Something old, something new

Shopping for jewelry—whether it’s a stunning engagement ring, a one-of-a-kind estate piece with a past or a meaningful gift—has become more personal than ever. 

At Great Lakes Coin & Jewelry in Mentor, customers are embracing a mix of old and new, from vintage diamonds that tell a story to contemporary bridal designs and affordable pieces meant for everyday wear.

Since 2013, the locally owned mom-and-pop operation has built a following around unique jewelry, approachable pricing and personalized service.

Vintage Finds, New Fans

Owner Mike Ponsart says appreciation for estate and vintage jewelry continues to grow.

“Estate pieces have character that you don’t always find in something new,” he says. “Just like thrifting has become a trend, so has taking stock in the importance of the past.”

Part of the appeal is that the selection constantly changes. Customers bring in jewelry they no longer wear, and pieces with potential that can be refurbished and repurposed for a new life. The boutique’s estate collection ranges from accessible sterling silver pieces to impressive diamond jewelry, including vintage platinum and diamond watches, earrings and rings.

“We never really know what someone is going to bring through the door,” says Mike. “That’s one of the things I love about this business.”

Salesperson Nikki Flask helps customers each day and is great for talking trends.

“Turquoise set in sterling silver is a vintage-inspired look that’s really making a comeback,” she says. “People are attracted to its old-school, bohemian feel. Paired with coral, it can take on a distinctive Southwestern flair.”

Burgeoning Bridal Pieces

When it comes to wedding and engagement rings, Nikki says today’s couples aren’t following one rulebook.

“Yellow gold has become popular lately, but I’d say the biggest trend is mixing metals to allow brides to combine yellow gold, white gold and platinum,” she says. “Colored stones are appearing more often, and I’d say oval has by far become the most popular shape for the center stone.”

Size is trending upward, too, in part thanks to the increase in lab-grown diamonds.

“The choice between natural and lab-grown diamonds is much more evenly divided than it used to be,” says Mike. “I’d say it’s close to 50-50. Some couples remain devoted to natural diamonds, while others appreciate the opportunity to get a larger, lab-grown stone within their budget. And, interestingly, the competition from lab-grown diamonds has also helped make larger natural diamonds more affordable.”

Something Old is New Again

For customers who want something truly personal, in-house designer Tarek Fahmy specializes in custom work, from creating wedding and engagement rings that reflect a bride and groom’s signature taste, to transforming inherited jewelry into something a new generation will actually wear.

Customers bring him an idea, sketch or photo and he creates the piece around their vision. Memorable projects begin with jewelry with tremendous sentimental value but that no longer suits the owner’s style.

Little Gifts = Big Meaning

Great Lakes also reaches beyond fine jewelry with darling, giftable lines such as Katie Loxton. The brand’s “A Little” bracelets pair simple charms and meaningful sayings, making them popular for holidays, birthdays and milestone occasions.

Katie Loxton’s waterproof jewelry line has also become a standout, offering the look of 18K gold at an approachable price—typically around $45 for necklaces and $30 for earrings, rings and bracelets that are certified 100% waterproof, sweat-proof, perfume-proof and tarnish-resistant.

“Some of these stackable statement pieces feature semi-precious stones and crystals,” says Nikki. “With the holidays around the corner, the delicate Amelie Bow necklace is a top seller.”

Repair work is done on the premises by a certified jeweler, and they buy gold and silver jewelry.

Great Lakes Coin & Jewelry

Mentor Corners, 8920 Mentor Avenue, Mentor

440-266-8900

GreatLakesCoin.net