Your New Secret Source for Jewelry: Museums
My very stylish grandmother (below) was a world traveler with a European antiques business & always on the hunt for beautiful things. Yes, I have several Chanel brooches, necklaces, etc. that she passed along to me and I love them — but perhaps equally important was her tip on where to find unique and affordable pieces: museum shops.
Back in her day, she’d go in person of course to the museum shops, but now you can visit The Victoria & Albert Museum, the Musee d’Orsay, or the Met right from your laptop & score a great bounty of pieces for a song. Most of the pieces are historically based OR in some cases, the work of newer designers who are attracting younger visitors to the museum (for instance, Deniz Gurdal of Ottoman Hands at the V& A, or Parisian-based designer Amelie Blaise at the Musee d’Orsay. Either way, you’re supporting the museum’s great work, so shop away guilt-free! Below are a few pieces that caught my eye….let me know if there are special museum stores you’ve had good luck with too!
