A Visit to Greenwich Jewelers in New York City
On a recent trip to NYC, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Greenwich Jewelers in Downtown Manhattan.
I maintain a list of independent jewelry retailers across the country so that I can refer readers if they need help with jewelry. I screen these local jewelers for a variety of things: competitive prices, especially on diamonds; GIA-educated salespeople on staff; membership in various trade organizations that promote ethics and integrity; a bench jeweler who can do jewelry repair onsite; business longevity and good reputation. It is especially helpful and relevant when I can personally visit these jewelers, so I do it when I can!
The Greenwich Jewelers Storefront at 64 Trinity Place, NY, NY 10006
Greenwich Jewelers was on my radar after I read about their focus on exciting fashion-forward jewelry designers in JCK. They carry a lovely selection of designers such as Marcia Moran, Jamie Joseph, and Gorjana. But they are much more than a fashion jewelry boutique. Inside their jewel-box of a store, they are a full-service jeweler with something for everyone: diamonds and bridal jewelry, plus a full compliment of wearable and affordable fine jewelry sourced from all over the world.
Silver-plated and Swarovsky Crystal Earrings by Azaara, avail at Greenwich Jewelers, $185 Retail
I was warmly greeted by Jennifer Gandia, who is co-owner of the store with her sister, Christina Gandia Gambale. They are widely recognized as experts in recognizing the best up-and-coming jewelry designers. Jennifer graciously showed me around and let me ogle the beautiful jewelry while telling me about the history of their store. This is a multi-generational business, started by their parents in 1976. Although the business shifted to the daughters a few years ago, their *lovely* parents are still in the store. Their mother Milly runs the repair department, and father Carl is the Master Jeweler at the bench, creating custom jewelry and doing fine repair work. Their biggest legacy is a devotion to service and integrity, which is apparent the moment you walk in the door.
Gorjana Rose Gold Vermeil Ring from Greenwich Jewelers
Although Greenwich Jewelers carries an amazing curated collection of fashion and fine jewelry designers, they still maintain a strong family jeweler persona. If you go in searching for an engagement ring, for instance, they first LISTEN (which can be a rarity these days), then do their best to find exactly what you want. They will bring in diamonds that fit your budget, create a custom design, and you will end up with a beautiful piece of jewelry that truly reflects what you asked for. If you buy a ring from them, they will repair your ring FOR LIFE. They also source conflict-free diamonds (they were one of the first retailers to stock Polar Bear diamonds from Canada), recycle gold, and specialize in designers who use socially-conscious practices.
Handmade Platinum Engagement Ring by Van Craeynest, Also Avail in 18k Gold
Thank you, Jennifer and staff, for a warm welcome! It was a pleasure, and a very good reminder for me that you get the best service and value from a store that really has your best interests at heart.
Hello and welcome! If you are looking for in-depth information about jewelry, you’ve come to the right place! It is my mission to give consumers unbiased jewelry information from an insider perspective.
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May 12th, 2010 at 12:15 am
The hand made ring looks very pretty! Also since its hand made, it must be quite costly? Though the Diamond looks a little “bluish” colored… but overall, looks like a very nice shoppe to visit.
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