Interesting jewelry shops in Miami Beach and NYC

May 19, 2005 2:42 PM

I'm looking for shops in either Miami Beach or New York City where I could find interesting handmade jewelry. (A slightly random combination of cities, I know--it's just that I'll be in both places on an upcoming trip.) I'm looking for jewelry that is well made but not ultra expensive--which, in my mind, would probably put the price range somewhere between $20 and $100. Any tips for shops in either location?
posted by yankeefog to clothing, beauty, & fashion (6 answers total)

the Bal Harbour mall has beautiful handmade jewelry. It will be in the upper reaches of your budget - but it's jewelry that cannot be found anywhere else. Also, South Beach shops off of Collins have some beautiful handmade jewelry. It won't be cheap there either!
posted by seawallrunner at 4:48 PM on May 19, 2005

I won't be much use for shops in that price range, but I know a ton of jewelry makers who put their stuff on ebay. If you want the window-shopping experience, go for the stores. But I think you may find that you'll get "more" for your budget if you consider artists/jewelers that don't have retail overhead.

Alternately, while in NY, browse the non-traditional galleries. I've found some of my coolest weird jewelry at galleries, rather than stores.
posted by dejah420 at 9:23 PM on May 19, 2005

I have two leads for you:

Lucky magazine lists tons of these kinds of boutiques in their monthly issues in a sort of spotlight. Being a magazine completely devoted to shopping, we've found many amazing small shops through them. I'm not sure if you can get the same info online or if they have archives, but if you have a friend who gets the magazine, ask for her/his copies. Or the library.

Another great resource is museum gift shops which always carry very funky jewelry. Entrance is always always free, regardless if you want to view the exhibitions or collections. I've had very good luck with The American Craft Museum in particular, which has very eclectic pieces, but is actually a bit on teh pricey side, but really not too bad. Also, The American Folk Art Museum (two locations...one on 53rd and another on 65th) also has really interesting pieces in your price range.

The Brooklyn Museum of Art gift shop sounds perfect for you. I picked up a few cheapish pieces there in the past...really cool, totally hand made from local artists. If you can get out there (which is a good 10 minute ride on teh subway from the lowest part of Manhattan) it would be totally worth your time.

now that i think about it, the MOMA, the American Folk Art Museum, and the American Craft Museum are all clustered on 53rd between 6th and 5th avenues, adn you can hit up all three in one outing.

however, The MET museum gift shop is not a good idea, because the pieces are too refined, and the MOMA has amazing jewelry, but is very very expensive. If you have any specific questions, email me directly. I'm well versed in museum gift shops! They always yeild great gifts, and i love supporting the arts while i do it!

OMG, another good place is the NY Public Library gift shop, but the free-standing one, NOT the one within the library. This is it. I'd do this one and the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and it won't break your budget, and give you some good pieces.
posted by naxosaxur at 11:38 PM on May 19, 2005

I used to work at a fashion magazine that regularly used stuff from Fragments in photo shoots. They offer really unusual and often stunning pieces in your price range done by up-and-coming designers. There's a location in SoHo and one on Madison Ave.

Also, it depends on your personal style, but I myself really like Beads of Paradise, where you can buy jewelry already made from the African beads, stones and amulets they sell.
posted by GrammarMoses at 8:49 AM on May 20, 2005

Do Kham, 51 Prince St., east of Lafayette, is a Tibetan store and has pictures of all sorts of celebrities (Nicole Kidman) wearing their beautiful jewlery. I wore a stone necklace of theirs to my graduation. Also Tibetan, Pema has great jewlery.

Those two are my favorites, but search nymetro.com as their descriptions and recommendations are very reliable.
posted by scazza at 12:16 PM on May 20, 2005

I just got back from my trip to Miami and NYC, and wanted to say: thanks, all, for the help!
posted by yankeefog at 5:03 AM on June 2, 2005