STRAITH’S JEWELRY STUDIO OFFERS QUALITY ITEMS AND REPAIR WORK
Straith’s Jewelry Studio
618-532-4141
126 S. Locust St, Centralia, IL
Since 1939, Straith’s Jewelry Studio has continued its legacy of providing quality jewelry items and reliable repair work.
Owned and operated by jeweler and repair specialist, Samatha Kwiatkowski, Straith’s offers everything from fine jewelry and engagement rings to the newest trends and its signature endless bracelets.
Speaking about the endless bracelets, which reportedly are popular during the summertime, Kwiatkowski said she introduced the products after seeing videos of them being made online.
“About three or four years ago I saw a company out of California on Instagram that was doing them. I thought it was a neat concept, so I watched about twelve TikTok videos about them and then came into work the next day and bought the little welder to make them,” Kwiatkowski recalled. “I call them semi-permanent, because they are able to come off. But it’s a fun little sterling silver chain that I size to you, and I can resize it as many times as you want. I probably do at least one bracelet a day.”
“I’ve done bracelets, I’ve done necklaces, I’ve done ankle bracelets,” Kwiatskowski continued. “It’s a fun little thing to do, especially with your friends. I’ve done parties where a bunch of girls bring their friends and get bracelets done. I’ve also done baby showers and bridal showers. I used to do the street fairs too, because it’s a very portable thing to do.”
Kwiatkowski, who purchased the business in 2020 from former owner Karen Schmitt, said her business is nearly an even split between front-of-house sales and her repair work.
“My bread and butter is my repair work. That’s what I love to do,” said Kwaitkowski. “I do any type of jewelry work you can think of. Everything from ring sizing to chain repair. The only thing I don’t do is watch work or stone cuttings.”
“Technology has come a really long way with jewelry,” Kwiatkowski continued. “I still do a lot of old school stuff. I do have a laser welder which expedites the work so I can do quick and easy repairs, and that is very convenient for small things. But I still like to use my torch. I like to play with fire.”
Regarding the future of the community staple, Kwiatkowski said she looks forward to serving her loyal customer base for a very long time.
“I do have a lot of lovely customers that come in. I am so fortunate to have a lot of Karen’s old customers that still come back. I’ve gotten some new customers too. I’m just ver thankful to be able to continue the Straith’s name and the quality that Karen’s customers were used to. That means the most to me.”
“I love the history of this place, and I love our downtown. I love to see that there are people continuing to invest in it. I hope to continue to see it thrive and I plan to be here doing what I do for as long as I can.”
