The Michael Colberg Collection

After becoming incapacitated when an old injury flared up, therapist Michael Colberg kept busy by beading. Almost three years later in November 2010, Colberg has translated his hobby into a full-fledged business run from a quaint East Village storefront. A few glass cases display Colberg’s creations made from internationally sourced beads, such as necklaces with amber and African glass ($160) and multistrand necklaces consisting of gilded Ethiopian trading beads and precious stones like garnets and emeralds ($525). You’ll also discover pricey one-of-a-kind treasures that Colberg collected while traveling in Africa, Spain and Mexico, such as metal, bone and wood inlaid Moroccan mirrors ($650–$1,000). Everything you see in the boutique is for sale—including the intricate chandelier hanging from the ceiling ($475), the stacks of woven scarves and shawls piled on tables ($60–$90) and the brightly colored Moroccan containers scattered throughout the shop ($85–$500).