News

 The holiday gift giving season is quickly approaching. Make an impact this year by supporting independent jewelry artists and your local small business community.

The Story

          When you are buying something from an artist or designer there is always a backstory to go along with the purchase. Whether you are buying directly from the artist, or from the small business representing the artist, you will be able to find out about the artist’s personal story and the inspiration behind the piece. How much more interesting your gift giving will be as you share these stories this holiday season!

There are no personal stories that come with a mass made piece bought from a big box store. Artisan, handcrafted jewelry has a real person behind the product you are purchasing and they are sharing a little piece of their dream with you.

Community

          Purchasing jewelry from a local shop or boutique in your community puts money directly back into that community. Shop owners support local schools, charities and events that have an impact on the neighborhoods that they are located in. Generally this is not the case with giant corporate stores that answer to stockholders.  Mom and Pop shops are struggling to compete with the mega online giants and are likely to disappear completely if the local community members do not support them.

          The whole character of a town is defined by the diversity of the mom and pop shops of Main Street. Who wants to go on a shopping trip and see the exact same mass produced products from corporate stores that are in every other homogenized city?

          I originally opened my boutique in a town that was overrun by corporate giants. As soon as the summer ended, the town basically  shut down. The pop up giants closed their doors for the winter and made it terribly hard for the small boutiques to stay open and for the local community to thrive. Not an inviting shopping experience to go to a Main Street that has numerous vacant/closed storefronts.

It is the small shop and boutique owners that add character and originality to a town.

Shop small and shop local. Think twice before putting your money into fueling up a corporate jet rather than fueling up an artists minivan.

Social Good

          Artists and designers are predominantly environmentally and socially aware people and many utilize ethically sourced materials and sustainable practices when creating their art. They have personal connections with their suppliers and will be able to share exactly what materials their pieces are made of.

          Many independent jewelry designers are using diamonds from conflict free zones, lab created diamonds and repurposed gemstones. Also, metals that are of United States origin and recycled metals thus reducing the impact of mining on the environment.  Not true of mass produced jewelry pieces.  As a buyer you don’t know what exactly you are buying or where it came from. The metals in the jewelry could contain lead or nickel or other dirty metals that are unsafe and could also cause allergic reactions for the wearer.

          When buying from an independent jewelry designer, or the small business jewelry representative, you can interact with the artisan and rest assured that you know precisely what your jewelry is made with and you will have a clear conscience about the impact on the environment.

Quality

          Artisan created jewelry is hand crafted individually, one at a time, from start to finish using raw materials. Artisan jewelry is not jewelry assembled from pre-made parts, although some jewelers pass that off as ‘handmade’. The quality of the piece of artisan created jewelry is usually far superior to mass produced pieces that come from overseas factories. You get what you pay for. Independent designers have pieces at multiple price points and can work within your budget. Why not invest in the best quality, unique, art jewelry piece? Anyway, who wants a mass produced item that millions of others are wearing? Don’t be a follower, be unique and support original design. 

          Each piece of jewelry that leaves my studio, and the studios of my designers, is in perfect condition and we all are very proud of what we create. An independent designer would not let an inferior piece of jewelry be sold with their own reputation on the line.

Superior Customer Service

          Independent jewelry designers are all running small businesses of their own and want to keep their customers happy. If a chain breaks or an earring is lost or a stone needs to be replaced, it is easy to contact the designers to get problems solved. No robots to talk to and endless buttons to be pressed. Just pick up the phone and speak with the designer or send an email. Easy.

          It is also easy to work with an artist to design a custom piece together. Every day in my boutique I am working with someone to customize a piece. Whether it is a quick fix like making dangling earrings into clip on’s or a custom design that requires more time, customers love the fact that they were part of the process.

Piece of Art

          You are buying a piece of art when you choose to shop from a designer. There is a connection between the two of you when you opt to purchase something that came from the heart of the artist. Hours of sketching, traditional metalworking, stone setting, sawing, hammering, polishing, etc. go into an artisan created piece of jewelry. You will not only get the beautiful piece, but the story behind the jewelry and the fact that you have invested in the livelihood of an independent working artist.

American Dream

          By purchasing from an independent designer directly or through a small local business in your community, you are playing a role in making the ‘American Dream’ a reality.

          Each time I sell a piece of jewelry created by one of the jewelry designers I represent in my boutique, I send them a text message and we both celebrate. Customers should be aware of the fact that actual happy dances are performed when a sale is made.  Each sale is a moment of justification, encouragement and joy. Your support of independent jewelry designers and their small businesses not only makes you a gift giving rock star, but you also become part of an artists journey to help them create the life that they love. 

By Eileen Baumeister McIntyre
eileen@gardenofsilver.com

631-275-8148

The writer, Eileen Baumeister McIntyre, is an independent artist and jewelry designer and the proprietor of Garden of Silver, a small business, in Westhampton Beach, New York. She represents female independent jewelry designers from the United States and Canada.

We are excited to be hosting a trunk show with our newest designer, Michelle Clark of Clark & Clark jewelry on August 9-11, 2019.

Michelle's jewelry is created in silver and 14K gold and is inspired by the ocean. Starfish, sand dollars, sea urchins, scallop shells, crabs, shark teeth etc. are meticulously hand crafted by her in her Norfolk, Virginia studio.

Please stop in and take home a piece of the ocean with you for a never ending summer.

Garden of Silver is pleased to welcome back jewelry designer Nikki Sedacca for the second season. Sedacca creates handmade art jewelry from sterling silver, 18kt gold, freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones. Nearly 50 of Nikki’s newest designs will make their debut at the boutique during a three-day trunk show event July 26-28th.

Nikki Sedacca’s collections seamlessly fit with Garden of Silver’s mission to show work that takes inspiration from the beauty of nature’s many facets. The collection will be available for the remainder of the summer season and offers a unique look for woman seeking a one-ofa-kind piece that fits their cutting-edge spirit.

In Nikki’s “Endless Love” Collection, one singular piece of silver or gold wire organically sculpts to the delicate shape of the individual collarbone or wrist. Sedacca says, “I am thrilled to be back in the Hamptons for another summer at Garden of Silver.

Owning an Art and Jewelry Gallery onMartha’s Vineyard and in Sarasota, FL I understand that clients are looking for a one-of-a-kind statement. This season I have really honed in on creating pieces where art and jewels collide, making each woman feel spectacular and special from the inside out.” Nikki Sedacca’s lifelong immersion in the arts has guided her art as she gives nod to current fashion trends and blazes her own trail.

Stop in when you are in the Hamptons and try on these glamorous pieces of art jewelry!

We are excited, once again, to be hosting the Jeanette Walker Jewelry trunk show, July 19-21, 2019.

Jeanette is a fine jewelry designer from Prince Edward Island. Her stunning designs are inspired by the ocean that surrounds her. Jeanette uses gold, sterling silver, gorgeous colorful gemstones and diamonds in her meticulously hand crafted pieces.

Stop in and try on some of these stunning pieces!

Please join us for a trunk show featuring the handcrafted in New York City fine jewelry by Jane Bartel.

Jane works in gold and silver creating organic and sculptural pieces, sourcing gemstones that are inspired by her love of the ocean and nature.

Please tell your jewelry loving friends and join us!
July 12-14, 2019.  Refreshments will be served.

Where is the Garden of Silver boutique located?

Garden of Silver flagship boutique is located at 77 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, New York 11978.

We plan on opening additional boutiques in Naples, Florida and New York City in the next few years.

What is the jewelry made from?

Garden of Silver jewelry is created from the finest materials including sterling silver, gold, diamonds, precious and semiprecious gemstones and pearls. All jewelry is handmade, by artist/designer Eileen Baumeister McIntyre in her studio on Long Island, New York.

The independent female jewelry designers that we represent in the boutique also handcraft their pieces using high quality materials as well and stand by the craftsmanship of their work. Please stop in and take a peek at their gorgeous pieces. We will be hosting new designer jewelry trunk shows on weekends throughout the summer. Join our mailing list to stay updated.

Can I make special requests or order a custom piece of jewelry?

YES! Garden of Silver welcomes custom orders. For example, sterling pieces can be made in gold, gemstones can be changed or enlarged, necklace lengths altered, rings resized, etc.  We also are happy to work with you on designing a one of a kind piece with you. Contact us to discuss.

When will I receive my jewelry that I order online?

Jewelry ordered online usually will usually be shipped within 48 hours. If there is an anticipated delay, you will be contacted immediately and told of the estimated delivery date.

How is the jewelry packaged and shipped?

Garden of Silver jewelry is beautifully packaged in our signature velvet lined boxes and tied with a ribbon, all ready for gift giving. We can also send a personalized note with your gift orders as well.

Jewelry is sent with tracking info that will be emailed to you and is insured while in transit.

What if I don’t like it?

If the jewelry is not what you were expecting, it can be returned within 7 days for a full refund or exchange. The jewelry must be unworn and in original packaging. 

I lost an earring, what can I do?

If you lose an earring we can make a matching piece. The price would be half the original price for the pair. Please contact us for more information.

How do I clean the jewelry?

Jewelry should be stored and cared for in a loving manner. Avoid using chemical cleaning solvents on our pieces. Sterling silver will tarnish over time, unfortunately that's the nature of the precious metal. If desired, it can be polished with a soft cloth and a low abrasive toothpaste can be applied as needed to restore luster and shine.

If you like we can professionally clean your Garden of Silver jewelry for you. You can ship the pieces back to us and we will handle the cleaning for you. Customers are responsible for the shipping costs involved. Please contact us with any other questions you may have about the care of your pieces. 

Thank for for choosing Garden of Silver handmade jewelry. We hope you enjoy it for many years to come.

Where else can I buy Garden of Silver jewelry?

Garden of Silver jewelry can be found in boutiques, galleries and museum stores across the country. See our list of partners.

I can’t decide on a piece, do you have gift certificates?

Yes, we have physical gift cards that are available in any amount and are gift boxed. Let us know what you would like written on the enclosed card. Gift cards can be used online or in our Westhampton Beach boutique. E-certificates are available as well.

I have to admit it...I am obsessed with hydrangeas. They are growing all over my property and outside my boutique in East Hampton so inspiration is everywhere in the summer blooming season!

I carve the hydrangea blossoms out of wax and cast them in sterling silver and am having fun adding all kinds of gemstones to the centers of the flowers.

Looking for a large, light and lacy design I decided to create the blossoms through sterling outlines of the flower heads in full bloom. The 24K gold versions are on the studio bench right now, almost done!

Check out the entire Hamptons Hydrangea collection online or stop by the boutique and try them on!

Garden of Silver & Lazyjack Press, 55 Main Street, East Hampton, New York.

Introducing the new Coquille Collection!

The summer is definitely my favorite season and the beach is my happy place. I was inspired by my beach walks along the north shore of Long Island to create a new collection based on abstracted sea forms, shells and waves.

My sketchbook is filled with doodles that I then transformed into textured and three dimensional sterling silver pieces that are the backbone of the collection.  Although I do not generally work with pearls, I think they definitely add some fun to the oyster inspired pieces! Sapphires and blue zircon gemstones are the blues in the line. Each piece is individually handmade and therefore one of a kind.

So far there are about 20 pieces completed and more coming. Possibly some blackened pieces and gold accents as well. Rings and bracelets will round out the collection and will be online next week.
Sign up for our VIP Jewelry Lovers List to stay updated.

When you are in the Hamptons, stop in and try them on! I would love to meet you and hear what you think.
Garden of Silver & Lazyjack Press
55 Main Street, East Hampton, NY

New Coquille Collection

Garden of Silver is launching the Pendant Project and you are invited to
join us and add some beautiful color to your life!

Garden of Silver designer, Eileen Baumeister McIntyre, constantly designs and creates new handmade, one of a kind, fused art glass pendants that are wrapped in sterling silver.

Normally we sell these pendants in large quantities to museum shops,
galleries and boutiques throughout the country. The ‘Garden of Silver Pendant Project’ allows us to offer these pendants to you at a great value. 

Here is a quick video of some of the one of a kind pendant designs.

Garden of Silver will donate a portion of all proceeds of this gorgeous Golden Sunshine Collection to the GloblaGiving Hurricane Irma Relief charity. Let us spread some sunshine on the victims of Hurricane Irma.

Golden Sunshine Necklace


Tiny Golden Sunshine Necklace

Golden Sunshine Earrings