Deep in #
Gift #8: The Family Jewels
So I may not have a safe full of “the family jewels” to give you but I do have the secret treasure map to tell you where to find them. If you walk down Spring Street in Soho there is a cute boutique named Wink that is very popular. When you pause at the entry you’ll notice they share the doorway with another store— a store that truly is a hidden gem— Atelier Minyon. The store doesn’t jump out at you with gaudy baubles and doesn’t scream bling but when you take a minute and look around you will find some of the most amazing pieces of jewelry you have seen in modern America. The jewelry in this shop is all handmade, by Turkish designers who craft heirloom quality pieces. Every piece is unique and though some pieces may have multiple versions there are no two items that are exactly alike. What is even better? Their line of custom pieces (my favorite) is what really will blow you away. Each piece could have been pulled from the Rockefeller, Astor, Mortimer, or Hearst family’s private collection. These unique baubles have a vintage, old family money feel yet have a price point that is refreshingly affordable.
Today’s “Fashionista Favorite”
Althea Harper, the young- extremely talented- designer fresh off Season 6 in the famed Project Runway series, has a few things on her wish list this year and she was happy to share with us…maybe her wish list will give you some inspiration in case you are having trouble dreaming up something to covet for the holidays. Moncler Audrey Wool Coat-A trip for two to Thailand-A free website renovation-A cute little Pug (with an on call dog walker!)-Haute Hippe sequin jacket-Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo Pumps-Donna Karan Belted Cross-Front Jersey Dress-Some denim from Urban Outfitters (they have the best fit w/ a little stretch)-Reebok Easytones-The entire Diane Von Furstenberg for H.Stern jewlery collection…have any of these in your Santa bag? Maybe you could trade her for one of her beautiful designs.
Check out her line HERE.
The Holiday Gifting Calendar: Day #8
The Family Jewels
About the line: Now let me clarify, this isn’t Sears, you aren’t going to go in and pick up a .00001 carat diamond necklace for $29.99. However you might pick up an enormous vintage green amethyst set with rubies and emeralds for $2,800. This ring would easily cost four times this much-or more- at Barney’s, 4510 or Bergdorf Goodman. (picture above, bottom-center) Have a little more loose change lying around, upgrade to this stunning ring featuring a 35.44 carat cushion cut emerald, set in white gold and surrounded by diamonds for $42,700. (ummm….Tiger, this is for you….well at least for the “first day of Christmas.”)
Another option? Do you have your own diamonds, jewels, gold or platinum? Bring them in and they can work with you to create an individual piece for you to start your own family heirloom collection. I love the story of they told me about a wedding ring they created not too long ago. A young couple was destined to marry, and the groom-to-be proposed with a paper-clip ring. Wearing her endearing paper-clip ring, the soon-to-be bride brought some of her own jewels to Atelier Minyon and had them create this beautiful one of a kind piece to for her matrimonial ring. The most charming part of the story is how moved the shop owner was when telling this story. As I have written before, jewelry to me is art. And jewelry with a story makes that art even more valuable. It’s not often you find people with the same admiration for the story behind the piece as for the monetary value of the piece.
The creative mind behind Atelier Minyon is designer Alp Sangnak. A Turkish native, Alp has a natural eye for beautiful designs and the benefit being born into a family that’s been in the jewelry business for more than 20 years. He is the secret behind not only the original designs and the quality workmanship but also the budget friendly prices his pieces boast. You see there is no middleman. The company is a partnership between an American business executive and a Turkish jeweler, a brilliant combination. So the jewelry comes from the workshop in Turkey to you. Of course I recommend going to directly to Atelier Minyon for your next jewelry purchase or custom design piece but I have to share a word for the wholesalers out there.
Mark Nyman and Alp Sangnak
Atelier Minyon has one of the best features in their wholesale program I have ever encountered. When you place a wholesale order you have the option of exchanging any of the merchandise that does not sell in your shop. So you can find the right mix of merchandise for your clientele without the risk of being “stuck” with merchandise. It also allows you to appear to have a steady flow of fresh pieces without the risk of having to hold on to stale merchandise. Atelier Minyon wants their items to sell well in your store so they are committed to working with you to find the right selection. What’s even better is the Atelier Minyon designers are constantly creating designs and adding wonderful new pieces to their collection.
The selection in the intimate boutique includes everything from Chrome Hearts style skulls, keys and spiderweb pieces to full fledged Elizabeth Taylor worthy red carpet jewels. I’m a sucker for giant statement pieces of jewelry so it’s not surprising that I am enamoured by this diamond necklace and earring set that was recently featured in Conde Nast Traveler. Another favorite of mine is the Duvak collection, a line of bracelets inspired by the old tradition of the wedding bracelet. These gold bracelets feel like the material is almost a fabric and the way they lay flat makes them appear almost like a belt for the wrist. I hope someday one of these amazing bracelets will be in my private collection.
What I’d like: Umm, yeah this is a new category I thought I’d add in case any of you were looking to buy me an outrageously generous gift this year. So here are my top picks in no particular order.
#1- Emerald and Diamond Ring
#2- Rose Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
#3- Amethyst, Ruby and Emerald Cocktail Ring
#4- Gold Duvak Wedding Bracelet
I’ve created an album featuring some of my favorite pieces and I know you will love perusing the stunning designs. Maybe this isn’t recession friendly enough for you this year but trust me this is a name you want to remember. Check it out HERE.
Where to Buy: In New York City, stop by Atelier Minyon 155 Spring Street New York, NY 10012 or contact the store directly and speak with Erin or Mark, they would love to help you find or design the piece that is right for you. They can also direct you to retailers around the country who carry their line and for wholesalers they can take your order and get these amazing pieces into your store just in time for the holidays. Phone 646.478.7220 (Be sure to tell them you read about them on SocietyStylist.com and tell them Valerie Elizabeth says hi!!!) Join Atelier Minyon on Facebook. Follow Atelier Minyon on Twitter.
Erin O’Sullivan and Mark Nyman
Price: $160+
Ideal for: A giftor with a little extra to share this season and a giftee with an appreciation for the beautiful artistic design and story behind this line and the piece you select.
