on the job training lends itself to original creations and one-of-a-kind designer pieces. It is difficult to be imaginative and creative when you are confined to what is taught from a college class or learned from a book. My hands on experience on the bench, creative thinking, and listening to my customers is what has lead to my successful career as a jeweler.
After all these years, the thing I like to do best is the restoration of antique heirlooms. It is by far the most difficult challenge but the most rewarding. After all these years, I still love working with fine jewelry and great people. I just wish I had more time in the day.
Dave
