The simplest way to transition your style between seasons involves upgrading your accessory game. The hardest part is finding the cheapest and best shops in NYC to snatch up those precious metals. It’s easy to track down costume jewels or cheap necklaces for $10 at NYC’s department stores. But nestled inside boutiques and gift shops is where the true gems lie—pun intended. Whether you’re hunting for presents, an engagement ring or something pretty and shiny for yourself, you’ll find the trendiest offerings at any of New York’s best jewelry shops below.
In 2005, Jennifer Fisher designed her first piece of jewelry—a dog tag representing the birth of her son—and since then, Fisher’s jewels have been gaining popularity. Her most recent collection centers around balls and knots tied into solid gold and silver chokers ($350), cuffs ($435) and rings ($140).
The jewelry designer who started out selling his designs from a humble Soho street stall now has three shops to show off his sculptural designs, including his Moonlight Panther ring ($275) and Rocky cluster cuffs ($445). All are handcrafted in his Brooklyn atelier.
This cult-favorite Williamsburg joint specializes in local designers, but sources from all over the world. You’ll find baubles from designers such as Digby + Iona, Bittersweets NY and Polly Wales, but its namesake line features stackable rings (starting at $20), delicate chain bracelets (starting at $32), and plenty of cute motif pieces adorned with moons, stars and evil eye.
What began as a stress-relieving hobby for this jeweler quickly merged into two NYC stores and a cult following for the designer’s popular styles. The namesake collection (all priced under $200) features items like Arrow rings ($45), Bald Eagle talon necklaces ($70) and Celestial Curve earrings ($30).
Brooklyn jeweler Freida Rothman opened her first flagship boutique in September 2014 in Nolita. Historical and medieval influences—and a little help from her son—inspired Rothman’s current collection as well as her favorite piece, the Metropolitan Shield necklace ($595), which resembles a knight’s shield but was made for a queen. Standouts from her recent collection include the Mercer cross necklace ($650), Paisley stud earrings ($70) and the Slice pavé open cuff ($140).
Clueless dudes looking to become grooms should put this shop on their radar. The sister duo that runs the store can help you pick out the perfect engagement ring (starting at $1,725) or Valentine’s Day gift for a reasonable price ($100–$2,000).
This boutique’s assortment of edgy, offbeat and one-of-a-kind necklaces, rings and bracelets aren’t exactly wallet-friendly, but still cheaper than Tiffany’s or Cartier. Check out any New York location (one located in the LES and the Hamptons) for contemporary pieces like sterling-silver skull stud earrings by Anthony Lent ($125), wave evil-eye rings by Nick Potash ($375) and small arrowhead necklaces by Manon ($475).
Take a peek around Nora Kogan’s newer (it opened in July 2014) Williamsburg shop, and you’ll find a collection of splurgeworthy, eclectic pieces, like Man Ray’s lip cuff ($585) to, um, sterling-silver boob rings ($490). Kogan’s most recent collection—the theme is bondage but not the kinky kind—comprises handmade rings and one cuff inspired by shibari, an ancient form of Japanese bondage.
Ukrainian model Vera Balyura turned her jewelry-making hobby into a full-time profession, and she marked her success with not one but two boutique locations (East Village and Williamsburg). Balyura’s unique recycled silver, brass, copper and 14-karat gold pieces serve as an ode to all creatures, both fictional (like mermaids and vampires) and those found in nature (such as deer and elephants). The edgy but delicate and detailed collection ranges from Bone rings ($58–$78) and Dirty Kitty necklaces ($98–$148) to Emoji rings ($22–$24).
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