Bespoke has been the word in jewelry for some years now. Everyone wants custom, original,…read moreexpression of the one-of-a-kind individual. Handmade is pretty much this place's specialty, so bespoke is second nature for them, though ready-to-wear is plentiful in their cases, and repairs are welcome too. And this local business is not quite mom-n-pop, but aunt-n-nephew are close enough!
I originally scouted Eastern Lapidary when looking for jewelry making classes in the area (FYI, the best I have found are tradesman type courses offered at Tuscarora Lapidary Society, or more crafty versions at Wayne Arts Center/Wallingford Arts Center). So "lapidary," to me, was synonymous with classes, though, duh, that's not the dictionary definition. When I read the reviews for this place, it was clearly a jewelry store, so I was bummed about the class idea, but curious about the store.
I am glad I didn't look at their online offerings before going into the store. Online are a lot of mainstream designs, that are very different from the unique and interesting things at the store. I would not recognize what was in the store at all by their online inventory. Also I saw nothing on the website that was in the store, and vice versa, I was almost wondering if it was the right site. Maybe the store inventory is listed somewhere I missed? Regardless, I am happy to have made the visit to see everything in person, because it was very cool!
At the store, I was welcomed by their cute dog. They are unpretentious and laid back here, which let me feel relaxed and at home. When I looked in the cases, they have some really amazing pieces. Everything I saw was one-of-a-kind, and when I spoke to Jonathan (the nephew), he showed me some cases where everything was made by his aunt, Kim, or by him.
They had a rare coral slice pendant that looked like petrified wood, and it had a bail of gold and small diamonds furling down onto the coral. It was this juxtaposition of refined gold/diamonds, against the natural beauty of the rare, exotic coral that took it to that vibey level for me. It looked like things I saw in Bora Bora on my honeymoon, so chic! They also had a black pearl ring in white gold, such that the pearl was set sideways, going through the band in an amazingly beautiful way. That one was more like the ads in Bazaar or something, very refined. I cannot stop thinking about those pieces, they were art. They also had a case of antiques, which are cool on their own, but I could tell these folks would be up for some kind of customization of them if one wanted, a la Erica Courtney's "Re-purpose Re-love" style.
They also had a gorgeous display of high-end geodes and other gem specimens in a case in the back. I love that kind of stuff too. I could have spent a lot longer in the store than I did. You can tell they put a lot of love and care into everything they do.
Jonathan helped me with some gem id-ing on some pieces I brought. He was super kind to sit and educate me a while about it all. When I mentioned I hope to take classes someday at the Tuscarora Lapidary Society, he happened to have fliers for them right there. He said they are a great resource, and recommended them, so I am def going there now. Jonathan knew TONS about gems and how/where most jewels are mined, cut, where castings normally happen, etc. He was so kind to talk to me as long as he did, but I could have chatted for hours, it is all so interesting and he could answer every single one of my questions. I would definitely feel confident in putting my repairs or alterations in their hands, and I'd love to someday grab a handmade piece or two!
The location is easy to miss on fast-moving route 3, if you're not paying attention. It's located northbound, past the intersection at Providence Rd (La Locanda). Just past that light, there is Audi, then VW, then Keenan Auto Body, all on the right, then, you're upon it. They're in this 70s style apartment building, with a marquee out front that has Allstate the most boldface to see first, but Easter Lapidary's sign is actually on top. It's up a slight hill, and they're right there in front. There was plenty of parking right by the store. Yes, the upper two stories of the place are apartments, and the ground floor is businesses (oddly, my friend's grandfather owned this building when we were kids, and I remember running up and down the steps).
Worth a look! Special pieces, made with heart!
