Jeweler sets up shop in downtown Gig Harbor

It’s the arts community that drew jeweler Michael Nutter to Gig Harbor.

Nutter relocated his Olympia store to Gig Harbor’s Pioneer Way last month. He still keeps a studio in Olympia, so he’s operating often in two places at once. It’s something that is taking a little getting used to.

Even with the switch in stores, Nutter knows his time in Gig Harbor should be fruitful.

Traditional wisdom is to stay in an established place, he said, but a move to the harbor was irresistible.

“I really, really, really enjoy this community,” he said.

Nutter wants to be an approachable jeweler, so he’s always trying to adapt in each situation.

“I try to work within people’s budgets,” Nutter said. “It’s totally driven by the customer.”

Having an independent store allows for a stronger relationship with customer and designer. He likes to sit down with a customer and really walk through the process.

“(The process is) ‘OK, what would you like to do and let’s work within that,’” Nutter said.

Nutter’s relational style has earned him repeat customers, such as Carole Brooks from Olympia.

“(Nutter) is easy to work with and very creative, honest and has only top quality gems and workmanship,” she said.

He often remodels jewelry, cleaning up keepsakes and treasured pieces. His first-ever customer was a remodel; it was a jade ring.

Nutter opened his first store in 1978, located in Portland. In his career as a jeweler he has won recognition with Diamonds Today, Diamonds of Distinction, Diamonds International and the International Pearl Awards.

He opened in Olympia in 2003. Now, his business starts a new chapter.

Nutter’s store is located at 7716 Pioneer Way, Suite A, Gig Harbor. He is available Tuesday by appointment and open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 2:39 PM with the headline "Jeweler sets up shop in downtown Gig Harbor."