By Kirsti Correa and Sharon Stello
Sitting on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in Midtown since October 1940, Tiffany & Co.’s flagship shop is a world-renowned destination. Diagonally across the street from Tiffany’s is also the longstanding New York City flagship of Van Cleef & Arpels; the jeweler opened its doors just two years later in 1942. From the outside, both shops maintain their art deco aesthetic, and even more visual splendor is experienced inside with an array of impressive and expertly crafted pieces. This intersection alone speaks volumes of the type of jewelry to be found in Manhattan: timeless.
All along Fifth Avenue, peruse the luxury offerings from the likes of Cartier, Harry Winston and De Beers Diamond Jewellers. One street over, Madison Avenue is home to wearable works of art. Brilliant diamonds, rubies and sapphires are used to transform whimsical items like phoenix pendants and serpent rings into pieces that can be worn season after season.
While these two streets are the main thoroughfares for shopping, not-to-be-missed jewelers are also hidden in other locales. Heading south to trendy areas of Manhattan like the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and Tribeca, boutiques like Doyle & Doyle are a testament to the everlasting quality of vintage heirlooms. The one-of-a-kind items found in these storefronts in Midtown and the Meatpacking District defy time and will be en vogue for lifetimes to come.
1. Efva Attling
“Efva Attling is an amazing Scandinavian jewelry designer that has thoughtful pieces, which definitely make a statement,” says Tim Markman, lead concierge at The Standard, High LIne. (36 Little W. 12th St.; 212-510-7071; efvaattling.com)
2. Kara Ross
Necklaces, bracelets and rings take a whimsical turn in the award-winning designer’s only eponymous boutique. (655 Madison Ave.; 212-755-8100; kararossny.com)
3. Reinstein/Ross
“Reinstein/Ross … also has a gallery space to exhibit progressive works,” Markman says. “They can customize their beautiful pieces to anyone’s taste.” (30 Gansevoort St.; 212-226-4513; reinsteinross.com)
3. Lalique
“Of French heritage, Lalique specializes in an array of men’s and women’s wearable jewelry with exclusive collaborations with today’s artists,” says Linda Pham, attache at The Quin. “In addition to jewelry, they also feature collections of interior design, bridal [rings], perfumes and art pieces. Their designs range from simple elegance to intricate cuts and stone arrangements, each with a distinct character of their own.” (609 Madison Ave.; 212-355-6550; lalique.com)
4. Kwiat
“We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” Pham says. “Kwiat houses an array of traditional [as well as] abstract to out-of-this-world diamond designs. They feature on-site gemologists who will be able to take you on a crash course journey to finding the right gem, cut and setting to suit your preferences. (725 Madison Ave.; 212-725-7777; kwiat.com) C
5. Avakian
Located inside Four Seasons Hotel New York, Avakian features pieces designed and created with rubies, diamonds, emeralds or jade. (57 E. 57th St.; 212-872-1323; avakian.com)
