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Mary Shustack shops around

A gem of a shop

October
24

I was in Bronxville earlier this afternoon, which gave me the chance to stop by Citrine.

It’s a sweet little jewelry boutique that’s marking its second anniversary — and gearing up for its third holiday season.

Owners Willis O’Brien and Sarah Reynolds had invited me to stop by and see what they’re all about.

And I think you’ll agree, it’s pretty interesting.

The women seem to really be carving out quite a niche, offering work by designers hand-picked from around the world.

The focus is on colored-stone jewelry, primarily created by up-and-coming designers.

No matter where you look, you’ll see pieces featuring citrine and sapphire, amethyst and topaz (and yes, diamonds and pearls).

The pieces are distinctive or as O’Brien said, “traditional but different.”

It has to be like things you don’t see everywhere — but also has to be beautiful and wearable.

“We didn’t want it to sit on the dresser,” O’Brien added.

The shop’s mission is to provide all this at a variety of price points, so pieces can range anywhere from around $150 to $8,000.

Most of the work is in 22-karat gold, though there are selections in white gold and a few in sterling.

They have a great way of displaying things — you know there’s a lot to see but it’s not at all overwhelming.

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Instead, moonstone-and-gold earrings by Lauren Harper or a burst-of-color Corona pendant by Joseph Murray get their time to shine.

Other designers — and the list continues to grow — include Ray Griffiths (known for his “crown” motif), Suzy Landa, Stephanie Albertson, Barbara Heinrich and Petra Class.

The shop is also known for its special events and services.

There is a wish list, to help for gift giving.

Customers are also encouraged to think beyond what they see. They might like a piece but wish for a different stone — the relationship the owners have with the designer often results in a satisfied customer, one with their own, unique piece.

Right now, O’Brien says, most customers are from Bronxville, though the shop also draws from Riverdale, Pelham, Eastchester and Scarsdale.

For now.

“We would love to be known as a destination,” she said.

And the service they offer will likely help them reach that goal.

As Reynolds said, after working with customers for most of my visit, there is no push to buy.

Customers can browse for as long as they like, weighing their options and trying on pieces.

“They can come in five times if they want,” Reynolds said. “It’s really very custom and very personal.”

Trunk shows are another way to reach out to both regulars (the mailing list is some 1,300 strong) and newcomers.

Earlier this month, Citrine hosted Robin Koffler of Sleepy Hollow, who was showcasing her “modern classics” in 18-karat gold.

Later this week, they will show the work of Emma Villedrouin. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Check the Web site for the full schedule of events.

Oh, and one other thing that really got me daydreaming?

I noticed that both O’Brien and Reynolds were wearing pieces from the shop.

I asked O’Brien if she got to pick out whatever she wanted to wear?

“Every day,” she said. “Isn’t that nice?”

I’ll say!

Here are Reynolds (left) and O’Brien. Stop by and say hello —

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Citrine is at 22 Park Place. Call 914-337-2062.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 24th, 2007 at 5:04 pm by Mary Shustack.
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About this blog
Mary Shustack has been living — and shopping — in this region her whole life. This blog will follow her never-ending search for beautiful things, from home-decorating accents to funky tote bags to quirky collectibles. Come along as she browses through the shops, boutiques, markets and fairs of the Lower Hudson Valley.

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About the author
Mary ShustackMary Shustack was born in Nyack and has always lived in Rockland County, save for those four years she attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. READ MORE
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