[My Favorite Park Slope...] Place to Get Fancy (Jewelry).

Image Via PS5thavebid Flickr

There are two types of jewelry that I'm used to: Zales/Jared/Mall Stores (TEXAS) or Cartier/Tiffany/Harry Winston (NYC)

Both...not great.

I've looked high and low for good jewels in the Slope...and there's a severe deficit, people. Comfortable walking shoes? Check. Kid's Clothes? Check. Good Vintage Shops? Check. Fancy Jewelry? MEH. So I'll admit, I walked by St. Kilda for about 2 months before stepping foot inside. Why, you ask?

You have to ring the buzzer to get in. 

A buzzer is like a gatekeeper that politely says: You look too poor to shop here [Editor's Note: cue Julia Roberts going all, "Big mistake. BIG. HUGE!"].

But one day, when I thought "Hey! I've got my shit together and look decent!", I gingerly buzzed and entered. What I found was a delightful jewelry line, with the perfect amount of spunk, unique detailing and quality craftsmanship. So, assuming that this shit was all made in some sweatshop with blood diamonds, I inquired where they make their stuff and my cold, bitter, Zales-hater heart melted right there on the floor.

Now it could've been her Aussie accent (which pretty much everyone in there has), but I was floored when my sales person told me that everything is made in the back studio, designed by Nora Kogan, attached to the showroom. Everything is made by an actual designer and fairly paid workers, with recycled metals and conflict-free stones. And they can make you custom baubles. HELLO!?

Image Via St Kilda

This is the fanciness that Park Slope needs to balance out how many crappy knick-knack stores we have.

I'll say this...it's not cheap. BUT, if your looking for smart design, quality craftsmanship and jewelry whose origins you can be proud of, don't be afraid to ring the buzzer at St. Kilda.