Sallie - In 1949 my father, William D. Clater, Sr., founded Clater Jewelers. I learned at an early age that respect for all people, customer service, honesty, and product quality were the most important aspects of owning a business. I began working for my father in 1973, while attending Seneca High School, and have never worked any other job. After attending the University of Louisville for two + years, I decided to make jewelry my career! I earned my diploma in diamonds and diamond grading from the Gemological Institute of America in 1979. In 1974, Clater Jewelers became one of the original members of the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO). I, along with my parents, attended two jewelry shows annually.

In 1996, Megan and I purchased the business from my father upon his retirement, still a member of IJO (now the largest jewelry organization for independent jewelers). Megan and I attend several jewelry trade shows annually, hand selecting special and unique pieces of jewelry for the store and our customers, and attending educational seminars. In 2003, we began traveling annually to Antwerp, Belgium, where we personally hand select beautiful diamonds for our customers, as well as the store. Working with beautiful creations of nature, and wonderful people, gives me great joy. I love helping my customers match their personality to a beautiful piece of jewelry! My most desired business goal is to continue operating Clater Jewelers as my father would have wanted.