If you're interested in how the DataStar® was born read on...

Please keep in mind the fact that these pieces are created by me, personally, by hand.  I am not a huge corporation with unlimited resources who can manufacture products with flawless injection molding techniques in a plant somewhere in the mid west.  Just like a real quartz crystal, each DataStar® is totally unique, and take on average one full week to complete from start to finish; which does not include processing for sale on my website.

I make them because I love quartz crystals and enjoy making jewelry.  I wear a wire wrapped crystal around all the time too.  I also have a technical/computer background that made it possible for me to learn a little bit about websites; which in turn resulted in the simple JewelryWireWrap.com website you're visiting today.  And since I am always on the computer, or use a computer, I have a need to carry data files around on a USB key.  Working with computers and making jewelry provided the environment that nurtured the idea of the DataStar®. 

The more I thought about it the more I became enamored with the idea of a data storage device, or USB key, that looks like a nice piece of jewelry so I don't have to carry one in my pocket or keychain.  As an average guy I carry "stuff," in my pocket, on my key ring, in my wallet, around my belt, and it all gets rather cumbersome and in the way at times.  It's not so much that I need a day-pack, it's just stuff I use almost every day, so I kinda hafta keep things on hand; phone, pocket knife, lip balm, USB key, my kids' photos, you know, stuff?  Most USB flash drives have a lanyard to be worn around the neck, but who likes those, they're ugly?  To have an ugly device swinging on a ugly lanyard, well, you might as well have a pocket protector bristling with mechanical pencils and a big flashing sign around your neck advertising to the world, "Hey look!  It's a GEEKO NERDY DUDE!"  I used to work for one, but I certainly ain't no flamin' geeky nerd.  Heck, the last thing I want is to have folks think that!  I'm more of a "closet nerd," kinda technical, but not too much, just right.  Anyway, really wanting to improve the situation, my first alternative was to hang my USB key on a necklace I made from leather cord.   While an improvement, the flashing perception only became a little smaller, it didn't fit the bill.  I mean, here's a nice necklace with this "nerd thing" hanging on it; like a ghastly mole drooping off one's beautiful nose, obvious and distracting.  Well, I started looking online for an "upscale" type of device and was sorely disappointed with what's available out there.  As I was wire wrapping a quartz crystal one day I thought, "man, wouldn't it be really cool if my USB key looked like that?"  Holding the nicely wrapped quartz crystal in the air above my head looking at it as I turned it back and forth slightly, I could just image what it would be like.  Wow!  Talk about hiding the obvious in plain sight!  I could wear it like my other crystals and it wouldn't be so plain as a gangly geek in your face.  And almost instantly the idea came to light.  It was one of those incredible "ah ha!" moments.  Here it was, a driving need, fueled by environmental circumstances, and my ability as an artist always evolving to create things, and through natural progression the DataStar® concept was born.

I thought perhaps other people would appreciate my unique device as well, so I spent many months and hard earned money developing the DataStar®.  The result is what you see here and on the DataStar® page.  I also registered and filed for a design patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office; which is currently pending.

They aren't perfect by any means, but most agree they are a really cool piece of jewelry?  My whole family loves them though.  Complete strangers often complement me on the beautiful quartz crystal I'm wearing.  Then their smile morphs into confusion as eye-brows drop and press together with a closer look.  Lips twitch between pleasure and seriousness, and then childlike wonder merges with amazement once understanding sets in.  Then posture straightens with a step back in marvel over the mysterious object before their eyes as the smile returns.  I never envisioned people's reactions, but I gotta admit it's fun to watch.

On the surface, prices may seem a little steep.  However, as a former process analyst with a major computer company, and a little grounding effect from one of my daughters, I did carefully consider many factors.  Putting to one side the time and effort, plus the understanding that I am not a huge company with enormous buying power (materials cost for me are high), the prices I am currently charging do not even come close to paying me back.  In fact, at first I had every intention of offering them for $79.99 each; which only just barely covered manufacturing and processing costs, plus a few dollars for me; and I really do mean, literally, a few dollars.  But then my wise daughter said, "Dad, if I were a customer spending $80 bucks on a really cool USB flash drive then it had better be at least 8 gigabytes!"

Well, that was the crushing blow of reality because I knew she was right.  And in that moment I also realized that 8 gigabyte flash memory modules, even at wholesale prices, in addition to all associated costs, would kill any hope of a viable product, "and" my little project.  I had already purchased some one and two gigabyte modules and other materials needed to produce them, so I was committed to a degree.  Her comments turned out to be a vey good thing because it forced me to reevaluate a few important goals and my approach to value and pricing that had become muddied up over all my excitement.

Even with my extensive business experience, knowing the macro often correlates to the micro, and the price impact of materials, supply chain, and processing, it became clear I could not accomplish my cost reduction goal through conventional business acumen.  While many companies focus on workforce efficiency, improving processes, procurement of less expensive materials, and other objectives, designed to reduce operating expenses and other costs while increasing revenue, my workforce of one requires a new and different kind of focus.  And to be honest I have not figured it all out yet.  On the other hand, the ideal is crystal clear, I just have to work out the details, which is something I am very good at, it's simply a matter conception.

But one detail I did work out right away is to our mutual benefit.  I decided on a starting price that will eventually lead to better days over the long haul, but much better for you right now.  I purchased materials needed for a few production runs and over the last month or so I made a number of DataStars. Unfortunately, from my perspective, there was a 60 percent failure rate; less than half are sellable.  The failure is mostly due to poorly made crystal shaped caps, not with the DataStar® memory module itself, they still work.  But without a nice cap they are hardly worth putting out there, although I did list a couple without crystal caps because they were just too beautiful to put in a drawer; those little crystal shaped caps are incredibly difficult to make.  Anyway, on those that are good enough to offer I decided to sell them here without consideration for manufacturing time or materials markup, basically at cost.  I only added $5 bucks to cover miscellaneous expenses, like shipping materials and fuel for trips to the post office, and Oh! I almost forgot, zero profit.  Well, less than zero actually, the design patent ain't cheap either.  But hey, I gotta look out for some part of it!  And that's a classic example of how long and short term goals can overlap.  I am still very excited about the DataStar® project, though a little calmer about it.

One aspect completely within my control is quality and value, and one reason the DataStar® may seem a little high priced even offering them at cost.  But I will only purchase the highest quality materials for anything I make, a personal standard, and that includes every component of the DataStar®.  Which is something master chef's know, quality in, quality out.  I suppose I could buy cheaper materials and keep the price the same, you're not eating them after all, so who would know?  Well, I would, and that just ain't me.  Thankfully I have a great deal more integrity than that, I simply will not live any other way.

I take care and have pride in my work, it's a reflection of who I am as a person.  When I say quality and value I really mean it.  What I am most proud of is being able to take an ordinary product and remaster it into something even more useful.  That is part of the true meaning of adding value.  Here's another way to look at it, something as simple as drilling a hole through a stone so it can be strung on a necklace adds value.  But what if a pot metal eye-loop was glued to that stone instead?  I'd consider that a reduction in quality, cutting a corner to reduce the price is not a value add.  The glue cracks, the stone falls off.  Who pays for it now?  If something I make breaks or fails, it will not be because I willfully cut corners to make a quick buck.  I try to provide large detailed photographs and clear descriptions of everything offered on my website, and that's because I want you to see the quality in the things I make, to make an informed decision, and know what you are buying.

Currently, the flash memory modules used are Samsung and Lexar USB flash drives, both world renowned for their high quality electronics.  I wish I could pick up the phone and order USB drives directly from the inventor Mr. Ajay Bhatt, but I can't.  So the USB modules come from various dealers from around the country.  But I vigorously test each module several times before and after the DataStar® is complete and ready for sale.  The Sterling Silver used to wire wrap them is purchased directly from a precious metal foundry in Michigan; I have a personal relationship with them so I can be certain of consistency in quality/grade and technical dimensions.  High grade silicone for my molds and aero/marine grade, UV resistant, polymer casting resin is purchased directly from the owner of the California based plastics company.  High quality silicone and resin are key components in creating the crystal shapes into which I insert the flash memory modules after I extract them from their original housing.  The quartz crystals used to create each mold were bought from the owner of a great rock shop right here in Texas, about 60 one way miles from my home.  I visit Elaine's rock shop about twice a year.  She gets her crystals from a reputable dealer in Brazil who has direct ties to mines all over the world.  I have confidence in knowing exactly where each stone comes from.  Elaine often has a story or two about many of the crystals and minerals she sells too.  So far I have used crystals from Tibet, Brazil, and Mt. Ida Arkansas, to create molds for my DataStars.

My long term goal is to manufacture them with modern injection molding techniques, which should greatly improve the fit and tolerances between the cap and body, plus speed up production.  An shorter production time will increase product volume and availability, which should lower manufacturing cost and significantly reduce the selling price.  Then I can focus more on marketing and hopefully have them available for a long time to come.  But there are a lot of variables that need to come together before any of that can be started.  This is the short test.  We'll see what happens from here.

Okay, there ya go, the rambling story, a bit of business philosophy, my vision, a few primary goals, in a coconut shell.  So buy one wontcha?  It's a great American idea and product for an honorable price...all considered.  Click here to go back to the DataStar® page.

Thanks for reading.