New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [160]
Jewelry and Accessories
A La Vieille Russie.
Antiques dealers since 1851, this shop specializes in European and Russian decorative arts, jewelry, and paintings. Behold bibelots by Fabergé and others, enameled or encrusted with jewels. If money is no object, there are also antique diamond necklaces and pieces of china once owned by Russian nobility. | 781 5th Ave., at E. 59th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/752–1727 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave./59th St.
Cartier.
Pierre Cartier allegedly won the 5th Avenue mansion location by trading two strands of perfectly matched natural pearls with Mrs. Morton Plant. The jewelry is still incredibly persuasive, from such established favorites as the Trinity ring and Tank watches to exquisite cuff links for men. | 653 5th Ave., at E. 52nd St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/753–0111 | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
H. Stern.
Sleek designs pose in an equally modern 5th Avenue setting; smooth cabochon-cut stones, most from South America, glow in pale wooden display cases. The designers make notable use of semiprecious stones such as citrine, tourmaline, and topaz. | 645 5th Ave., between E. 51st and E. 52nd Sts., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/688–0300 | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Ivanka Trump.
Compared with the style of Trump père, this small jewelry boutique is quite discreet. All things being relative, though, The Donald’s daughter would like to see you dripping with her diamonds. Drop earrings, tassel lariats, and lots of bold cocktail rings are shown in an unstuffy yet glam salon. | 685 Madison Ave., between E. 61st and E. 62nd Sts., Midtown East | 10065 | 212/756–9912 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St./Lexington Ave.
Tiffany & Co.
The display windows can be soigné, funny, or just plain breathtaking. Alongside the $80,000 platinum-and-diamond bracelets, a lot here is affordable on a whim (check out the sterling silver floor)—and everything comes wrapped in that unmistakable Tiffany blue. | 727 5th Ave., at E. 57th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/755–8000 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave./59th St.
Van Cleef & Arpels.
This French jewelry company is considerably more low-key than many of its blingy neighbors, in both the designs and marketing ethos (you won’t see them opening a store in a suburban mall). Their best-known design is the cloverleaf Alhambra, which can be found on rings, necklaces, and earrings. Other designs are just as understated. | 744 5th Ave., between E. 57th St. and E. 58th Sts., Midtown East | 10019 | 212/644–9500 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave./59th St.
Shoes, Handbags, and Leather Goods
Bally.
A few curveballs, like olive-green or canary-yellow pumps, liven up the mainly conservative selection. Carryons and clothing, such as deerskin or lamb jackets, join the shoe leather. | 628 Madison Ave., at E. 59th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/751–9082 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St./Lexington Ave.
Bottega Veneta.
The signature crosshatch weave graces leather handbags, slouchy satchels, and shoes; the especially satisfying brown shades extend from fawn to deep chocolate. The stylish men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collection is also sold here. | 697 5th Ave., between E. 54th and E. 55th Sts., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/371–5511 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St./Lexington Ave.
Fendi.
Once known for its furs, Fendi is now synonymous with decadent handbags. The purses are beaded, embroidered, and fantastically embellished within an inch of their lives, resulting in prices that skyrocket to more than $1,000. Fancy leathers, evening dresses, coats, and other accessories are also available. | 677 5th Ave., between E. 53rd and E. 54th Sts., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/759–4646 | Subway: E, F to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Fratelli Rossetti.
Don’t come here expecting sexy, skyscraper stilettos. This Italian leather goods company excels at beautiful, classic shoes. Their riding boots are among the most popular items, but there are also