Jewelry Road Trip: Shreve, Crump & Low in Boston, MA

Well, Alexis pulls through again with another fabulous jewelry store visit, this time to Shreve, Crump & Low in Boston, Massachusetts!  Alexis is the ultimate Gem Gossip Correspondent by doing all it takes to get some great pictures for Gem Gossip readers, even if it means digging deep into vaults that not many ever get a chance to see! Special thanks to Shreve, Crump & Low for being an amazing store and letting us in on this rare glimpse of your beautiful jewelry!  

Once again, take it away, Alexis:

When you hear the words Shreve, Crump & Low you must learn to associate it–if you don’t already–with some of the rarest and prestigious fine estate jewelry collections and timepieces a discerned collector could hope for.  If you are from Boston, you want that dark blue velvet box which bares the Shreve, Crump & Low crest when he is on one knee, for they are America’s oldest jeweler.

Originally established in 1796 by John McFarlane, a watchmaker and silversmith, the jeweler later merged into Shreve, Crump & Low, our beloved Boston brand.  Although their famed history started across the street from Paul Revere’s silversmith shop in the 1800’s, the prestigious brand was revived through new ownership in 2006, currently has two locations with plans to open a third boutique in Greenwich, CT later this year.

I was lucky enough to tour their vault at the famed Boston’s jeweler’s Chestnut Hill location, which I am told it is an honor bestowed upon few.  It is possible these fine examples of high end estate jewelry may never be publicly seen and the exquisite sculptures, such as Buccellati bears and owls are showcased for private enjoyment inside this treasure trove – a magical store within their store.

Deep inside the vault, the walls are lined with drawers which hide special treasures that were once gifted to, and worn by, some of the finest society ladies from the past, as well as old mine cut diamonds from the most prized periods in the history of jewelry.  I enjoyed listening to detailed descriptions of each piece among the hundreds of vintage pins fashioned into American flags, bees, and bows – and even a unicorn!  Viewing many original antique jewelry boxes with the jewels inside, in the most pristine condition, as if in 1910 she placed it there herself, created an atmosphere that filled me with a romantic hope that the vast collection of pins will be re-purposed and circulated to be enjoyed once again.

Shreve, Crump & Low also carried fine gifts and distinct European timepieces.  They service local and international clientele at their new three level Boston Flagship store on Newbury Street.  If you are soon to be wed, they also have an exclusive bridal registry lounge.  However, if you are not in the market for an engagement ring, a Swiss watch, or red carpet jewelry, you must stop in to see some of their revolving estate pieces of signed jewelry from top notch jewelers such as David Webb, Cartier, and Tiffany.

Here’s my tip : plan ahead for the annual trade-in event for an upgraded gift to yourself through their special financing or a grab a pre-owned watch for your guy.

If you cannot make it to one of their locations, you can peruse their on-line inventory (don’t skip their newest acquisitions category) and drool over the ever updating Instagram feed.