A Jewelry Lover’s Day on NYC’s Upper East Side
The upper east side of New York City is a unique place. It is clearly a very well-to-do area, yet it’s more of a restrained, luxurious ambience. (as opposed to, say, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills). Picture women with a chic bob, blazer, and Chanel ballet flats, affluent young moms pushing prams in their yoga gear, and men in navy suits having a business lunch. I spent a wonderful afternoon on a jewelry tour, starting up on 80th Street and walking south. Here’s my itinerary of my favorite stores, listed in geographical order.
FD Gallery, 26 East 80th Street
Talk about shopping in a museum-like gallery where everything is for sale! The front room features collections including the likes of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. The middle section had more antique selections from earlier eras, and the back room showcased both vintage and new designers. I worked with Pilar, and she could not have been friendlier.
I spent a wonderful afternoon on a jewelry tour, starting up on 80th Street and walking south. Here’s my itinerary of my favorite stores, listed in geographical order.
Sidney Garber, 998 Madison Avenue
After a delicious lunch at Sant Ambroeus, I enjoyed exploring Sidney’s boutique. He is a contemporary jeweler, and I am a lucky owner of a couple of his pieces. The house is now run by his daughter, Brooke, and she carries on his wonderful tradition. One reason I am proud to support this brand is that they give 100% of their profits to causes such as children’s mental health and ending gun violence. I tried on a cat ring that is still haunting me.
One reason I am proud to support this brand is that they give 100% of their profits to causes such as children’s mental health and ending gun violence.
Stephen Russell, 970 Madison Avenue
Stephen’s friendly smile greeted me when entering his luxurious corner boutique. I knew I had to explore when I saw a captivating Retro bracelet with the largest star sapphire cabochon I’ve ever seen gleaming in the window. With both estate and new pieces, it’s no wonder that this is a jewelry destination for people from around the globe. Stephen generously spent time with me, and I got to try on an outstanding Belperron bypass ring and a necklace from Alexander Calder. Never have I ever had an opportunity like this!
David Webb, 942 Madison Avenue
I have a coffee table book about David Webb, and its pages are getting worn from all the time I’ve spent looking at his absolutely fantabulous designs. In my opinion, his work is the epitome of bold, dynamic jewelry, often featuring carved gemstones, enamel, and pieces with an animal motif. Every piece is made on site since the house began in 1948. I tried on quite a few pieces on my visit, and each left my jaw hitting the floor. The carved rock crystal bracelets really tugged at my heart.
Macklowe Gallery, 445 Park Avenue
At 57th Street, I cut over one block to Park Avenue to visit Macklowe Gallery, home to jewelry and a tremendous selection of Tiffany lamps and Art Nouveau pieces. The president and son of the founder, Ben, greeted me at the door and immediately made me feel at home. As a Pisces, I fell head over heels for a large VCA gold and malachite Pisces pendant. I was also privileged to see a group of Seaman Schepps earrings which had just arrived. I was truly impressed with the range they offer in both vintage and antique jewelry.
While these are certainly not the only jewelry stores in the area, they were my favorites I visited, and I think you’d love them too. Want to see more of my NYC picks? Become a member of The Curated Shopper to be in the know!
