The Faithful Shopper: Faith's Favorites - June Jewels June 17, 2010 Faith Hope Consolo Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate Everybody loves a bit of bling, a big bauble, a splash of sparkle, and New York certainly is the center of the jewelry-buying universe. We all know the classic purveyors of the fabulous - Cartier and its panthers and tank watches, Tiffany's classic engagement rings, Bulgari's distinctive forms and colored stones, Mikimoto's precious pearls, the ultimate luxury experiences of Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels - and the exotic gemstones of H. Stern. But a slew of newcomers - and some other classic designers and collectors -- give true jewelry junkies even more opportunities than before to find something unique, perhaps even from another place and century. I'll save timepiece merchants for another time. Some of my favorite places for a new treat include: Contemporary Classics: Tom Binns 41 Perry Street www.tombinnsdesign.com Modified punk in attitude, Binns' pieces unite "elegance with anarchy," he says. Skull rungs meet pearl and gemstone collars in timeless patterns. David Yurman 712 Madison Avenue www.davidyurman.com Located in a newly renovated flagship that is a work of art itself, Yurman showcases his entire line, including a floor of men's jewelry. Head upstairs for the serious pieces.
Alexis Bittar 1100 Madison Avenue www.alexisbittar.com If you're not shy, this is the store for you. The dramatic, sculptural pieces are a statement in themselves, and the Lucite creations have become a trademark. Precious Pedigrees: Buccellati 46 East 57th Street www.buccellati.com Adorning royalty is nothing new for this family, which has had a shop in Milan since the mid-18th century. Today, its jewelry and silver, with intricate metalwork and glorious stones, are still produced by fine craftsmen in small shops in Italy. Look like a queen. Aaron Faber 666 Fifth Avenue www.aaronfaber.com In addition to an outstanding collection of contemporary and classic jewelry, as well as vintage timepieces, Faber performs vital services such as appraisals, repair and restoration, and estate work. Located on West 53rd Street across from MOMA, it treats jewelry as pieces of art.
Chopard 709 Madison www.chopard.com Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Chopard may be best known for its watches, but its jewelry also is to die for. Its trendy, yet timeless designs are married to stunning diamonds, including the floating stones motif which has revolutionized the business. Great Estates: Stephen Russell 970 Madison Avenue www.stephenrussell.com Opened by Stephen Feuerman and Russell Zelenetz find the best vintage jewels from collections, estates and antique dealers, as well as their own designs. Edith Weber & Associates 987 Madison Avenue 994 Madison Avenue www.antique-jewelry.com Located in the Carlyle Hotel and across the street, this store offers jewelry from the 18th century through about 1970s, of all styles and origin -- from Asian pearls to Art Deco masterpieces.
Dumont Estate Jewelry 152 Prince Street www.dumontestatejewelry.com In addition to Edwardian brooches to contemporary engagement rings, Dumont also carries Art Deco, Victorian and retro pieces, as well as current Mikimoto, Cartier, Tiffany and Van Cleef offerings with unpretentious service. Kentshire Madison 700 Madison Avenue 37 East 12th Street www.kentshire.com These stores also offer fine antique English furniture and fine art, but the period jewels (including antique cameos, Art Deco Diamonds and even vintage costume) are my favorite. Diamonds are Forever: Leviev 700 Madison Avenue www.leviev.com The most extraordinary diamonds, straight from company-owned mines, placed in settings designed, set and polished inhouse to best present their clarity and color. The presentation is as flawless as the stones here.
Graff Diamonds 46 East 61st Street www.graffdiamonds.com The artisans here are trained for years to produce the perfect cut for diamonds sourced from around the world. While Graff's diamonds are legendary, it also produces breathtaking pearl and gemstone pieces. Ivanka Trump Collection 685 Madison Avenue www.ivankatrumpcollection.com This elegant boutique offers exceptional customer service, and features glamorous, timeless gold, diamond and crystal pieces by, yes, that Ivanka Trump. David Webb 789 Madison Avenue Browse the jewels - my favorites are the animal clips and rings - while sipping champagne or cappuccino. Or just pick up a dazzling diamond bracelet. All pieces are made in New York workshops at this 62- year-old mainstay.
Di Modolo 703 Madison Avenue www.dimodolo.com Unique materials meet precious gems at this new flagship, in which everyone feels like a movie star. Cellini 201 Park Avenue 509 Madison Avenue www.cellinijewelers.com "Fashions fade, style is eternal," the store's website says. Over the past 30 years, Cellini has become a style pioneer, introducing new watch brands (including Audemar Piguet) that become household names, and stunning rings and jewelry. Kwiat 725 Madison Avenue www.kwiat.com From classic diamond jewelry and wedding baubles to vintage, this new flagship boasts the best of the best.
Budget Baubles: Alibi 241 Mulberry Street www.alibinyc.com Not looking to make a major financial investment? Jo Liu's new boutique showcases her own line as well as other promising new designers. Most items are around $100. Swarovski Multiple locations www.swarovski.com With boutiques all over the city (including a forthcoming one near Penn Station), Swarovsi is major bling and objets d'art at affordable prices. From delightful little pendants to watches to figurines, Swarovski crystal sparkles, and so will you! Hidden Jewels -- My favorite showrooms: Verdura 745 Fifth Avenue www.verdura.com Striking but not outre, large without sacrificing style, Verdura's pieces offers shoppers exceptional style and its showroom exceptional service.
Martin Katz 437 Madison Avenue/32nd Floor www.martinkatz.com Want to look like you're going to the Oscars? Katz' jewelry is a red carpet mainstay. Traditional and unusual gemstones are used in intriguing ways, with customer service second to none. And don't forget the department stores: Saks Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue www.saks.com The sheer size of this department allows for a breadth of merchandise that will satisfy multiple tastes and price points. From the affordable punk sensibility of Elizabeth & James to Dominique Cohen's delicate work in precious metals to Ippolita's gemstone pieces, Saks really does have something for everyone. Bergdorf 1 West 57th Street www.bergdorfgoodman.com Its jewelry department is a legendary store in itself, providing a New York outlet for some of the major names in the business, including Fred Leighton, Yossi Harari, Paolo Costagli, Henry Dunay and Paul Morelli.
Beyond the pale: Tech-Chic Glam: Stuart Hughes www.stuarthughes.com Need a solid gold, diamond-encrusted iphone or ipad? This is the place. Liverpool, England native Hughes specializes in adorning the commonplace, whether it's a television, computer or even a car. Wallets and watches, too! Tiffany iphone App to Build your Perfect Engagement Ring www.tiffany.com Clueless about the four Cs (cut, carat, color, clarity)? Want an engagement ring in the classic blue box anyway? Tiffany saves the day with an iphone app that will let you build your own ring, even down to the proper size. Place a ring on the screen, align it with the correct circle on the guide, and at least one question is answered. After that, put stones and settings together (the screen will show its actual size), pair it with a complementary wedding band, save the result, share it via email, Facebook or Twitter to get second opinions. Then get to a Tiffany store -- you can't actually make the purchase online, and really, some things just have to be done in person. It's also fun to do with other Tiffany rings if you're not getting married. And there are plenty more. Whether your budget is $50, or $50,000, pick up something shiny for summer. Happy Shopping!