By Sandra Zunino

Despite economic hard times that have tightened the noose around many small businesses, Kent Island Jewelry has continued to thrive thanks to flexibility and good customer service.

Owned by Patricia “Patti” Knell and Sharon Fletcher, Kent Island Jewelry has been in business for more than a decade. This fall, the owners plan to reveal a new remodel and fresh facelift for the showroom, increasing the jewelry display size by at least 30 percent and featuring local photography to decorate the space.

While the logistics and exact date are still in the works, they will also be offering a new high-tech service about that time. As more customers are expressing interest and utilizing the store’s custom design jewelry services, they will soon be able to watch their custom piece evolve from a sketch to a three-dimensional rendering by use of a specialized CAD program.

Once the client approves the detailed design, it goes to a wax maker who will cast the piece to create an exact replica. This way, the client knows precisely how their custom wedding set, broach or pendant will appear before making the final investment.

“We have seen a 30 to 40 percent increase in custom design orders from previous years,” says Patti. “Custom design orders are now as reasonably priced as ordering from one of our jewelry manufacturers’ catalogs.”

Additionally, clients can refurbish a piece and use their existing stone or add new stones to update a ring or pendant. “We can also provide new precious and semi-precious stones that will complement the existing stones,” say Patti.

The father and son team who handle the custom design work have been creating custom jewelry since 1955 and 1975 respectively. “When they are complete, these custom refurbishments turn out so lovely, you can’t tell the piece did not come that way originally,” she says.

Kent Island Jewelry still offers free jewelry cleaning and evaluation so clients are assured their diamonds not only twinkle brightly but also remain safely in their settings. “Many people don’t realize gold prongs can wear over time,” says Patti. “By checking the jewelry we can alert the customer of a loose stone and advise preventative maintenance before a costly repair is needed.”

While many stores send jewelry out for repairs, Kent Island Jewelry offers that service on-site with expert jeweler Regen Linn. Often customers will bring items in to determine whether they are precious metals, especially with inherited or estate jewelry. “Many times there is a mix of costume and fine jewelry,” says Patti. “We have tests and resources to determine the exact nature of the metals.”

As gold prices have skyrocketed, Kent Island Jewelry started a gold-purchasing service and pays cash for unused and unwanted precious metals. “We often see customers bring in old flatware sets that are outdated or too time-consuming to clean, as well as gold herringbone necklaces that were the rage in the 80s, but had a high tendency to kink,” says Patti. “Many people have $300 to $500 worth of unused gold or silver in their home they can trade in for cash.”

To accommodate customers’ busy schedules, the store is now open seven days a week. “We know our clients are working harder and longer hours to make ends meet, and we want to be available for them,” says Patti.

For more information, visit www.kentislandjewelry.com or call 410-643-7766.