Small, but perfectly formed, Laura Lobdell’s shop in Greenwich Village is a real treat. Even the number is whimsical – 183 1/8.
The pale grey painted brick walls, clever use of mirrors and the beautiful silver painted tin ceiling tiles make the space feel light and airy, despite the bijoux proportions.
Each piece in Laura ‘s collection is unique and very personal to her, many of them cast in precious metals from every day objects she has found or been given, each having it’s own story.
It all started when she sculpted a guitar pick in silver to be worn as jewellery as her musician friends kept loosing theirs and asking if anyone in the audience had one. It works as a real plectrum and Laura collaborated with a musician to ensure it produced the right sound.
Laura’s unique sense of style is evident in the way she displays her jewellery, the frame below contains pendants from the ‘Swims with Mermaids’ collection. All cast from objects found at the beach, including stones, coral, shells and a small crab claw.
Even Laura’s cute little dog Xaio gets a special home in a bird cage adorned with Champagne bottle corks and cages.
Her champagne cage rings are fabulous, Laura says that ‘wearing a piece from the Champer’s collection, is like having Champagne everyday’.
Other quirky pieces include ‘Bubbles Royale’, a bubble wand in sterling silver or gold that actually comes with liquid bubbles.
The ‘seeds of silk’ are hand knotted silk with Sterling Silver and precious embellishments, like cultured pearls, turquoise and stones. They are a reminder about patience.
The minute I walked into the shop I knew I wanted to treat myself to something, but the more I heard about Laura’s collection the harder it was to choose! In the end I went for a ‘Champers’ ring and Laura engraved it with my initials, all the fun of Champagne without the hangover :)
I also went for a necklace cast from a lobser claw for the ultimate ‘Lobster and Champagne’ celebration.
You can see Laura’s full collection on her website and be sure to pop in and say hello if you are in New York!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
How creative to take these everyday objects that would usually get discarded and glam them up. I love the golden bubble wand!! Can’t wait to see your champagne ring! :-) xx
I know, it was great listening to the stories behind each one and how she casts them. Hopefully you will get to see it soon! :) xx
What a lovely find, I love that bubble wand too. Is the dog a Chihuahua as that cage seems very small, then again its name sounds Chinese and translated means small :) x
It was hard not to buy that wand too! I will have to drop some hints around Christmas time :)
The cage is actually quite big, Laura’s dog is a Japanese Chin, so cute! x
Oh, Kelly what a great find and what a treat. I LOVE your ring, so discreetly adorning your finger as you look like a pro with your camera:) What a great shop.
I want a ring like your and ‘bubbles royale’. End of!!!!
Welcome home lovely xx
Thanks Tina :) it’s nice to be home! xx
I’ve enjoyed following your travels in and around NY!
Thanks Jo! Was worried I would be boring you guys :) x
Chin chin, Kelly! Champagne & Lobster, my favorite, too. Thank you for visiting and for the post.
Chin Chin Laura :) No worries, I absolutely love your shop and designs. I’ve had lots of positive comments on my new jewellery.