22B E. Andrews Dr., Atlanta
by Caroline Eubanks
Over the course of a few years, the image of Atlanta’s uptown Buckhead district has gone from art galleries to dive bars to luxury apartments. But the strip of shops on East Andrews Drive has remained constant—a flagship of the area’s retail community. Longtime Atlanta resident Kelly Wolff opened her jewelry and accessory boutique Hunter Collective in the neighborhood a little over two years ago. The location—Wolff says she’s on her “dream street”—attracts a mix of clientele including loyal Buckhead locals and visitors from nearby hotels like the St. Regis.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Wolff got her start at age 15, working retail on weekends before entering commercial real estate as an adult. “I leased space to girls who had great boutiques, and I used to always tell them, ‘I’m going to be you one day!’?” she recalls. She’d always loved jewelry—a passion she inherited from her grandmother (along with some of her favorite pieces). And now, Wolff has passed that love down to her 20-something daughter, Taylor, who works at Hunter part-time. “We just got back from New York,” Wolff says of a recent buying trip. “We push each other to look at different things and think about pieces that maybe didn’t appeal to one of us at first and then became something we loved.”
Natural Vibes
The 1,200-square-foot space is designed in natural tones with pops of color, such as matching vintage couches re-covered in bright pink—elegant, but not too formal (there’s no buzzer to announce your arrival). “We wanted it to be the little jewelry store around the corner—friendly and welcoming and inviting,” she says. Local design firm Parker Kennedy brought in antique furnishings to help carry out the airy and feminine aesthetic. The displays are a mix of natural and modern, with reclaimed driftwood, painted antlers, crystal geodes, and custom wood and acrylic cases—“anything that will make jewelry pop,” Wolff says.
Designer Finds
When looking for jewelry to stock in the store, Wolff goes on instinct—and aims for items you won’t find in other shops around town. “One of our favorite designers is Rona Pfeiffer, Michelle Pfeiffer’s sister-in-law,” she says. “When I went to my first buying trip in New York, she happened to be in New York too. We had this lovely meeting.” Her exotic Old World–style diamond jewels have become quite popular with Wolff’s shoppers, many of whom now collect Pfeiffer’s pieces. A few of the other brands Hunter Collective features: the black and white diamond pavé–heavy Julieri; the 14k gold and colored stone–filled Kalan by Suzanne Kalan; and the yellow gold crownwork styles of Ray Griffiths.
Also in Store
Hunter Collective has its own collection—“mostly sterling silver and pavé diamond pieces”—of pendants, rings, and other essentials, ranging from $75 (for tiny pavé studs) to $6,500 (pavé link necklaces). “The most popular price point is about $800,” says Wolff of the New York–made line. “It’s all fine, but the price points are a little easier.” You’ll also find gift-friendly items such as picture frames and clothing from brands including Raquel Allegra (think tunic-style tops and flowy dresses). Says Wolff: “You don’t need jewelry every day, but sometimes you need other things.”
Photographs by Andrew Thomas Lee