In the early 1960’s, John Sutter was a young man mainly interested in hot rods 
and folk music.  Besides being what he now calls “a carefree motorcycle buff”
John had discovered another interest and talent: designing and making
silver jewelry. John was convinced that he could sell enough rings and bracelets
to own and operate his own location.  He got a $500 bank loan and opened the
original Sutter’s Mill in 1968 in  a small space near the railroad underpass on
lower Main Street in Northampton. His business flourished and John kept
improving his store and his offerings to reflect his taste as he matured.
In 1980 his youngest child, James was born.

James was a natural, he took to jewelry making at a young age.  At the tender age
of 7 James and his father John were at the local fair when James became
captivated with a small metal dragon.  Instead of purchasing this dragon for his
son, John told James that he would allow him to make his own.  James worked
hard and made his first piece of jewelry, a small silver dragon which he still has
today.  Through the years  John passed his knowledge and skill down to his son.
Eventually in 2001, John decided to close his Northampton location to pursue
opportunities in California.  James decided to open his own location in his
hometown of Holyoke, MA.   Since 2004, James has been creating and selling
his custom pieces and has started his own jewelry line as well as continuing
his father’s.  John now lives in California and is very active in the jewelry
making world. 

James and his wife Rebecca reside in Holyoke, as well as own and operate
Sutters Jewelry.  Rebecca oversees the business end of the company allowing
James to focus on new designs. 

They are looking forward to continuing the Sutter tradition.