Jewels and Gems | Gwen Books

Retail Therapy abounds in Palm Beach. Shoes, jewelry, snappy pastel attire is offered on every flower bedecked corner. Specifically prowl the boutiques, all the chic shops are represented on Worth Avenue. The individual boutiques are far more interesting. il Sandalo is an exceptional example of style and old world craftsmanship.

Colors and more colors, jewels and more jewels accessorized sandals are popping up for the upcoming season by the Tesorone brothers who own il Sandalo. The il Sandalo brand is recognized around the world as the premier in custom handmade women’s sandals. In their Palm Beach store, I was thrilled to have a sweet pair of pale pink leather sandals made for me in one hour!

Certainly, sandals were the first footwear ever made possibly due to their simplicity. All ancient civilizations have come across at least one sandal version.

True to Italian shoemaking traditions and following in the footsteps of their father Luciano, Fabio and Pier Paulo, two young Neapolitan entrepreneurs with a passion for the design of sandals, felt the varied needs of the high fashion sandal market. In 1985, the company found fame in Italy and France with their award winning designs for originality and high quality workmanship within their collections. Hand-crafted leather, fabric and materials are carefully cut and stitched by expert craftsmen utilizing only the finest leather soles and heels, the sandals are assembled with unique accessories such as glittering laminates and genuine coral.

The Isle of Capri

Thanks to the creativity in design and highly skilled shoemakers, many small shoemaker-shop-owners brought forth a burgeoning industry as sandals became the attraction of many tourists visiting the Isle of Capri in the 1960’s. The jet set world of celebrities such as Sophia Loren and Jackie Kennedy were fascinated with the sandal designs in the region inspiring a global obsession. Today, these small shop-owners continue to thrive, as the public continues to travel to Capri in search of unique sandals.
Capri is a divine Journey, but Palm Beach is just on right coast. Stop in and select multiple colors and styles created while you stroll Worth Avenue.

All that glitters in India…

The astonishing abundance of beautiful and bejeweled women in India, confirmed the rumors: I had arrived in a country described as a shopping mecca for women. Gorgeous silk sari clad women line the roadsides, till the fields, grasp the back of scooter drivers, and squeeze into small Tata trucks. Wedding season, in particular, produces an astonishing array of bangles, beautiful brides proudly display their wedding bracelets – bright red and sparkly, the price of gold spikes during this period! Kodak Kodachrome vibrant hues, a sensory overload.

Renowned Gem Palace is the most celebrated and oft visited by Hollywood and Bollywood royalty, all in search of distinctive jewels. The Kasliwal family owned business, thrives still after eight generations, the younger generation alongside the elders learning the gem business.

In the many rooms of the main Jaipur emporium, walls are lined with glass cases brimming with magnificent old motifs and objects: rare and exquisite jewelry ranging from 17th century Moghul empires to designs from the 1920s and 30s. Make an appointment with Sanjay to enjoy a private peek at Maharaja Gems – all shared with enthusiasm and an unexpected nonchalance. I spent hours adorning myself as a Royal in necklaces encrusted with diamonds, dazzling emerald bracelets, brilliant cabochon-ruby rings.

Exclusive Recommendations

Gem Palace Beautifully designed precious and semi- precious jewels

Mirza Ismail Road, Jaipur (and many other branches) www.gempalacejaipur.com A small branch in the Rambagh Hotel as well

Brigette Singh Textiles Renowned for the unsurpassed quality and attention to detail she brings to her traditionally hand printed Indian textiles. French born Brigitte Singh moved to Jaipur more than twenty years ago and married Surya Vijay Singh. Her patterns are sold in stylish shops in Paris and London as well as in some of the gift shops of India’s top hotels. Call for an appointment, small upstairs boutique, cash only near the Red Fort Narad Ka Bagh, Amber Jaipur

Anokhi This textile shop sells and exports its hand-block fabrics by the yard and in an array of easy to wear from sarongs to beaded jackets. All of their products are finished by artisans on a farm outside of Jaipur but are now sold in boutiques throughout the country. Small organic cafe next door, soups and salads a great respite during shopping! 2nd Floor, KK Square, C-11 Prithviraj Road Jaipur www.anokhi.com

Bharany’s Best gem shopping in New Delhi specializing in enameled jewelry, precious and semi precious gems. 14 Sundar Nagar Market, New Delhi www.bharanys.com

Maharani Art Exporters Maharani Art Exporters sell a wonderful selection of scarves, pashminas, throws, vintage pieces and bedspreads. In the center of Jodhpur market, this is a shopping experience not to be missed. Plan to spend hours in the eight plus floors of textiles, plan to bargain! If the owner takes a liking to you, he might offer a visit to his multi-floor antique warehouse- we explored from 11 pm onward-you realize where half the retail stores here obtain their wooden boxes, bone ornaments, metal.

Old City Tambaku Bazaar Jodhpur Gem Arts Emporium Small, but worth visiting precious and semi precious jewelry. Extensive silver collection as well. Salil has a US partner who can accept custom order shipments. 119 Saheli Marg, Udaipur

Turbans Custom fitted by at the gift shop at Amanbagh by a Rajasthan staff member. Amanbaugh gift shop. Burlingtons gift shop Taj Palace Mumbai- pre-sewn turbans.

Durries Handloom cotton and silk durry rugs. Managed and owned by a women’s collective, the principal weavers have garnered many awards in major national fairs. Subtle ethnic appeal, shipping is included in purchase. A delightful village stop, must be organized by guide. Roopraj Durry Udhyog Jodhpur www.rooprajdurry.com

Restaurant of note RAAS within the hotel Raas, in the walled city of Jaipur. The mighty Mehrangarh Fort back wall looms over the patio of this hotel restaurant, evening diner is spectacular- wonderful salads, great wine list. Need to take a tuktuk in from the Clock Tower Market, as a car cannot squeeze through the gates.

Hours of shopping, these are a few of our favorites, many more with our exclusive shopping guides.