Great Lakes Boutique
"We wanted to be the place that offers the widest variety of bead and jewelry lines all under the same roof. There are pieces to suit every taste and every budget, from classic and elegant to edgy and fun." - Mike Ponsart, owner
Owner Mike Ponsart grew up in the business, attending coin shows at the age of nine with his grandfather, barely tall enough to see over the jewelry cases.
After college Mike branched out from coins to jewelry and diamonds. He opened Great Lakes Boutique in 2008.
Their jewelry cases are always full, and always changing. Pieces are handcrafted from gems, crystals, minerals, ivory, glass, natural stones, silver, rose gold, gold and leather.
Here’s a listing of their main lines:
• Trollbeads
• Ohm Beads
• ACA Kreations
• True Beadz
• RedBaliFrog
• Moonglow
• Uno de 50
• Luca + Danni Born in the USA
• Mariana
• Scout Curated Wears
• Katie Loxton London
• Woods of Wisdom wall plaques
Many of the lines make perfect commemorative gifts, from Moonglow jewelry that depicts the phase of the moon on a particular date on bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings; to Zodiac cuff bracelets that feature a cutout design of the constellations connected to signs of the zodiac; and Meditation Rings, which are crafted with a band outside the base ring the wearer can spin to calm themselves.
Mike reports that most of their customers come in often, and along with Angel Mastandrea and Stephanie Frick, and their adorable dog Tequila, every customer is greeted warmly upon walking into the store. The ladies act as personal consultants with clients, suggesting different looks and demonstrating how pieces can be layered.
In addition to the bevy of retail jewelry, they offer an impressive showcase of estate jewelry and are authorized coin dealers. They also repair jewelry on the premises.
Staying on top of and ahead of trends is a mission here, and the store brings in designers and representatives from the many companies it represents throughout the year at special events.
The charming fashion-forward boutique has earned a reputation for bringing emerging trends to the area. As different beads or collections are debuted, they are amongst the first to offer them.
Clients from around the world—Bangkok to Shanghai and Moscow—shop online at Great Lakes Boutique.
Great Lakes Boutique is located within Mentor Corners, at 8920 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. Hours are Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They do jewelry repair, too. Call 440-266-8900, or visit GreatLakesBoutique.com for more information.