Whether it’s a birthday, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or apology day, jewelry makes for a memorable gift. The receiver will think of you whenever the piece is worn, and some even get passed down through generations. Whether it’s a future family heirloom or fun bit of flash and sass for girls’ nights and date nights, jewelry makes a statement.
The Hamptons are home to a bevy of jewelry shops. Some have extra sparkle. Others are hot spots for funky pieces like feather earrings and seven-strand necklaces sure to turn heads. All are worthy of a visit—check out our list with something for everyone.
London Jewelers
Just as coveted heirlooms change hands without leaving the family, London Jewelers spans more than four generations of Londons and Udells. Charles London opened a small storefront in Glen Cove in 1926, hoping to earn enough to bring his family to the U.S. Today, London Jewelers, now helmed by Mark and Candy Udell, has six locations, including within the iconic Gold Coast Americana Manhasset and on the Main Streets of East Hampton and Southampton. The brands carried inside the shops read like a Rolodex of luxury or a sparkly stroll down Manhattan’s storied Fifth Avenue: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, David Yurman and Hermes. But customers are still treated like family by those fixing timepieces and helping hopeful-but-nervous types choose engagement rings at these still-independently owned jewelry shops.
Mayfair Rocks
19 Main St., East Hampton, 631-629-8444
Lauren Levinson, the curator of collections at this family-run jewelry shop, once styled jewelry for The Sopranos. The cast showed up when the family opened their East Hampton shop in 2000. Even if Edie Falco did roll up today, you might not see her with all the bedazzled pieces inside. Think traditional — but customizable engagement rings — or bold, colorful earrings that put a contemporary twist on a classic chandelier silhouette.
Gorjana
This California-founded jewelry brand, known for its delicate, super feminine chains, bright baubles and casual-yet-classic pieces opens its first Hamptons store May 25. “Southampton is the epitome of Southern California on the East Coast. With the beach, the sunshine and summer fashion trends, we couldn’t be more excited to bring a little piece of Laguna Beach to our first Hamptons store opening just in time for Memorial Day weekend,” said co-founder Gorjana Reidel in statement about the new 1,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar shop. While the opening isn’t quite on time for Mom’s Day, if you nab their fab 14K gold “Mama” necklace, 10% of purchases made online go to fund the non-profit Baby2Baby, which gives diapers, clothing and other much-needed basics to children living in poverty. Now whose mom wouldn’t get behind that?
Jennifer Miller
Jennifer Miller’s shops, with locations on Jobs Street in Southampton and East Hampton’s Main Street, boast an eclectic mix of inventory and clientele. You’ll find chunky and dainty bracelets, anklets (the Y2K fashion is back, don’t you know?) and Huggie earrings with diamonds. Over the years, stars like Drew Barrymore and Heidi Klum have rocked Miller’s pieces. There’s currently a special “mama shop” with — you guessed it — perfect Mother’s Day gifts like an engravable “I Love You Mama” heart necklace worn by TODAY’s Hoda Kotb.
Joey Wölffer
11 Madison St, Sag Harbor, 631-725-1436
Wölffer Estate co-owner Joey Wölffer flexed her creative muscles when she started an accessories boutique on wheels (The Styleliner Truck). She still takes her show (and baubles) on the road, having done pop-ups in spots like Nantucket, but Wölffer also opened a true brick-and-mortar in Sag Harbor in 2015. The boutique, open Fridays through Sundays, includes statement necklaces in bright colors like green and blood orange, chunky cuffs and vintage Givenchy earrings.
Pure Sol Shelter Island
Shelter 183 North Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, 516-413-4136
This lifestyle boutique stocks resort-inspired pieces for people born to stand out — appropriate for a shop located on an Island. Most pieces make serious statements, full of texture and color — you won’t find your grandma’s pearls here. Owner Sylma Cabrera has an eye for for fun fashion: Glimmering gold butterfly earrings, layered teal necklaces and stone drop earrings are among the wow-worthy finds at Pure Sol. While Memorial Day is the official SI opening, you can still nab Cabrera’s gorgeous necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more here.
