Saline Business: Baker bringing fine jewelry to Bryant
By Jillian McGehee
Courier Staff Benton Courier
Pat Baker has brought her jewelry expertise to Bryant.
Baker’s Fine Jewelry has been in operation since May. But Baker is no stranger to the practice, having operated the store for 24 years in Warren.
To expand her jewelry knowledge, she and co-worker Melody Brown recently attended a series of educational seminars, workshops and courses at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s buying conference in Boston.
Baker offers a variety of jewelry selections for women and men, including bridal sets; all types of stones set in rings, necklaces and earrings; bangle bracelets; watches; and the latest in trends such as the circle diamond necklace.
At the seminar, Baker and Brown had the opportunity to preview lines of more than 150 top manufacturers and jewelry designers, who exhibited their merchandise, some of which is exclusive to members of the jewelers organization. Baker’s Fine Jewelry is Bryant’s exclusive member.
While Baker acknowledges that more jewelry stores are bound for Bryant, she enjoys being the growing city’s first fine jeweler. At the conference, she and Baker “carefully selected many unique and exciting items for the fall season that are sure to delight customers.”
A certified jeweler who can make custom pieces is also part of Baker’s staff. She said he has been customizing selections for more than 20 years. Other services include wish lists that allow customers to mark items they would like to receive for holidays, birthdays or special occasions.
The store is located in Bryant Commons shopping center off Arkansas 5, a couple of doors down from Alisha’s Home Furnishings. Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. 5 p.m. each Saturday.
IJO is an international buying group and educational organization of independent retail jewelers with nearly 900 members globally, according to a news release. “Its group buying power enables members to offer customers the finest in high-quality jewelry and loose diamonds at tremendous savings while maintaining the reliability and integrity of an independent retail jeweler.”
