LONG BEACH – Want unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry? Then stop in at Gemstrand and check out a full line of beads and jewelry-making supplies.

Gemstrand is located at 509 Pacific Avenue South in Long Beach – the store’s new home at the former Debi’s Deli location.

Owner Sally Wheeler, of Cherokee Indian descent, has lived on the Peninsula since 1986 and is the former owner of La Petite Maison restaurant in Ocean Park. Wheeler’s business associate and adviser, David Johnson, grew up in Pony, Mont., worked as a manufacturing engineer for the Simmons Mattress and Avita tennis shoe companies in Seattle before going to work for what he calls “the largest bead importer in the U.S. I bought beads, gems and jewelry supplies worldwide,” he said. Johnson is also a professional photographer.

Johnson and Wheeler also build web sites, write computer programs and will also tutor computer novices.

Plans for the new Gemstrand space include a gallery to display and sell Johnson’s photos as well as work by local artists, including Linda Moulton and Nita Stone. They’ll also be teaching beading, jewelry and other crafts at the store.

“We want to support the community and help the Peninsula,” Wheeler said. “Our obligation is to support local artists and businesses. It will help the area to be economically strong.”