Need PARIS SHOPPING HELP (again!)
 

Hi Everybody,

My good friend has requested a pair of very unique, beautiful earrings from Paris. She really likes avante-garde-looking jewelry -- nothing too classical; she's young, artsy and hip.

Any suggestions for jewelry stores? Sterling silver mixed with unique stones or glass shapes would be fine. Different geometric shapes would be great too.

(I have consulted with some of the Paris shopping guides, but Fodorites always come through with great suggestions also.)

THANK YOU!

P.S. I'll be staying at the Marais, if that helps.

We found wonderful and unique jewelry on the Ile de St. Louis, not so far from the Marais. There are a number of shops on the main street and there are lots of choices. And an added benefit is that you can stop in the middle of your shopping and have a Berthillon ice cream at the original store.

mamc...You're the best! I seem to recall that Ile St. Louis had some great handbag store too...Kelsord, or something like that?

Good, I can kill two birds with one stone. Warm regards!

Try MD SIlver on rue de Louvre,they do architecture and jewelry so the pieces are unique, any shop in the rue Jacob/St Germain area, some wonderful shops in the Anitquaire de Louvre and the Marais is full of small shops specializing in one of a kind pieces.

I hope she is willing to pay a healthy price though for it.

Try:
Marc Labat in Marais. I can't remember the name of the street but I have it at home!!! This store has GREAT, fun, funky, inexpensive jewelry (20-70 euro) and handbags.

Enjoy,
Brenda

Jody and Brenda: THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wouldn't call this stuff too classicl, but it may not be "very unique" and it's not super expensive so not like the top jewelry shops -- it is unique compared to the usual stuff my relatives have seen or buy in the MidWest, though, and they love it .

Leading up to -- one of my favorite shops in Paris is Les Nereides. I think they have a couple shops, but I visit the one in St Germain (on rue du Four). I also like Satellite and they have several shops (one in St Germain and another in the covered passage near rue Montorgueil.

Here's a little info on Nereides
http://www.treasurebox.co.uk/designe..._biography.htm
on the other
http://www.satellite.fr/

I think they sell Satellite in Bon Marche, but Nereides isn't sold anywhere but their own stores that I know of.

I also like Satellite. And the one in St. Germain is across the street from Poilane so after you've bought some nifty earrings you can go right across the street and grab a hunk of bread or a scrumptious apple tart.

You must go to COLETTE. Everything is limited edition from jewelry, clothes, music.
213 rue saint-honoré 1st

Christina & Sharon: Thanks for sharing!

Cigale: Colette is the trendy, little-bit-of-everything home/style store, right? They have everything from books to kitchen supplies to shoes?

Yes and a mineral water bar. (and lunch)

www.colette.fr

now much to show on line but it's clever click on door windows.
I gotta love a store named after one of my favorite writers!

I bought some beautiful earrings at a small shop on rue Racine. Don't remember the name, but if you're walking from Place de l'Odeon towards Blvd St. Michel, it's on the right-hand side of rue Racine before you get to Bouillon Racine restaurant. Very pretty, unique jewelry, not that expensive. I think my earrings were around 34 Euro. They also have beautiful scarves, not the usual silk ones you think of in Paris, but satin or velvet with flower and/or bead embellishments. I had to get two of those as well, one for myself and one for my mother. Have fun shopping!

Thanks, Susan! I'm compiling a huge list and will add your place...

Cheers!

Betty, to make this as easy and time efficient as possible, just pop by Dona Giacometti's in the 6th (6, rue St Sulpice, metro Odeon 01 44 07 39 13), just up the street from the church. She creates gorgeous earrings from Murano glass in a wide choice of colors. They're simple yet stunning and everyone compliments me on mine. Expect to spend about 40 euros. Dona's shop is very tiny, so keep your eyes peeled. And trust me on this one- I live here in Paris. Justine

One more to add to your list -- La Rampe in the 6th (25, rue saint Andre des Arts.) It is a matchbox of a store, but filled to the brim with both antique and new unique jewelry. I get compliments every time I wear one of my necklaces from there. They provide beautiful packaging, too.

It may not be modern enough for your friend's tastes, but they are very unique pieces. They tend to be more art-nouveau oriented (at least the antique jewelry), but I remember they also had some special new pieces.

Have fun shopping! When are you going? I'll be there in early June.

Amy

Justine and Amy: Yay! All these new friends...

Any: We'll be in Paris for the first week of June and staying in the Marais. Everyone tells me that there are a lot of unique and funky, small boutiques to discover in the Marais -- so I'll have fun making some discoveries over there.

Yes, after speaking to my friend, it sounds like she's looking for something more "futuristic-looking" as opposed to tribal/ethnic/vintage. There are a lot of hip Japanese designers with boutiques in Paris, so I'm sure that might fit the bill.

Again, thanks for the great suggestions. I'll definitely spend some time in the 6th exploring.

Amy, where are you staying?

Bonjour Bettyo!

Jacque Gauthier on rue Jacob (near rue St Benoit)
I have a few pieces of his, from various trips. He does a lot of work with foil wrap and glass and sterling..I have earrings that look like drops of water, very pretty and unusual. And he is not very very expensive :)

Scarlett...it's been so long!

Thank you, and I will happily add Jacque to the list!

Big hug.

We arrive on the 10th -- will you still be there? We are staying at the Hotel Prince de Galles in the 8th. Not a terribly fun neighborhood, but the hotel will be paid for by my husband's company. Can't complain about that as it allows me more money to spend on shopping and eating!!:-d

Amy,

Nice face! Actually, the 8th arr. has a lot of cool places including Parc Monceau, atleast two outstanding museums, shops...

Ack--we are leaving on June 8th, though. Short trip.

--Betty