What Other Jewelry Brands Do You Buy/Wear?

[Deleted member 626500]

I hope you will share an action pic whenever and whatever you decide

is there a reason you don’t wear the VCA Magic, the Tiffany, the mimi, or the Ippolita? are they no longer your taste? I would rather rehome than keep stuff I don’t wear, and my taste tends towards bold, whether in fashion jewelry or fine jewelry.

i mentioned to DH that the Foundrae was rather expensive for a charm necklace, and he laughed and said so is VCA alhambra. It is nice that on a freezing cold day, after breakfast, DH is the kind of person to say, let’s go look at the new jewelry place someone told us about lol. He loves to shop, but he also can spend hours asking questions about clothing or jewelry as design, craft, process, and history. Not to mention the final piece.

He's definitely a keeper.
You know you're in trouble when they say, "Don't you have enough jewelry?"

 

[880]

He's definitely a keeper.
You know you're in trouble when they say, "Don't you have enough jewelry?"

Thank you! I should add that I have relatively few pieces compared to many of you lovely ladies, and I am just starting my foray into fine jewelry. It also helps that I am not as interested in the stratosphere of fine gems as much as metalwork design

also, DH just semi retired, so for many years, when he was working zillions of hours, he did not have the time, the inclination, or to be honest, the wherewithal, to even think of, much less purchase, fancy things . Now, he’s like, what are you doing? Where are you going? Don’t you want my opinionon X,Y,Z, which has it’s own issues lol

hugs

 

[Notorious Pink]

@Notorious Pink
Thanks for sharing your photos... I love that bangle! It's so beautiful. I vote yes.. get the bangle!

Even better than the bangle is the website!
I have not heard of Mitchell's, but I looked at the designers they carry, and they are netaporter.com come to life! They carry so many clothing brands I like. I am sure you can spend hours in that store. You are so lucky.

I also saw the jewelry brands they carry, and they carry Oscar Heyman! Check out those pieces next time you are there. You probably already saw some. Oscar Heyman has exquisite colored gemstones. The Heyman brothers also used to be jewelers creating pieces to the luxury houses including VCA, Cartier, and Tiffany. If you see antique VCA mystery setting pieces, some were actually manufactured by Oscar Heyman with VCA only creating the design.
Oscar Heyman has been trying to get on their own since the houses brought back in-house their manufacturing, but they can't quite seem to hit it big yet (I think some celeb needs to wear one of their pieces to get their name out there). Nevertheless, check out their pieces... their stones are beautiful. As FYI, the Oscar Heyman website is annoying as you have to email to ask for prices on many pieces. The catalog is better as you can hover over and see the details including price. Check them out:
Here is the link to their online catalog: Catalog - Oscar Heyman

Thank you for sharing this website. I'm going to check out what they have that netaporter.com does not.

Thank you!!!

So, Mitchell's was a local boutique in Huntington (about an 8 minute drive for me) called Marsh's, which was purchased maybe 20 years ago. Prior to that they owned two boutiques in CT (Greenwich and Westport - they also carried Hermès before the Greenwich H boutique opened). Marsh's had previously been a men's store. I'm guessing that it was chosen for a variety of reasons, including that one of the Mitchell sons, Chris, lives nearby (his kids go to school with my younger son). He's always there running it. And remember my former SA from Manhasset Hermès runs the women's department at the boutique, so it's like spending time with a friend when I go in.

Since then they've added boutiques in SF, Palo Alto (both Wilkes Bashford), Seattle, Portland, and Tigard, OR (all Mario's). The thing is, each boutique is different - not every boutique carries everything. If you look at any item online, it will show the store(s) where its located. They will absolutely bring anything in from another store (although I personally refrain from requesting things located in the west coast stores), and I have had pieces brought in directly from the designers if the stores didn't have it (notably a Bogner ski jacket I saw in the Gorsuch catalog but wanted to try first). They have some very solid relationships, and during lockdown they had these fun zoom sessions with jewelry designers (I spent a fabulous hour enjoying a presentation and Q&A session with Temple St Clair!).

So....no Oscar Heyman at the boutique. Mitchell's is relatively small compared to the CT stores (and by that I mean the women's section is probably at least 3-4000sf, but the CT shops have multiple floors and a massive jewelry counter). They always have a presence of certain designers - Temple, Nam Cho, some Kwiat. They've brought in more Bruni for me, but not as much Stephen Webster as they used to. They will cycle some designers in and out, like Pomellato and Paolo Costagli (who I met at the Greenwich boutique). But, like I said, they will bring anything in.They pride themselves on their customer service (full coffee/snack bar, tv, water/beverage service). I love going to look, but yeah, they make it very easy to buy.

I do love Oscar Heyman and I agree about the website - thank you for the tip!!!

Also, unfortunately, they have far more physical inventory than they show online. Maybe 1/2 their inventory is online.

I will keep you all posted on the earrings.

Do you have suggestions for brands to check out at London Jewelers? They have such a fantastic selection but it can be overwhelming!

Do you mean in person or online? Because there is so much they don't have online. Usually when I go, I first go to VCA ("just to look"), then to the main salon and just walk around. The thing is, they will put some very pretty things in the Two salon as well.
For TDF pieces, head to the back wall of the main salon where all the big diamonds and serious gemstones are. Once you've been there a few times, you'll see it doesn't take much time to take a look at all the showcases in the main salon, and peek at Bulgari, too. The designers are just interspersed all around, and honestly I love the London designs as well -

 

[Yodabest]

Thank you!!!

So, Mitchell's was a local boutique in Huntington (about an 8 minute drive for me) called Marsh's, which was purchased maybe 20 years ago. Prior to that they owned two boutiques in CT (Greenwich and Westport - they also carried Hermès before the Greenwich H boutique opened). Marsh's had previously been a men's store. I'm guessing that it was chosen for a variety of reasons, including that one of the Mitchell sons, Chris, lives nearby (his kids go to school with my younger son). He's always there running it. And remember my former SA from Manhasset Hermès runs the women's department at the boutique, so it's like spending time with a friend when I go in.

Since then they've added boutiques in SF, Palo Alto (both Wilkes Bashford), Seattle, Portland, and Tigard, OR (all Mario's). The thing is, each boutique is different - not every boutique carries everything. If you look at any item online, it will show the store(s) where its located. They will absolutely bring anything in from another store (although I personally refrain from requesting things located in the west coast stores), and I have had pieces brought in directly from the designers if the stores didn't have it (notably a Bogner ski jacket I saw in the Gorsuch catalog but wanted to try first). They have some very solid relationships, and during lockdown they had these fun zoom sessions with jewelry designers (I spent a fabulous hour enjoying a presentation and Q&A session with Temple St Clair!).

So....no Oscar Heyman at the boutique. Mitchell's is relatively small compared to the CT stores (and by that I mean the women's section is probably at least 3-4000sf, but the CT shops have multiple floors and a massive jewelry counter). They always have a presence of certain designers - Temple, Nam Cho, some Kwiat. They've brought in more Bruni for me, but not as much Stephen Webster as they used to. They will cycle some designers in and out, like Pomellato and Paolo Costagli (who I met at the Greenwich boutique). But, like I said, they will bring anything in.They pride themselves on their customer service (full coffee/snack bar, tv, water/beverage service). I love going to look, but yeah, they make it very easy to buy.

I do love Oscar Heyman and I agree about the website - thank you for the tip!!!

Also, unfortunately, they have far more physical inventory than they show online. Maybe 1/2 their inventory is online.

I will keep you all posted on the earrings.



Do you mean in person or online? Because there is so much they don't have online. Usually when I go, I first go to VCA ("just to look"), then to the main salon and just walk around. The thing is, they will put some very pretty things in the Two salon as well.
For TDF pieces, head to the back wall of the main salon where all the big diamonds and serious gemstones are. Once you've been there a few times, you'll see it doesn't take much time to take a look at all the showcases in the main salon, and peek at Bulgari, too. The designers are just interspersed all around, and honestly I love the London designs as well -

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Thank you!!! Yes I meant in person! I’ll likely be there this week. I always feel like a tourist at one of those fancy jewelry stores on the islands there because I don’t know where to begin I usually stick to VCA and Cartier where I’m extremely loyal, in fact just made some fun purchases there during champions in December.

 

[DS2006]

They look great together. Such old-world glamour! Beautiful! Modshot please?
I certainly understand if you don't want to do a modshot.
I wouldn't as I'm shy, so I truly appreciate seeing modshots of others!

Gorgeous locket and chain!

Thank you! I have a hard time getting a decent modeling shot, but here is my attempt!

 

[EpiFanatic]

Thank you! I have a hard time getting a decent modeling shot, but here is my attempt!

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Truly lovely and a great match to your vca. And I love your RING…

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you! I have a hard time getting a decent modeling shot, but here is my attempt!

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So gorgeous... everything! It goes great with your bracelet.
I love the locket, and my eyes goes there first. Your chain also catches the eye. It is so beautiful and quite striking. Not your usual link chain for sure! Beautiful pieces! Thanks for sharing!

 

[rosebean]

Adding a picture of my new Temple St. Clair necklace with a VCA friend! I think they work together due to both having beading and obviously wouldn't be worn close together.

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congrats! love the details of the TSC, very intriguing and sophisticated!

 

[Yodabest]

Thank you! I have a hard time getting a decent modeling shot, but here is my attempt!

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What a beautiful combination!

 

[cayman718]

Does anyone own or have looked into Margot McKinney’s pieces? I’ve been eyeing her creations for a while. She does stunning work with Australian opals, colored gemstones and pearls. Her pieces are kaleidoscopes of color invoking the sparkling waters of the sea. I’ve been having so much fun drooling over her website, a few pics below.

Coloured Stones

It is the exuberance of Margot’s approach that strikes the first-time observer. An unfettered freedom of colour and texture, expressed in a kaleidoscope of the finest quality gemstones. She will often arrange her choice of gems around the hero of her design – an opal, pearl or large gemstone –...

margotmckinney.com

@880 I can totally see the Opal Isle cuff on you and the pink spinel and pearl earrings on @Notorious Pink.

Another designer I’ve eyed for a long time is Coomi. She also does beautiful work with colored gemstones, especially paraibas and emeralds @BigAkoya.

I would love to hear about any experiences TPFers have had with items from these designers.

 

[880]

Thank you! I have a hard time getting a decent modeling shot, but here is my attempt!

View attachment 5306081

Beautiful ! And so is the necklace

@cayman718, thank you for thinking of me! The colors are so gorgeous! Wow!
JMO, the prices for some gorgeous items containing Keshi or freshwater pearls seem relatively high compared to some mixed pearl and semi precious designs on the Verdura site).

i know very little about spinel, except it’s beautiful, and I am hoping to learn more.

 

[BigAkoya]

Does anyone own or have looked into Margot McKinney’s pieces? I’ve been eyeing her creations for a while. She does stunning work with Australian opals, colored gemstones and pearls. Her pieces are kaleidoscopes of color invoking the sparkling waters of the sea. I’ve been having so much fun drooling over her website, a few pics below.

Coloured Stones

It is the exuberance of Margot’s approach that strikes the first-time observer. An unfettered freedom of colour and texture, expressed in a kaleidoscope of the finest quality gemstones. She will often arrange her choice of gems around the hero of her design – an opal, pearl or large gemstone –...

margotmckinney.com

View attachment 5306349View attachment 5306350View attachment 5306351

@880 I can totally see the Opal Isle cuff on you and the pink spinel and pearl earrings on @Notorious Pink.

Another designer I’ve eyed for a long time is Coomi. She also does beautiful work with colored gemstones, especially paraibas and emeralds @BigAkoya.

I would love to hear about any experiences TPFers have had with items from these designers.

Hi! Thank you for thinking of me! I have not heard of Margot Mckinney, but some of her pieces look nice, so I will check it out.

I have looked at Coomi pieces. Coomi is kind of quirky to me as they try to be a fine jeweler, but they are more what I would call an artistic jeweler. A subtle difference, but an important one. Their designs are very artistic and creative (they have this tribal, South Pacific vibe to me). However, their stones are not the best quality from what I have seen, and the stone is not their primary focus. If you decide to get something Coomi, I would say love it for the design, as I do think some of their designs are very unique.

If you are more focused on the stone (vs. an artsy jewelry design), try Omi Prive. They are a well known brand for colored gemstones, and they win awards all the time. They do a lot of paraibas. I am sure you know from looking at paraibas, the color varies a lot. Most are too pale and not the valued "neon blue turquoise" which those are probably not true paraibas.
Here is their website: Collections - Omi Privé (omiprive.com)
It's another one of those websites like Oscar Heyman that are annoying with "Inquire for Pricing." Here are two pieces to give you an idea of their designs and stone color.
Omi Prive Oval Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Double Halo Ring in Platinum | Borsheims
Omi Prive Platinum 4.17ct Pear Shape Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Ring – Moyer Fine Jewelers

One warning on paraibas in case you are not aware...
A "paraiba" by its gem name is a cuprian elbiate tourmaline. Only stones that come from Paraiba, Brazil are true paraibas (hence the name). They are neon blue, they glow like they are radioactive. You can't miss it when you see one, and after you have seen one, you want no other. Many dealers use the name paraiba very loosely, and you are actually getting a stone from Africa. A true paraiba is only from Brazil, and it commands a high price. "Paraibas" from Africa are not what the trade would call a true paraiba, and African stones, while still expensive, do not command the high dollar a true Brazilian Paraiba does. The African stone color is still beautiful, but one should not overpay for an African stone thinking it's a true Brazilian paraiba. If you plan to spend a lot of money on a paraiba, I highly recommend you get one that is certified or get the stone certified. Country of origin matters. This is similar to Burma rubies vs. Mozambique rubies; there is a big difference in price based on the country of origin.

Here is a good high level explanation of Paraibas. A true Paraiba is quite rare, so many dealers use the African stones. They are still beautiful, but you should know what you are buying.
PARAÍBA VS. PARAÍBA-TYPE TOURMALINE - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? - Omi Privé (omiprive.com)

Don't get me wrong, African paraibas are not bad stones. There are some very fine African stones (including rubies). Some people do not care about stone origin and characteristics and care more about the artistic design of the jewelry piece (e.g. tons of people love to buy creative jewelry at Art & Craft shows).

For me, I am all about the quality of the stone and country of origin, especially for the pricey stones. The jewelry design is secondary to me, and I have a wide tolerance for say, ring settings, as long as the stone is a fine stone. Hence, my view on Coomi as anytime I see a piece of jewelry with a colored stone, my eye zooms right to the stone. I would categorize Coomi as an artistic creative jewelry company and not as a fine gemstone company. Maybe look at Coomi from that perspective, like a David Yurman or Ippolita, and I think you will appreciate them. As I mentioned though, it's all preference and I share this for another point of view.

P.S. @Notorious Pink this reminded me... I am sure you know this, but just in case... I saw Mitchells carries Omi Prive. However, when I clicked on the website, there were not any pieces. There may be a few in the stores. As you can guess, the pieces are one of a kind. Just FYI.

 

[Notorious Pink]

Thank you!!! Yes I meant in person! I’ll likely be there this week. I always feel like a tourist at one of those fancy jewelry stores on the islands there because I don’t know where to begin I usually stick to VCA and Cartier where I’m extremely loyal, in fact just made some fun purchases there during champions in December.

If you feel overwhelmed, then just do VCA and the main salon. I don't mind just walking around and looking. The SAs are very helpful and they understand people come to look. Enjoy!

If you go Thursday-Saturday, Lafayette 148 is having trunk show. I like their pieces to balance out my Zimmermann stuff. They moved next Tory Burch.

 

[Notorious Pink]

P.S. @Notorious Pink this reminded me... I am sure you know this, but just in case... I saw Mitchells carries Omi Prive. However, when I clicked on the website, there were not any pieces. There may be a few in the stores. As you can guess, the pieces are one of a kind. Just FYI.

Yes, I've seen that. I love Omi Prive, too. I'm sure they have pieces, but not on the website.
There is like a "second layer" website the SAs have access to where I believe they can see all of the inventory. When I go back to visit the earrings I'll see if they have anything.

What's a little sad is that my boutique had a fabulous jewelry specialist who retired during lockdown. She could find out/get anything. They have not replaced her, and I doubt they will, since the jewelry counter is pretty manageable by whomever is there.

 

[Yodabest]

If you feel overwhelmed, then just do VCA and the main salon. I don't mind just walking around and looking. The SAs are very helpful and they understand people come to look. Enjoy!

If you go Thursday-Saturday, Lafayette 148 is having trunk show. I like their pieces to balance out my Zimmermann stuff. They moved next Tory Burch.

Thank you for the heads up!