Where can I find some beady jewelery for mom?

December 22, 2008 5:24 AM

Where in New York can I buy some of that nice-but-inexpensive non-blingy street stall jewelery? Today, that is.

I have a few necklaces that I've bought on the street in Manhattan that my mom really loves, and she's hinted that she would like something similar for Christmas this year. I don't live in NYC, just visit often.

The necklaces I'm talking about are of the chunky-bead variety, brightly colored. I've usually found them just while walking along, always on weekends.
However, now it's a weekday and I'm short on time! Any suggestions for where I might find such stands on a Monday, or of course, a store that sells stuff like that? I'm also looking for something under $30. Obviously I know this isn't some obscure type of item and I'm sure there are a million places I could look, I just don't know where!

I'm currently in Greenpoint, will be traveling to Flushing and the Upper West Side today, but could make a side trip if necessary.

posted by lunasol to Shopping (11 answers total)

If you're going to the UWS, try the open-air market at Columbus Circle (59th Street ACE/1 trains). Some of the jewelry will be a tad more expensive, as it's one of those holiday markets, but there are a lot of vendors who are selling handmade jewelry. And you may find some other things people in your family would like as well.
posted by brina at 6:13 AM on December 22, 2008

There are several of those tables on Seventh Avenue between 34th and 14th. Specifically there is usually one around 16th on the east side of the street. But I know there are more (I walk this route every day).
posted by kimdog at 6:37 AM on December 22, 2008

I'm not positive if junk-store "The Thing" carries jewelry, but you might try going to it while you're in Greenpoint (on Manhattan Ave between Huron and Green (or India and Huron, I forget). There used to be a sister store (which carried nicer items) called "The Vortex" that definitely had jewelry, but it's moved to Williamsburg; 222 Montrose Ave and I haven't been since it moved a few years ago.
posted by apetpsychic at 6:39 AM on December 22, 2008

Greenpoint here. I wouldn't stake much on the Thing, although there's always a chance they'll have everything. A random walk down Manhattan Avenue might work better, but probably not. Better would be the western end of St. Mark's, probably? All the standard city merch is there, and concentrated over 1 block.
posted by zvs at 6:42 AM on December 22, 2008

Try the Union Square outdoor Christmas Market. I've purchased some nice stuff for my wife there in years past. (But lord almighty, dress warm - it's 17˚F out there!)
posted by pianoboy at 7:20 AM on December 22, 2008

One of those stores just opened up in Greenpoint on Manhattan Avenue! It's somewehere between Meserole Ave and Bedford, I'm pretty sure.

(The Thing is a rummage heap these days.)
posted by hermitosis at 7:48 AM on December 22, 2008

Prince street has tons of street vendors selling jewelry. I think also Wooster street has stalls.
posted by pipti at 8:04 AM on December 22, 2008

Seconding the Christmas markets in Union Square and Columbus Circle. Some very lovely stuff on sale. (Also some nice Gluhwein to keep you warm.)
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:45 AM on December 22, 2008

There's a delightful holiday market inside of Chelsea Market (9th b/t 15 & 16) - I got a lot of my holiday shopping knocked out there this past Friday. There's a lot of the jewelry you're looking for there, plus its A) not as crowded as USQ and its indoors so its nice and warm.
posted by allkindsoftime at 10:16 AM on December 22, 2008

when i lived in new york a few years ago, broadway between houston and spring, and prince street between broadway and pretty much the hudson were chockablock with street stalls. some had crap, some had very nice stuff.
posted by thinkingwoman at 2:01 PM on December 22, 2008

Response by poster: Thanks for all the suggestions! I wound up going with the Union Square fair simply because it seemed the easiest on my route. No appropriate necklaces, but I did find some other nice things, so I'm happy. Also, it was warmer inside the fair!
posted by lunasol at 5:15 AM on December 23, 2008