SMALL BUSINESS | Schooley Jewelers Owner developed a gem of an idea, then polished it

The former GM employee took courses to learn more about his new trade.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
AUSTINTOWN -- Guy Schooley used to assemble cars for a living and fix jewelry as a hobby.
That hobby became his new career when he left the General Motors' assembly line in Lordstown and entered the jewelry business full time.
Schooley developed both of his interests as a teen-ager. He worked after school at a welding shop, but he also was left some tools of the jewelry trade by an aunt.
"She left me some of her tools and equipment and books, some on gold smithing," which he understood because of his work with metals, Schooley said.
Schooley worked for 15 years at GM in the 1970s and '80s before the company offered him a buyout, a decision that allowed Schooley to sell jewelry full time.
For about a year, Schooley and a friend from the GM line talked about going into business together and in 1988, the two men opened Schooley's Jewelers on the corner of state Route 46 and Mahoning Avenue. After a few years, the partner left, making Schooley its sole owner.
In June 1999, Schooley moved the business into its current location.
Eventually, Schooley built on his knowledge of the industry by taking courses on silver smithing, diamond grading and gem identification.
Store's specialty
Schooley Jewelers specializes in selling, repairing, appraising and restoring antique and other types of jewelry, and it buys scrap gold and estate jewelry. The business also makes rings and jewelry from custom gold and various raw materials.
Recently, the business began a partnership with Lane Funeral Homes and started making life impressions, which are fingerprint impressions in wax of a person who died. A three-dimensional charm or other item is created with that unique print on it. Schooley said he plans to expand the idea to include people who are still alive.
Schooley recently suffered a back injury and said he is unsure when he will return to work. He praised his fianc & eacute;e, Cindy Cairns, and other family members for running the business in his absence.
Schooley said he intends to keep the business in the family, and he cited good customer service for its success.
"If I run into [a customer], I tell them, 'I hope I got you a good deal,' or if they have a problem, we can likely fix it. We stand behind what we do. You pay when you're happy with the custom work," Schooley said.