Gem Gossip Visits 66mint in San Francisco, CA

66 Mint | Gem Gossip

Named after the address of the historic landmark building that houses their boutique, 66mint is a private boutique showroom that specializes in antique and estate jewelry, as well as diamonds, gemstones and buying jewelry/estate items. I was really looking forward to visiting 66mint and finally getting to meet Marcus Chait, fourth generation Managing Partner of this family business who I’ve interviewed a few years ago. 66mint has always been on my radar. Everything from its 100-year-old legacy, to its historic location just behind the old mint building in San Francisco’s SoMa district, I knew I was in for a real treasure trove!

The showroom is by appointment only, as you must buzz-in and be escorted by a security guard onto an elevator. Where it leads is jewels upon jewels upon jewels! Rows of Art Deco bracelets, stud earrings, dangle earrings, engagement rings, gemstone rings, and bold necklaces. Signed jewelry–like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, Georg Jensen, etc. are a big part of what 66mint specializes in. They also carry a line of engagement ring settings which are brand new, yet have a Art Deco feel to them–the line is called Sebastien Barier and each item is hand-made in Paris.

An inventory photographer was busy in the next room with a pile of jewelry that had been recently purchased, cleaned and polished–ready to be listed and find its forever home. Another associate was busy with emails and client services, taking care of 66mint’s busy online presence. Just another day at the office!

So many great pieces I got to try on while visiting 66mint–so many favorites! Seeing the two, very large diamond rings in person was quite an experience. The marquise is a 5.02 carat, D color, IF clarity and is GIA certified. A very much “once in a lifetime” type of stone and it truly is even more breathtaking in person. The other large diamond I got to try on was the 7.14 ct cushion cut by Graff, which is a VS-2 clarity, F color. I would have to say, that photo featuring the two worn at the same time may very well break the record of “most expensive handful” I’ve ever photographed!

I also came across the moonstone and diamond dangle necklace/pendant (photographed above) which really caught my eye. Seriously one of the most elegant and beautiful pieces of jewelry I’ve seen in awhile. The cameo necklace also stood out to me–the condition it is in is immaculate, the black enameling paired with the black onyx cameo made for a perfect combination. It also felt great on!

If you’re ever in the San Francisco area, be sure to make an appointment and check out 66mint!

Check out more of my favorites from my visit below, where you can shop them yourself!