Jim Saylor doesn’t understand the typical guy’s dismissive attitude toward jewelry. While many men who walk into Saylor’s Kapa’a store see the price tags, Saylor sees the beauty and cut of the gems or the architecture of the metal. “What
Jim Saylor doesn’t understand the typical guy’s dismissive attitude toward jewelry.
While many men who walk into Saylor’s Kapa’a store see the price tags, Saylor sees the beauty and cut of the gems or the architecture of the metal.
“What a great symbol as a gift, something that’s rare and special,” he said.
A jeweler by trade, Saylor opened his shop, Jim Saylor Jewelers, in 1981. But he had been making, restoring and fitting jewelry for more than a decade prior.
“Gems have always excited me,” he said. “They’re amazing creations of the earth.”
Today, Saylor’s business includes three stores. And just like a gem that forms over time, Jim Saylor Jewelers is now reaping the rewards of years of work.
The business was named as Kaua’i Retailer of the Year by the Retail Merchants of Hawaii at its annual conference in Honolulu Thursday.
According to Retail Merchants of Hawaii, the company was selected for its growth, reputation for high quality and charity work. Saylor, who was nominated by the community, is not a member of the nonprofit organization.
His design aesthetic – clean, simple, classic, with modern and technical twists that stand the test of time – is visible not only in his own work but in the jewelry he’s selected to sell in the store.
The designs are from all over the world, including Spain, Italy, Germany and France. And while Saylor does not feature collections of his own in the display cases, he does still work with customers one-on-one to customize pieces.
From start to finish, Saylor works on rings, earrings and necklaces at his Kapa’a workshop. The first step is carving the shape from wax, down to each fine line and detail. A mold is formed around the complete shape, into which metal is injected. Saylor uses a laser welder for the precise work, and polishes and sets the stones.
In today’s consumer-driven society, the products we buy aren’t meant to last, he said. But a wedding ring is not disposable, and 100 years from now it can be “the grandkids’ special piece from great grandma.”
Having a role in creating something so enduring and symbolic for someone is one of many reasons Saylor loves what he does.
“The opportunity to play with gems and enhance their beauty is really fun,” he said.
– Blake Jones, business writer/assistant editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or bjones@kauaipubco.com.
