Who can forget Audrey Hepburn's early morning as stroll down New York's 4 Fifth Avenue in an elegant evening gown and gloves as she headed for her window-shopping date with a jeweler? The film was Breakfast at Tiffany's and it became a classic-not to mention priceless PR for the jeweler.
Not much has changed in the arena of timelessly designed jewelry, except that now Seattleites can finally pull a Holly Golightly at home. Tiffany & Co. opens its doors at the posh new Pacific Place (600 Foo Pine St.; 206-264-1l), October 29.
Tiffany & Co is perhaps best known for designing the six-prong engagement ring lIt allows the light to come through" and shows off a stone's brilliance, explains Susan Gearey, Tiffan & Co. western regional vice president. Founded in 1837, the jeweler now has more than 25 stores in the United States. The Seattle store will carry classic Tiffany nature-inspired pieces such as butterfly pins, as well as collections by Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso and Jean Schlumberger
Seattle, though, is an REI kind of town. We think nothing of plunking down thousands of dollars for a stateof-the-art kayak, but for ruby earrings? "Seattle understands quality, and absolutely appreciates design," says Gearey. "From a lifestyle standpoint, the store offers a wide selection of the basics, from diamond engagement rings to a strand of pearls to a highly desired pair of gold earrings." And for the Seattle customer who has previously breakfasted at Tiffany's only via catalog, the local venue brings to life the sheer fantasy of browsing.
And, surprisingly, not all Tiffany jewelry is fabulously expensive. "You can get something of beautiful, original design for a reasonable price," says Gearey. For example, there are sterling silver necklaces, earrings and brooches in the $100 range.
Equally opulent is Cartier (600 Pine St.; 1-800-CARTIER), located directly across from Tiffany's in Pacific Place. The close proximity of the jewelers gives shoppers a wealth of choice. "Upscale retailers all tend to congregate together," says Simon Critchell, president and CEO of Cartier, Inc. "That's the way people like to shop. They like to have a large selection of fine things."
King Edward VIII crowned Louis Francois Cartier as the jeweler of kings in 1902, and Cartier continues to tantalize the most discriminating tastes with its classic watches, love rings, pens and sterling silver holloware designs.
"Everyone says that Seattle is laidback, but that doesn't mean that no one is interested in beautiful jewelry," Critchell says. "People enjoy going out and enjoy giving gifts."
Amid a store lined with mahogany walls, laquered cases with brass vitrines and signature Cartier green marble facade sit newly designed yellow- and white-gold tank (stackable) rings, and bracelets, and emerald, sapphire and ruby necklaces, many influenced by Egyptian, Persian and Asian designs.
DESPITE THE IMPRESSION that locals favor sea kayaks over sapphires, fine jewelers have been servicing the community for years.
