Catawba Island Jewelers opens

CATAWBA ISLAND — A new jewelry store offers gold-standard service to its customers.Catawba Island Jewelers, at 3860 Harbor Light Landing near Ciao Bella Restaurant, opened Oct. 1.The store's owner, Kristie Pooley, is new to the area, but not the jewelry business. She has more than 25 years of experience in the field and is a certified diamontologist."I started right after high school at a local store in Toledo," Pooley said. "This is what I have been doing my whole life."She continued working at jewelry stores while she attended the University of Toledo, where she earned associates degrees in business management and marketing and a bachelor of science degree.Pooley was employed at chain jewelry store and worked her way up from sales person to store manager to a diamond buyer. She eventually moved to Colorado and started her own jewelry store, but returned to northern Ohio because of her love for the area."I just have a strong love for this area and wanted to be near the water," Pooley said.The store carries a wide array of jewelry."A store that's in the mall will be higher-end and won't have the mix like we do," Pooley said.Another reason to choose a locally owned jewelry store like Catawaba Island Jewelers, according to Pooley, is the service and quality of the repairs."All the corporate jewelers send their repairs out-of-state. They don't have the same service we do," Pooley said. "Our repairs are done locally."Pooley said this limits the chance of peoples' jewelry being lost or misplaced, which has been known to happen with larger jewelers. But what really sets Catawba Island Jewelers apart is the connection to the clients, Pooley said."I really love selling engagement rings and working with couples because it's a very special time for them," Pooley said. "Or people who are older and want to have their wedding rings repaired or resized."Pooley said her business will stay open year-round and she's appreciative of the positive reception and excitement she's received from the community."I'm here to cater to the folks who live here," Pooley said. "I think that's something that is important for people to understand. I'm here for them."Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterCatawba Island Jewelers, at 3860 Harbor Light Landing near Ciao Bella Restaurant, opened Oct. 1. Catawba Island Jewelers, at 3860 Harbor Light Landing near Ciao Bella Restaurant, opened Oct. 1.