Jewelry Shopping In New York City
Few places in the world can rival with jewelry shopping in the Big Apple. New York City not only houses the boutiques from some of the most esteemed names in Haute Joaillerie from the continent but is also home to America’s own major league of jewelers. Their popularity has made it that they even have been included in pop-culture, such as in Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend” or the iconic movie “Breakfast At Tiffany’s.” When you find yourself shopping for jewelry in New York City, make sure to include the following places:
Harry Winston, 718 Fifth Avenue (temporarily located at 701 Fifth Avenue)
Harry Winston’s name will be forever connected to the most famous gemstone in the world: the Hope Diamond. Harry Winston bought the diamond in 1949 and donated it to the Smithsonian Institute in 1958, where this rare 45.52-carat blue diamond is on permanent display. It is no surprise that the highest quality of diamonds takes center stage in the collection of Harry Winston, used in avant-garde creations, or one of the designs inspired by the long history of the brand. Normally they would welcome you at 718 Fifth Avenue, but this flagship boutique is currently closed for renovations, but their temporary boutique at 701 Fifth Avenue leaves very little to be desired!
Cartier, 653 Fifth Avenue
Cartier recently completed the renovation of their flagship boutique in New York, which has been their home since 1917. They bought the house from Morton F. Plant, who build the house, for $100,- in cash and a double-stranded necklace of natural pearls. An impressive 44.100 square feet offers the finest jewelry La Maison has to offer. This includes several private rooms for VIP clients, as well as one to showcase Cartier’s diamond collection. While it has nearly the entire jewelry, and watch collection, of Cartier on display, this is also the place where you can order custom-made pieces, or purchase one of the select vintage pieces offered by the brand.
Jacob & Co, 48 East 57th Street
Another name in Haute Joaillerie that has made a distinct mark on New York City is Jacob Arabo. Better known as Jacob the Jeweller, he is mainly known for his expressive designs, custom made for the world’s hottest stars. He often uses rare colored diamonds to create one of a kind works of art. Jacob & Co is a brand that is able to design without constraints, resulting in collections that are distinctly different from each other, yet united in their originality and extremely high level of craftsmanship.
Tiffany, 727 Fifth Avenue
Tiffany’s, or officially Tiffany & Co, has become a household name throughout the world. This is in part due to their collaboration with famous designers such as Paloma Picasso and Jean Schlumberger, their highly successful line of Sterling Silver items, but also their impressive jewelry lines. While the brand is an expert in diamonds, Tiffany can also be credited for bringing Tanzanite, a beautiful blue gemstone, to fame. Since the first Super Bowl in 1967, they have also been making the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Visiting their boutique at 727 Fifth Avenue is still as exciting as when Audrey Hepburn visited it in “Breakfast At Tiffany’s,” with choices galore!
de Grisogono, 824 Madison Avenue
Founder Fawaz Gruosi of de Grisogono has always had a passion for gemstones and is in particular known for his love for black diamonds. Even today they can be found in many of the original and expressive designs of the brand. But also colorless diamonds are embedded in the brand’s DNA. One of the largest D-color flawless diamonds in the world, weighing 163.41-carat is now part of a stunning asymmetric necklace by the brand. Gruosi loves to combine these diamonds with emeralds, as he believes that the color green brings good luck.
Graff, 710 Madison Avenue
Diamonds also rule at 710 Madison Avenue, where Graff resides. The brand is known for buying and cutting some of the worlds most important diamonds, such as the Graff Pink, Lesotho Promise, and Delaire Sunrise. Next to that they also have an extensive jewelry collection, combining beautiful diamond pave settings with top-quality emeralds, sapphires and rubies. Especially the Graff Icon collection, as well as their creations with butterflies, are quite popular, as well as their extensive bridal collection.
