Much like an ever-curious cat, Sandra Conrad is attracted to glittery objects.

As a young girl hanging out at the family business, Security Diamond Co. and Conrad Jewelers, she would make bands from modeling clay and insert real diamonds, rubies and sapphires to create shimmering jewelry pieces.

She went on to handle sales for the company until retiring in 1980 when her father, Conrad "Connie" Conrad, sold the business. But she remains fascinated by sparkly things, as evidenced by her collection of crystal cats.

On display at her Hono­lulu condo are Baccarat crystal sculptures from France and figurines from all over the world. The felines are lined up on a shelf in front of a window so they catch the light.

Conrad also made a reproduction of designer Judith Leiber’s limited-edition Neko cat purse decorated with Swa­rov­ski crystals. "Hers sold for over $5,000. Mine cost about $500 and two months of my time to make," said Conrad, 76, who made a matching lucky-cat bank.

Her cat collection isn’t limited to crystal versions. There are wooden and ceramic pieces among the 300 kitties on display, along with a sign that reads, "Cats are like potato chips … you can’t have just one!"

Conrad said she began collecting cats in the late 1970s. "My son bought me the first small black kitty. That culprit started it all," she said.

Friends started buying her cats as gifts, and she started picking them up as she was out and about. Many of the pieces were purchased at flea markets and cost less than a dollar.

"My oldest cat is from the 1940s and was made in Germany," she said. "I’ve found cats at the ABC Store and in weird places when I’m not looking. I find the older stuff at thrift shops."

Conrad, who cares for her 73-year-old sister, Carole, also collects miniatures that she keeps in a homemade dollhouse. The first room was made from an old breadbox. "I took off the door and wallpapered the inside with scenes from magazines to give it depth. All the other dollhouse rooms were made of boxes, mostly from Costco," she said.

Each room is occupied by miniature cats, of course.

Her most recent acquisitions were salt and pepper shakers of a kitten and a ball of yarn, a gift from her sister.

"Each item that I collect holds special memories," she said. "They remind me of people and places every time I look at them."

When asked which cat is her favorite, Conrad replied, "That’s like asking a parent which child is her favorite."

Possessed is an occasional series featuring Hawaii residents and their unique or fascinating collections. Tell us about your collection by emailing features@staradvertiser.com or calling 529-4892.