@nevadawildlife Check out another #WomensMonth volunteer spotlight! Meet Charity Wanecheck (@ghosttownfinejewelry) one of our awesome volunteers out of the eastern region.

My name is Charity Wanechek. I am a NDOW volunteer and goldsmith. I was born and raised in Yerington, NV. I've always been fascinated with the outdoors, animals, the sciences, and the arts. I enjoy family hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, archery, exploring public lands, learning, teaching others, and of course - art.

My first exposure to NDOW was as a teen- YHS teacher Steve Pellegrini arranged for our science club to work alongside NDOW and UNR to lead genetic research on the greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations in our region. Spring time lek visits in the twilight with NDOW, blaring static on a boombox, while breathing in the smell of sage made my heart skip beats. That experience never left me.

In Washington State, I earned BS in biology/pre-veterinary track, minors in biochemistry and art at Whitworth University. I worked in veterinary hospitals as an assistant then a licensed technician for 14 years - large animal, companion pets, exotics. I volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation. I left vet med to goldsmith at home, to raise our kids, and give me flexibility for access to the outdoors (my real happy place).

In 2022 we made the move back to the sage and pine- landing in the Elko area. I couldn't wait to get plugged in with NDOW again. It is a really fulfilling part of my life, and it's a bit addictive - I want more! I look forward to continuing with wildlife census counts, wilderness projects, education, and NDOW public events. NDOW always needs volunteers - so check online.

NDOW Elk Fence Project - Elko County - July 2023

About Us

Why Ghost Town Metal Works Fine Jewelry

Are you looking for one-of-a-kind or small-batch, intentionally made, stunning, heirloom quality fine jewelry made in the USA? Ethically sourced Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary rings for the offbeat and non-mainstream bride or groom? Charity makes each piece by hand in the Nevada High Desert with intentionally sourced stones - making each piece truly unique. Ready to ship silver and gold pieces often feature turquoise and variscite. Charity does work in many types of stones - including Ellensburg Blue Agates and Montana Sapphires. And now elk ivory. Charity does take bespoke work - it is on a case-by-case basis. 14K Gold, 18K Gold, Sterling Silver, Fine Silver. Yellow Gold comprises majority of gold pieces. Rose Gold or White Gold Available as Case-By-Case basis for custom work only at this time.

See Some Past Works

The Woman Behind the Art : A Note From the Owner

I'm Charity Wanechek -- the heart, soul, and force behind GTMW. I have a passion about working with local, ethically attained stones. I create with my two hands unique, wearable art in sterling, fine silver, 14K Gold, and 18K gold. I often intentionally treat my precious metals at finish to be made to look old (tarnished) - as if you could have unexpectedly found it buried in the dirt while exploring a ghost town.

Exploring is deeply ingrained in my soul. It makes me feel alive, refreshed, intrigued, inspired. Being a native Nevadan, ghost towns have always held my attention, even as a little girl. Art is something I have always loved. Same with nature and the sciences. I love to learn and to teach others what I have learned. I have managed to marry all four of these things in my little business.

I was born and raised in Nevada, then moved to Washington State for 18 years, before permanently coming back home to the sagebrush in rural Nevada -- routinely visit my husband’s family in Montana for the last 13 years. These states all have their fair share of ghost towns, and fair share of my heart. To honor their importance in my life, Nevada, Montana, and Washington are where I source my stones from.

I am majorly self-taught (Which an occasional continuing education class throw in that I get to take), and enjoy learning, evolving, growing.

Why Set Regionally Sourced Stones?

I pay homage to my hometown of Yerington, NV by regularly showcasing its turquoise- Stone Mountain Turquoise. Nevada offers many types of stone- much beyond the high-quality turquoise and variscite it is world famous for. I buy directly from the mine, from stone cutters (that bought directly from the mine), or from the rockhound that personally found the stone.

I pay homage to Washington by showcasing its beautiful stones as well- Serpentine, jasper, jade, chalcedony, agate, crystal, fossil, and garnet (the list is always growing).

Montana offers gorgeous moss agate, fossil, Montana Sapphire, and much more.

Authenticity/origin of my materials is important to me, as well as the safety of those who had a hand in the stone being mined and cut. More and more over time, dishonest overseas sellers peddle dyed artificial turquoise/stones (often intentionally mis-labelled as otherwise).

Unethically mined and cut stones has become an increasingly known problem in the jewelry marketplace. These unethical mining practices not only leave scourged areas in these beautiful places, but the workers and towns surrounding them also suffer from the poor practices. The workers in many overseas stone factories often suffer respiratory and health ailments from poor working conditions.

By purchasing domestic, regional stones I decrease the carbon footprint of my business drastically. I have built solid relationships with my sources – my purchases help feed their families. The majority of my purchased metals are made of recycled material, and am in the process of learning to recycle my own metals in my workshop.

In 2024, I will be expanding to include stones from Oregon, Idaho, and Utah as I have secured good sourcing and beautiful stones from these states that I often pass through on adventures.

Keep in Touch - My Subscription List Has hit "Reset"

Women's Month Volunteer Spotlight

Nevada Department of Wildlife Volunteer Spotlight

Journey of a Jewelry-Making Wild Woman

About Us

Why Ghost Town Metal Works Fine Jewelry

The Woman Behind the Art : A Note From the Owner

Why Set Regionally Sourced Stones?

Keep in Touch - My Subscription List Has hit "Reset"

Women's Month Volunteer Spotlight

Nevada Department of Wildlife Volunteer Spotlight

Journey of a Jewelry-Making Wild Woman

About Us

Why Ghost Town Metal Works Fine Jewelry

The Woman Behind the Art : A Note From the Owner

Why Set Regionally Sourced Stones?

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