Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Gem Gossip Visits A La Vieille Russie in NYC

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Window shopping in NYC is great, but you MUST check out the inside, don’t be afraid! Tell them you saw this blog post!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Wow, first things I lay my eyes on after walking into the door–this incredible opal necklace.

ALVR | Gem Gossip

The interior is just as magnificent as you would have imagined the iconic ALVR to be!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

OMG! I knew I was going to see some amazing jewelry at ALVR–these two were my top picks!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Queen for a minute! This crown was really fun to wear, diamonds set in silver with a chicken feather

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Another exquisite piece with unknown origins, but we do know it is Edwardian and American!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Browsing and enjoying every minute of it!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Quite the stack–all rings available from ALVR

ALVR | Gem Gossip

A look into one of their curio cabinets of jewels.

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Probably the most incredible articulated and enameled snake necklace I’ve ever seen! Everything is immaculate and the snake looks so life-like!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

I had to try it on! You could wear it in so many different ways!!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

This brooch is most likely from the Russian Crown Jewels–wow!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Playing with some more rings, all available from ALVR

ALVR | Gem Gossip

A pair of very sweet emerald antique earrings

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Hearing the stories Mr. Peter Schaffer has to tell, I could listen for hours!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Ah, rings…my favorite part! You can check out the ring selection online from ALVR here.

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Cream of the crop Art Deco right here! This brooch pulls apart to become two dress clips

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Always looking, scanning, browsing…my advice is to look more than once!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Have you ever seen a pair of jade wasp earrings carrying a diamond briolette pollen drop?!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Probably my favorite bracelet from their extensive collection, this well-made Victorian turquoise and diamond piece

ALVR | Gem Gossip

These earrings are not for the faint of heart–I can’t get enough of the imperial Topaz

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Are you convinced you need to stop in yet?!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Having all the jewels at my fingertips is scary and amazing at the same time! 😉

ALVR | Gem Gossip

The holidays are around the corner–put a bow on it! Or two!

ALVR | Gem Gossip

Myself with Sharon and Mr. Peter Schaffer

It’s 2016 and dreams still do come true. How many people have walked by, zoomed passed in a taxi, or trotted on in a horse/carriage (which should be banned, I think) by the iconic shop that specializes in rare antique jewelry, Faberge, and decorative arts, not to mention Russian treasures of all sorts?! A La Vieille Russie is its name and since 1961 the store has stood across from Central Park, on the corner of 5th Avenue and E. 59th Street. Most every part of NYC is busy, however this area is even more so, especially with tourist foot traffic. I’ve been hoping, wishing, praying I would get the opportunity to visit this gallery and more importantly, take enough time to fully enjoy every piece and hear the stories that had to be told by Mr. Peter Schaffer himself. 

A La Vieille Russie opened its doors to me and want to do the same for you!  With some jewelry shops, intimidation for whatever reason, can sometimes prevent one from visiting and taking the time to walk inside the store. People often would rather stare at the windows and not go inside. The staff and owners of ALVR want to let you know that they encourage visitors, curious minds and drooling jewelry fans. The history of their store is important and rich in many senses, but that does not mean they aren’t ready and willing to help a gazing customer. 

I experienced SO many once-in-a-lifetime pieces of jewelry while visiting A La Vieille Russie. Again, like I said, dreams do come true. The crown was a memorable moment, as well as the labradorite carved monkey ring. The pair of snakes are both incredibly rare, to begin with, and then to experience two very similar ones at the same time…?!  I’ve never felt a piece of jewelry before that was made with such superiority. And so life-like…one could think it is real if the situation were right. From the cabinets of jewels, to the vitrines of Faberge, the collection of cufflinks, and the window of bold pieces, ALVR was the perfect visit for a beautiful day in NYC.

Next time you’re in NYC, make sure you stop by–you can say I sent you!

 

 

ALVR

781 5th Ave

New York, NY 10022

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