At Last
What customers love and hate about jewelry and the retail experience
-- JCK Online, 9/1/2009 2:00:00 AM
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE JEWELRY DESIGNER?
My favorite new designer is Nina Basharova. She has a unique sensibility—witty, classic, fun, and vibrant—that is reflected in her jewelry. It speaks to many contemporary women, including me. I love her Barbed Wire collection.
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF JEWELRY?
A delicately wrought silver and amethyst pendant I bought in Nova Scotia when I was 9. I still have it.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN JEWELRY PURCHASES?
I prefer unique, boldly designed yet timeless pieces, both new and vintage. I collect cocktail rings from all over the world, most with large colored stones, and vintage watches. I also love pendants.
HAS MOST OF YOUR JEWELRY BEEN RECEIVED AS A GIFT OR DO YOU BUY IT FOR YOURSELF?
A combination. I add something to my own collection each year. My husband has surprised me with pieces I wouldn’t have thought of buying myself, like a striking ring and pendant from Robert Lee Morris’s Andy Warhol line.
WHAT PIECE OF JEWELRY MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?
My engagement ring. The diamond is from my husband’s grandmother’s ring. He was very close to his grandparents as a child and growing up. When they died, they left the stone to their daughter-in-law, my husband’s mother. When he told her he was planning to marry me, she gave it to him to give to me. I think of all that love every time I look at it.
WHAT PIECE THAT YOU BOUGHT FOR YOURSELF MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?
A fabulous [vintage] 11.00 ct. t.w. emerald-cut amethyst and gold ring from the 1970s. It was my first major jewelry purchase for myself, right after Sept. 11, when consumers were encouraged to go downtown and buy something. That’s what I bought.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE JEWELRY STORE, OR PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY?
Doyle & Doyle, Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman.
WHAT ENCOURAGES YOU TO BECOME A REPEAT CUSTOMER AT A RETAIL STORE?
Unique, thoughtfully edited, well-made pieces combined with good service for resizing and repairs.
WHAT MAKES YOU LEAVE A STORE AND NEVER RETURN?
Jewelry that isn’t my taste or unhelpful salespeople, particularly those who won’t size a ring to 5¾ (my size).
IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT, WHAT PIECE OF JEWELRY WOULD YOU BUY?
A 3.00 ct. t.w. flawless pink diamond.
An exec for a nonprofit loves new and vintage pieces, bold and uncommon designs, and gemstone cocktail rings.
