My initial misconception was that Kendra Scott would be "expensive" and carry only trendy fashion jewlery. I thought to myself, how can Mosaic District support more than one fashion jewelry shop (Alex and Ani)? I also wasn't if the quality of jewelry would meet my expectations (or at least not turn my earring holes green). I am happy to report, the jewelry is very high quality and the styles range from classic to trendy.
Kendra Scott fits a niche somewhere between Pandora and an Alex and Ani. Unlike Pandora and Alex and Ani which play to the sentimental side, it is a place where women shop for themselves and/or other women. Of course, a man is welcomed to shop Kendra Scott, but the jewelry is more fashion and function rather than sentiment. The "customized" nature of this jewelry store lends itself nicely to "a need" whether it be a particular event, outfit or pairing a set (who hasn't lost an earring to a matched set with necklace and hoped to recreate the earrings as close as possible).
At the back of the store flanking each side of the "Color Bar", there are two large touchscreen LEDs to walk you through customization of your jewelry:
-Step 1: Choose jewelry type (necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring), then choose your style
-Step 2: Choose your metal (rose gold, white gold, silver, etc.)
-Step 3: Choose your gem (there are both man-made and natural but no precious gems
-Step 4: Your itemized list along with the price
Once your have your itemized list (or know which design), one of the sales associates at the Color Bar will assemble the jewelry (feel free to watch and chat). The sales associate gave me three different quartz rose stone choices since it is a natural stone there is variation in the color and striation. The assembly process took no more than 10 minutes in my case (one necklaced and one pair of earrings).
The sales associates were remarkably well trained for Grand Opening week! They are willing to provide suggestions and guidance (understanding not all women want complete creative authority) and inspiration is all around you by way of completed pieces. At checkout, a scanner is used to itemize the jewelry against a barcodes in a three-ring binder. The jewelry was placed into a silk-like pouch for transport (the packaging matches the store décor).
Kendra Scott will stay the duration in Mosaic District due to the range of styles, the price point and the quality of jewelry. I went with four stars as my expectations were more than met (it isn't as expensive as the tall ceilings and glass lighting would suggest and there are enough styles to hit a range of taste and occasion). They have the potential to move to 5-star with brand shaping and partnering within Mosaic District (the storefront and large glass light fixtures say "expensive" which equates to unapproachable). read more