inexpensive jewelry

November 5, 2007 10:49 AM

Best place in Chicago to buy tasteful yet inexpensive jewelry?

My girlfriend and I are celebrating our one year (dating) anniversary, and I want to get her a commemorative, inexpensive piece of jewelry to go along with a spa package. Any recommendations on where to look in Chicago? Price range: $100 - $200.

note to mod: this is anonymous because my girlfriend knows my account name and I don't want to give away the surprise.

posted by anonymous to clothing, beauty, & fashion (11 answers total)

Pistachio, behind the Westfield on Michigan avenue. They have artsy, beautiful jewelry made from unusual materials. It's a little avant guard though.

I also like Chicago Charm (in the Westfield) for some interesting pieces. Not as edgy as Pistachio, but good quality and workmanship.
posted by beezy at 11:09 AM on November 5, 2007

Try Handmade Market, which is hosting their next event on Saturday Nov. 10. The vendors there have great stuff -- most of it is one of a kind and all of it is hand crafted.
posted by ScottUltra at 11:24 AM on November 5, 2007

There's a really nice consignment shop on Oak Street--sorry I can't think of the name--that has lots of unique and beautiful vintage pieces. A lot of them run into the seriously expensive price range, but they have a number of pretty things in the couple hundred dollar range. I don't know your girl's style at all, but failing that, Tiffany's upstairs is all in the couple hundred dollar range.
posted by crush-onastick at 11:25 AM on November 5, 2007

(and when I say Oak Street, I mean the east part, by the Mag Mile where the posh shops are).
posted by crush-onastick at 11:30 AM on November 5, 2007

I believe they may only ship their products, but they are based out of Chicago.

For my wife, I order hand-made and repurposed jewelry from Sweet Thunder. From what I can tell it's all made by one lady, and she's super nice.
posted by clunkyrobot at 12:08 PM on November 5, 2007

It probably depends on her tastes more than anything. She might like something handmade from a craft fair, or something edgier from the Alley, or one of the silver pieces from Tiffany's, many of which are in your price range. (I've had my eye on the silver lock ring for ages.) Tiffany's might be a solid bet just for the appeal of the blue box, but if you have browsing time, I've found lots of unique jewelry in various small boutiques throughout the more shoppy neighborhoods (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square, etc). Sorry I don't have anything more specific for you, Anonymous.
posted by Metroid Baby at 12:08 PM on November 5, 2007

renegade handmade, 1924 w. division (wicker park): (reader review)
posted by boygirlparty at 12:23 PM on November 5, 2007

I sell handmade jewelry, real coral, turquoise, carnelian, onyx necklaces with matching earrings for $30 to $40 a set, shipping however you want it, basically $6 bucks, which includes an organza drawstring pouch and gift box. These are necklaces that go for about $120-$200 and up in boutiques. You say how long you would like it, can scan and email you an image of the necklace before shipping it.

Branch coral, turquoise, jasper and pearl l coral chunks and turquoise l onyx, carnelian, opaline glass l coral - all with matching earrings.

Basically, if you Google the kind of necklace or earrings you would like I can mostly likely likely get it for you in the $40 to $100 range.

If interested, send a MetaMail.
posted by nickyskye at 12:30 PM on November 5, 2007

I think the Art Institute has some pretty cool stuff. Otherwise etsy.com is great for jewelry.
posted by B-squared at 2:55 PM on November 5, 2007

You know, depending on what she is in to, you could get her a sterling piece from Tiffiany & Co for that price range.

Also, nthing the art museums.

If the internet is an option, the one piece of jewelry that I always get compliments is one my husband got me from Superhero. She's raised her prices lately, but I love the necklaces.
posted by dpx.mfx at 3:04 PM on November 5, 2007

And wow, that sweet thunder link has some neat stuff.
posted by dpx.mfx at 3:06 PM on November 5, 2007