SPOTLIGHT ON ... STORE
February 2009

Our featured bead store this month is Sweet Earth Jewelry & Gifts.

Rich and Roseann Para, owners of Sweet Earth Jewelry in downtown Sycamore, IL began their bead journey in 1993. By 1996 their bead shop needed more room to grow. Right down the street, the historic Ben Franklins was up for sale. The Para’s decided that would be the perfect place to grow their bead business.

Rich is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and has been working with jewelry since high school. He has over 20 year’s jewelry repair experience. Roseann learned beading and design from Rich, but also has a business degree. Roseann is also the certified engraver. They have been married over 24 years and have worked together.

Customers are often overwhelmed with the large collection of beads and charms that includes: Sterling Silver charms, Semi-precious, Swarovski Crystal, Czech glass and Japanese seed beads. The inventory is constantly changing and the selection increasing.

Rich is a distributor for jewelry tools. Tools are available for the beginner to the expert.

Beyond all the beautiful beads, findings and tools they offer these great services: estate jewelry buying, jewelry repair, jewelry design, bead classes, gift and jewelry engraving.

Rich finds the Soft Flex products very impressive and almost exclusively uses them. Rich promotes Soft Flex in his basic jewelry class. More importantly, it’s used on the majority of restringing repairs and beaded jewelry.

Rich and Roseann are there everyday and invite you to visit. The store is best known for its great selection of beads, unique jewelry and computerized engraving. If you are in northern Illinois we are worth the trip!

Sweet Earth Jewelry & Gifts
Gifts * Jewelry * Engraving
341 W. State Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 895-3011

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