Best new indie stores: Best local jewelrymakers

These two NYC artisans craft head-turning accessories.

By Kate Winick Mon Apr 11 2011

Best new indie shops 2011

  • Photograph: Grant Asken

    Erica Weiner

    Erica Weiner

  • Photograph: Grant Asken

    Erica Weiner harmonica necklaces, $40--$90, at Erica Weiner

    Erica Weiner harmonica necklaces, $40--$90, at Erica Weiner

  • Photograph: Grant Asken

    Erica Weiner gingko-leaf earrings, $25, at Erica Weiner

    Erica Weiner gingko-leaf earrings, $25, at Erica Weiner

  • Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

    Wendy Nichol

    Wendy Nichol

  • Wendy Nichol leather satchel bag, $690, at Wendy Nichol

    Wendy Nichol leather satchel bag, $690, at Wendy Nichol

  • Wendy Nichol silver hoop earrings, $130, at Wendy Nichol

    Wendy Nichol silver hoop earrings, $130, at Wendy Nichol

  • Wendy Nichol 6-Stitch Knit cast-brass cuff, $515, at Wendy Nichol

    Wendy Nichol 6-Stitch Knit cast-brass cuff, $515, at Wendy Nichol

Photograph: Grant Asken

Erica Weiner

Erica Weiner

Winner: Erica Weiner
Brooklyn-born Erica Weiner has been crafting vintage-inspired jewelry since 2005, but this past November she decided to trade in her apartment headquarters and open a true retail storefront. Old wooden cabinets and stacked crates showcase rings and charm-laden necklaces, such as those bearing a tiny dangling harmonica ($45--$90) and steel penknife ($50). Other favorites include brass ginkgo-leaf earrings ($25), and moveable-type-letter necklaces ($50--$75) for your favorite wordsmith. 173 Elizabeth St between Kenmare and Spring Sts (212-334-6383, ericaweiner.com). Mention TONY at checkout or enter "TONY20" online to receive 20 percent off through May 1.

Runner-up: Wendy Nichol
This six-month-old space is part retail venture, part atelier: You can see Wendy Nichol's employees making the bags and jewelry she designs in the back of the store while you browse the front. A spike-cone stud earring, one of Nichol's earliest designs, starts at $45 per earring; the updated version, a large silver hoop hanging from a geometric stud, costs $130 for two. The signature metal spikes also appear on Nichol's handbags, including a rectangular leopard-print clutch with a detachable fringed leather bracelet ($575). And before you depart with your badass wares, peep her latest collection of cast-brass bracelets and rings ($255--$600), all of which are hand-finished to look like pieces of metal-dipped yarn. 147 Sullivan St between W Houston and Prince Sts (212-431-4171, wendynicholnyc.com)

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