Silver Star Jewelry Gallery opens to warm welcome

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — Milford’s downtown has many antiques shops and art galleries. But if you have a passion for silver jewelry, you didn't have a go-to place — until now.
“Do you know of a place in Milford where you can buy silver jewelry?” asked Nancy Werany, who recently opened the Silver Star Jewelry Gallery in totally renovated premises at 315 Broad Street in Milford. She says it's the best location for walk-by business.
Since opening in September, business has been good, she said.
“People love silver, they are very receptive to it,” said Werany. “To me, it’s more ‘now,' more 'today.'”
She sells sterling silver jewelry and semi-precious stones only — "at very reasonable prices,” she said.
The gems include turquoise, mother of pearl, onyx, marcasite, rhinestone, cubit zirconia, coral, moonstone, and labradorite.
Silver never spoils, she said, although it does tarnish over the years.
"But then you just clean it, and it’s as good as new,” she said, beaming.
Customers get personal service. Werany takes items out of the display cases and discusses what might be suitable based on customers' requests. During a recent visit one customer left with three silver necklaces, all for under $100, and others called in, some just passing by.
Werany said she’s gotten a very warm welcome from everyone in town, from other shopkeepers to town officials to customers. She once sold another jewelry line from a car, while visiting many different places. Her multi-faceted career as an entrepreneur spanned some seven businesses, mostly in jewelry and interior renovation. She also ran a bed-and-breakfast in upstate New York.
“I painted the whole store myself,” the sprightly 75-year-old said with enthusiasm.
She had help for the more demanding work, since she couldn’t manage the heavy lifting.
“I like the challenge, and I like to beautify things.”
The light and spacious interior include two large rooms on different levels, where art by local artists is on display. That's why Werany calls it a gallery.
She's currently offering a separate room on the upper level for rent to other, complimentary businesses.
Werany is originally from Middletown, N.Y. Her daughter brought her to Milford, and she decided to stay. She likes the people and being able to walk to places, including from home to work.
"I decided to come here, to be more connected with the community, including joining the chamber of commerce," she said.
Werany said she doesn't know what the future will bring, in business or life.
“You only know now,” she said.
Editor's note: This just in: The Pike County Chamber of Commerce notified us that Silver Star is sponsoring a networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12. RSVP is requested: e-mail info@pikechamber.com or call 570-296-8700.