Discover Jessie’s Jewelry and The Keys at Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay is a treasure trove of creativity, home to talented artists and artisans who bring the island’s charm to life. One standout is Jessie Green, the creative mind behind Jessie’s Jewelry, where handcrafted designs capture the spirit of South Bass Island and the overall laker Erie Islands.
Jessie’s Jewelry: Handmade Island Treasures
Jessie’s Jewelry is a charming boutique located at The Keys restaurant, right by the harbor and next to the Jet Express Ferry Terminal. Jessie, along with her family, creates stunning, one-of-a- kind pieces that embody the island’s beauty and soul. Here’s how her unique jewelry comes to life:
- Jessie collects stones during the island’s winter months.
- Her father carefully cuts, carves, and polishes each stone to perfection.
- Her mother adds delicate crocheted accents.
- Jessie designs and assembles each piece by hand.
Sample Jewelry Pieces
- Monument Pendants
- Charms and rings crafted from natural, free-form stones
- Pendants featuring unique stone combinations
- Nature-inspired designs, such as bird-shaped pendants
Each piece is a perfect keepsake for island lovers, a thoughtful gift for a friend, or a special treat for yourself. Jessie also offers custom orders, which take up to two months to complete but are well worth the wait.
Support local artistry and take home a piece of Put-in-Bay that you’ll treasure all year.
This is what the artist herself has to say
My love for metals and minerals began at a young age. As a child, I would create bubble blowers and necklaces for my mom using copper wire my dad brought home from train engines. This early fascination with metalwork blossomed further during my teenage years when I discovered a unique connection to gemstones while working in a jewelry shop. I developed a “sixth sense” for identifying mineral quality, a skill that felt as quick and natural as the flash of a camera. This intuitive connection to stones ignited a passion that led me halfway around the world.
After studying metalsmithing at Kent State University, I embarked on an incredible journey to Coober Pedy in the Australian Outback, a place renowned for its opals. There, I met a miner with a kind heart and a passion for his craft. He shared his knowledge and gifted me opal rough, which became the foundation of an exciting collaboration with my newly retired dad.
Back in the United States, my father took to stone cutting with ease, repairing and mastering lapidary equipment over six months. While he perfected the art of shaping stones, I returned to my roots, setting these beautiful stones into my own handcrafted wire designs. By 2002, I began selling my original jewelry creations from a small setup on the deck of The Wharfside, a bait shop at Put-in-Bay.
Those early days spent crafting jewelry under an umbrella while meeting vacationers were unforgettable. Now, with over fifteen years and more than 5,000 handmade pieces behind me, I’ve fallen deeply in love with the Lake Erie Islands. My mission is to share the beauty and healing power of gemstones with the world, one handcrafted piece at a time.
The Keys: A Caribbean-Inspired Island Escape
After visiting Jessie’s Jewelry, stop by The Keys, a Caribbean-themed restaurant offering delicious food and breathtaking lake views. Located right by the Jet Express Ferry, this vibrant spot is a must-visit for anyone on the island.
What to Enjoy at The Keys
- Fresh fare: Try the hand-breaded perch with their signature key lime tartar sauce or famous Conch Fritters.
- Other options: Enjoy soups, burgers, salads, and their creamy She Crab Bisque.
- Cocktails: Choose from specialty frozen rum cocktails, a classic Dark and Stormy, or a variety of beers and wines.
- Sweet treats: End your meal with a slice of Key Lime Pie, topped with whipped cream.
The Keys is the perfect place for any occasion, offering:
- Large spaces for group gatherings and events with custom menus.
- Live music twice daily during peak summer season.
- A stunning lakefront setting, complete with the island’s only fire pit and onsite shop, Local Color.
Experience Put-in-Bay’s Creative and Culinary Delights
A visit to Jessie’s Jewelry and The Keys is the perfect way to experience the heart of Put-in-Bay. Whether you’re taking home a unique handmade piece or enjoying fresh island flavors, you’ll leave with memories that capture the magic of South Bass Island. Don’t miss out on these local gems during your visit!