A visit to America's oldest jeweler - Shreve, Crump & Low

I first walked into Shreve, Crump & Low, while on Newbury Street, to obtain information about how to clean diamond rings at home.  This information will be shared in a future post, but I also walked in knowing I had another mission to fulfill. 

That mission??? To keep finding New England businesses, or those who got their start in New England, that are unique, have a great story to tell, and exude "fine living" qualities no matter what the price point is. 

My visit to Shreve, Crump & Low absolutely fit my check list and then some.  Their story in a nut shell?  With a start in Boston in 1796, they are the oldest jeweler in America and what a story it is. At then end of this post, you I have included a link to their website and also their historic timeline.  

In the meantime, here are just a few stunning items I got to view.  I was like a magpie drawn to every glittery item hopping from case to case.  As soon as I saw one piece of jewelry, that lured me in, my eyes were being distracted by another piece and I could not wait to move on and hear more about it. Let me just say, my jewelry wish list has just gotten a little longer :-).   

This little beauty, a 20 plus carat tanzanite and diamond ring, called my name as I walked by the case.  Did I mention I LOVE tanzanite?  At one point it was a consideration to use tanzanite in my wedding ring, but I was informed it would be too fragile for everyday wear.  This glamorous ring would be perfect to wear to a gala, cocktail party, or a "just because it's fabulous" party.

I am always drawn to the estate jewelry section when visiting jewelers.  There is something to be said about knowing someone else enjoyed and loved a piece of jewelry. For the fun of it, I create my own stories of their history if there is not one to be told. The watch above is a vintage Shreve, Crump & Low piece that made its way back to store to be enjoyed yet again. 

Also in the estate jewelry case.... Sapphire and diamond rings and so much more!

To view Shreve, Crump & Low's website.

To view Shreve, Crump & Low's story and history

There are three locations:Boston, MA - Chestnut Hill, MA - Greenwich, CT
BOSTON JEWELRY, WATCH & GIFT STORE

Sipping Champagne from Simon Pearce Harland glasses

Being served Champagne and wine, in Simon Pearce stemware, was an unexpected treat for us when we arrived at Twin Farms, in Vermont.  I have visited the Simon Pearce showroom and glass blowing studio for years, seen their items in retail stores, and have been to signature events hosted by the company.  Sipping champagne, from their handcrafted pieces of functional art, is always a pleasure.

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Opens in Burlington, MA

I am pleased to announce that a new Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Signature Store has opened at 22 3rd Ave. in Burlington, MA. And if you haven't heard of 3rd Ave. yet, it is Burlington's newest retail and hospitality destination where you can literally shop, dine, then design your home or office all in once place.  

With a nod towards a clean and modern look, you will find a multitude of completed room vignettes to wander around and shop from at your leisure. And friends, if you like to take your precious pooch out on the town, the Burlington store is a dog-friendly store with treats ready and waiting. 

Within the different room settings, you will find upholstered and slipcovered furniture, beds, coffee tables, end tables, dining room tables, bar carts, etc.. You will also find accessories that can be purchased right off the showroom floor, lighting, bespoke bed linens, and area rugs to help you finish off your space. 

In our winter issue, which is coming out in January, we will be sharing ideas and inspiration on creating cozy retreats and spaces, so I thought I would show you a few bedroom vignettes that caught my eye.

The Celina Bed 

A Quick Trip to Old Greenwich Connecticut

Greenwich Connecticut holds the zip code to the most expensive homes in the United States, but it also offers a wonderful shopping experience for all pocket books.  I only took a few photos during our quick visit to Old Greenwich, but the shops on Greenwich Ave and Post Road East offer a wide range of specialty shops such as Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Hermes to Zara. 

A Visit To Nesting On Main in Concord, MA

On a last minute whim, I decided to take advantage of the sunny morning and head to Concord, MA.  I put on my sneakers, grabbed my camera, and walked along some of the historic streets and peeked inside my favorite shops (many are closed on Sunday or open later in the day).  One of the shops I can't pass by or "just peek in", is Nesting on Main.  I think after seeing these photos, you too will agree they have an eye for detail and carry beautiful things that will adorn an elegant home as-well-as a country home.  This was a quick photo shoot of the store's vignettes, but you they still showcase the cool items they offer. 

New England Fine Living uses Kravet's new e-shop program while shopping for design clients.

Here I am, shopping in Kravets' design showroom at the Boston Design Center and using Kravet's new e-shop program. It was exciting to know I was one of the first designers, in the nation, to test out this new program.  With my little knowledge of using a smart phone, this process was very easy and saved me not only time, but freed up one hand from holding a pad of paper or pencil. 

The only two things that I had issues with was.... one, when there was no scanning option I had to input the numbers myself and make sure I typed in each number or letter correctly. Not really a problem, but I was quickly spoiled by the point and click scanning option.  The second thing I did not like was the loud sound/buzzer that the device would make if the fabric was discontinued.  After a few cups of morning coffee, before my day of shopping, my startle response was on high alert.   :-)  

Kravet is introducing a new shopping technology in Kravet showrooms. Called e-Shop, this program combines detailed product information with memo sampling and scanning. Using an iPod Touch and attached scanner provided by the showroom, simply log on with your account number and scan the ticket of any fabric in the showroom. You'll immediately see price, available yardage, fabric details and additional colorways. With one touch, you can request a memo from the showroom memo desk. When you submit memo requests using the scanner, the items will be pulled by memo room staff in real time as you shop. The more you know about the fabrics you've requested, the more efficient your shopping process will be, plus the memos will be ready for you at the memo desk once you submit your order. Kravet is committed to improving our products and our processes to make it easy and convenient for designers to shop with us. E-Shop is currently available in Kravet showrooms in Bethpage, NY and Boston, MA and will be available in additional showrooms in 2013.

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

Christmas Shopping at Mill River Winery

For the past couple of weeks, I have been helping the owners of Mill River Winery in Rowley, MA prepare for the holidays and for their Sip, Snack, and Shop ( dare you to say that 10 times fast!).

Yesterday I put up a tree on their front porch and adorned it with maroon and copper colored ornaments that were satin, shiny, and glittery in finish (come on.... ye gotta have glitta!).  Within the tree, I also stuck red colored twigs.  I have a full length photo, but not gonna show that one, it is blurrier than my own vision without glasses!

Three urns went from Fall grasses and flowers to several types of greens and twigs tucked in that I purchased at Wolf Hill in Ipswich.  This is the smallest of three.  Don't look at the leaves in the photo... they are a figment of your imagination.   My plan was to put a bow around this urn, but I ran out of ribbon (most was used on the barn door you will see in a moment.).  Can I add that I tried to make a bow for the tree and I couldn't do it!  This ribbon was tough to work with, but come on... I failed at making a bow?  I must go back to bow making class!

This picture was taken last week before I put lights on the beams, prettied up the urns for winter, and added the tree.  The winery is all wrapped up in a gift bow. Who wouldn't want a winery for a present? 

I took this on my way out last night.   I am going to try to get a photo when it is completely dark. 

You might have seen this photo before in a previous post, but I thought I would include the inside of the winery all decorated for Christmas.

I know this photo is a bit out of place, but I thought I would show you this.  Just a couple of weeks ago, Donna, one of the owners had a vision for a wall unit and we brainstormed with her amazing carpenter.  Below is the "almost there" photo of what was built.  Still to be added are lights, shelves, and frame work, but this is how it will be for the Shopping party with a few more adornments.