Mike Furnari, was one of the many kids who were raised in the Schantz tract decades ago, the son of Joe and June Furnari of Judson Street. He attended State Road School, Spry and Schroeder High School. A full-blooded Webster kid.
Now in his 40s, he has returned to the village of his youth and is living the American dream, or at least giving the dream a whirl. Mike has opened his own shop, doing what he loves – creating custom jewelry.

 Up until now he has been connected with Palazzo Jewelers, downtown in the Temple Building.  Now working on Main Street in the old Style Shop, across from Golden Boys, Mike sits at his workbench making repairs. When I popped by he was turning a diamond tennis-type bracelet into a gorgeous ring for a client.

Although he has many semi precious stones, amethyst and topaz he prefers diamonds…and who doesn’t? For a while everyone was wearing the three-stoned diamond pendant that represents, yesterday, today and tomorrow. “Now,” according to Mike, “women want journey necklaces,” which he describes as five or more diamond stones representing life’s various journeys. 

The most fun part of Mike’s job is working with couples to create the perfect engagement ring and to advise them on the different grades of diamonds. Educate yourself about this investment, he advises. So if you are a the typical male looking for advise see Mike. Mike advises any soon-to be engaged couple to “Just bring in your design,”. It isn’t all about diamonds at this shop, there’s everything…beads, bracelets, earrings, mainly sterling silver. All are showcased, but if there is something you don’t see ask him. He can make it or get it…no problem.

So if any of you ladies need a mid-winter pick-me-up, and if your husband forgot Valentines Day, remember what Sonja Henie, figure skater said, “jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles.” Go get yourself a little bauble.