Watch CBS News

Best Places For Handmade Jewelry In The North Bay

Marie Antoinette Necklace (credit: Cate Gillon/Getty Images)

Projections that gold would reach $2,000 per ounce in 2013 proved to be incorrect; the price of gold instead retreated. So, if you've been thinking of a custom-made piece, a statement necklace, an engagement ring or an anniversary gift, consider shopping now. Handmade costume jewelry in gold plate or sterling silver always makes an outfit special. Best of all, the wearer can express individual style, making her personal fashion statement through lovingly crafted pieces that simply won't be seen coming or going...ever.

Sarah Shaw
34 Main St.
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 595-5594
www.sarahshaw.com

Stylish women recognize that certain feeling when an outfit looks unfinished without a statement necklace, a hammered cuff or stunning hand-crafted earrings. Inspired by Byzantine aesthetics and semi-precious hand-cut stones such as labradorite, citrine and quartz sourced in Turkey, Sarah grew her following by serving clients from her popular Pacific Heights dress shop. Stop in to welcome Sarah to Tiburon where costume meets custom-made in gold plate or silver, and it's always one of a kind.

Jewels - By Julie Tuton
116 Main St.
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 789-9800
www.julietuton.com

Julie Tuton designs and makes pretty jewelry along classical lines to perfectly accessorize daywear and add an elegant touch to evening attire. Imagine filigree and gems, teardrops and links, circles and hoops. Renaissance art and architecture inspires the gilded look once favored by 15th century Italian noblewomen. Call ahead to visit the studio to see how Julie puts powerful, positive energy into her pieces so that the wearer can bring it out like magic.

Kathleen Dughi Jeweler
11 Bernard St.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 383-0462
www.kathleendughi.com

If you should hear a conversation in this destination shop around the term "heavy metal," it's not electric guitars being discussed. Rather, it's extraordinary, quality gems meticulously cut and imaginatively set in precious metal. A Mill Valley mainstay for 18 years, this exceptional jeweler loves designing timeless pieces for brides and other clientele. Referring to valued repeat customers who often come initially via word of mouth, the store's V.P. Cairo Cebrian says, "We take care of them, their friends and family and their cherished pieces for life."

Carolina Boutique
76 Throckmorton Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 381-2554
www.carolinaboutique.com

This shop is the exclusive Marin stockist for local jeweler Renee Sheppard, sought after for her gorgeous pavé diamond pieces set in oxidized sterling silver. Owner Carolina Loiacono says she is also proud to feature additional Bay Area jewelry makers, describing Rockstella Jewels as "feminine with incredible depth of color in the carefully selected gemstones," and Emma Rose Designs as "perfectly modern for a fresh, youthful look." The handmade jewelry to suit all ages and all budgets attracts stylish women and those who want to please them.

M Clothing
8 Tamalpais Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 924-8891
www.martymclothing.com

Among the handmade pieces on display at the Corte Madera and Healdsburg store locations, manager Sarah Burke indicates that many are from California-based artisans. Exclusively stocked in Marin are I Jewels by Isabel, as well as the popular Jill Michael Jewelry and designs by Alessandra Gallo, who launched her line with the Amnesty International Blood Diamond pin worn by several celebrities at the 2007 Academy Awards. Showcasing more than 40 different designers with a range of price points, this is another great location for selecting something unique that fits any budget.

Laurie JM Farr is a freelance writer covering all things in her adopted San Francisco. A dedicated urbanite, she's a transplanted New Yorker by way of a couple of decades in London as a hotel sales and marketing manager. Follow her work on @ReferencePlease, USA Today, Yahoo! and on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.