My Dad is a jeweler of the "art" variety, and he turned me on to Velvet da Vinci a few years ago as a place that selects only the cream of the art jewelry crop for its showcases. So it's always fun to do a fly-by when you're in the neighborhood, because of all the interesting stuff on display. It's also a great place to find a unique gift, and that's why I stopped in today. Japanese seemed to be the flavor of the day, or at least I felt like the first few things that caught my eye were all by Japanese designers. I particularly liked a trio of fun textile pieces - a necklace and a couple of bracelets, but I couldn't think of anyone on my list who would dare to wear them. I walked out empty-handed but still glad I made the trip, and that's saying something for a guy who doesn't like to shop. Anyway, for art jewelry there's no better place. read more

My favorite kind of drawing is contour drawing--it's the technique I fell in love with in high school and which has served as the sparkplug for my own paintings. Picking up pen or pencil or charcoal and follow the line and edge wherever it takes you, dividing subject from ground, positive space from negative space, here from there, thing from not-thing. That's why I love this gallery; along with the lovely jewelery, they feature 3-d wire sculptures by artists who seems to share my love for contour line drawings. One sculptor right now has half a dozen or more beautiful pieces based on chickens. I would love to have a rooster and chicken family set, and there was a chameleon in the window a few months ago that I'm still trying to get. There is one hanging piece of a pregnanet woman that is just gorgeous. The owners of this place have a great eye for interesting sculpture and jewlery. read more

If you enjoy or are even remotely interested in original artwork, jewelry, creating jewelry, metalsmithing, or delicate, colorful, interesting objects - you will love this place. Prepare to be blown away by the detail and care that goes into these pieces... and if you see something that you just couldn't possibly live without and have the funds, hell, buy the damn thing. Jewelry and metals books are good for reference, but popping in here for a look at the actual pieces does more for inspiration than any Lark book ever could. read more

The human sculptures made with wire is amazing. The fingers really look like fingers even though its made from wires. I just love this place. So handsome. read more

I walk past VDV on my way to work, and often stop in just to enjoy the show. It's basically a collection of the most imaginative craft sculpture and jewelry you'll find anywhere. The "art hit rate" (fraction of objects that are not only beautiful but astonishing) is higher here than in many museums. This is art, and is indeed priced in a different range than commercial products. Over the years, I've bought a few pieces (a Thomas Hill bird and some Junko Mori spiky sea urchins) and have quickly forgotten what they cost - a good indication that I'd received more than I'd paid. read more

This is a cool gallery that displays and sells some pretty interesting jewelry, sculpture, and other art. I'm a little bit biased, though, because this is one of the first places that sold my brother and his girlfriend's mobiles (http://www.mikeandmaaike.com). Since then, they've featured a lot of my brother and his girlfriend's stuff. The owners are nice and not sheeshy. They used to be located in Hayes Valley, and although I liked their old space better, I think their new neighborhood fits better with their vibe. read more

I have been on a four-year quest for gold earrings, and at Velvet Da Vinci, I finally found them! This is not your run-of-the-mill artsy jewelry store: it really is a cross between store and gallery. There are some extraordinary pieces here, and in a huge range of styles -- some very modern, some very classic, some avant garde. A range of prices, too: you can spend serious money here but there are also some more affordable finds (though not many pieces under $100-200, as far as I could see, and lots well above.) If you love jewelry -- to buy, or to just look at -- this is a must. read more

I've been shopping here since they were on Hayes Street - back when Hayes was a bit dangerous (and not just to the pocketbook!) I almost always see something to lust after, sometimes more than one thing. I'm not always crazy about their exhibits, but they are always worth a look. I love their devotion to craftspeople and to fine and unique jewelry. This is absolutely a destination. Parking on their block is pretty good. Any hard core jewelry fiend - even if you can't afford it - will adore this shop. read more

This place is more of an art gallery than a jewelry store. The pieces are so beautiful and unique it's crazy. Prices run quite a range, so not too hard to find something for everyone. read more

Velvet da Vinci is one of my favorite shops in SF. It is both a jewelry store and an art gallery. An ingenious blending of art and jewelry. The artists showcased here really think outside the box. Some of the pieces are clearly understandable, and are just excellent examples of creativity and fine craftsmanship -- while some of the pieces are downright befuddling... like, "where exactly would I wear that -- on my wrist or as a pendant...?" But it's fun to look at these art pieces, even though I would never actually wear things like that. Usually when I leave VDV, I feel inspired to be a more creative person, and have a nagging feeling that I've been living a too-conservative existence. Quite a bit of the work here has a somewhat organic and natural feel to it. This is not the kind of place where you're going to find a faceted gemstones set in shiny gold. Don't go shopping here for your engagement ring. It's more the place to find that one-of-a-kind amazing organic/whimsical/thought-provoking piece that will have people asking you excited questions at your next dinner party. One artist featured here, is someone who's work I have been a fan of for years: Diane Komater. She does these amazing wire "sketches" -- often of human forms... and I never tire of looking at her work. Her wire is smooth and seamless, as it curls around in delicate ways to indicate the shape of something... as if she had just sketched an illustration with a pen on paper -- but instead it is a hanging piece constructed completely of wire. I've never bought anything at VDV, although I wish I could afford to. I'd love to be able to support them financially, since I want them to be around for a long time -- however like most things that drift into the art world, the prices are pretty high. But that's okay -- I'm not complaining. I'll still make this gallery a regular destination, and will still continue to enjoy oggling the vast creativity inside. Also -- VDV's website often has quite a bit of info about their current shows, and lots of pics up of their various artists. So even if you can't make it over to the place, it's fun to gawk at the creativity online. (However I'd highly recommend an actual visit -- as the stuff is always better in person!) read more

This place is more of an art gallery than a jewelry store. The place is huge, urban, and chic. I fell in love with many of the specialty artists they showcase, especially the raw diamond jewelry by Todd Reed. The woman who was working there was very helpful and did not pressure me into a sale, even though I walked around with the ring of my dreams for over 15 minutes, clearly wanting to own it. In fact, she pointed me to a couple other jewelry stores in the city that feature raw diamonds and unique pieces. I will definitely be back. read more

Better than jewelry at SFMOMA!! Sooo international you'll think you're on a world wide concourse on the now extinct Concorde on a 30 minute ride of incredible creativity from high end jewelry artists from around the Northern Hemisphere...haven't seen Argentinian or Brazilian or South African works yet. Give a shout out to MIKE and ELIZABETH...amazing stuff, y'all. NOTE: Parking meter MAN likes to ticket your car ($50) if you do not CURB (turn your wheel towards curb DOWNHILL, turn your wheel away from curb UPHILL) damn, $50 for a looksee for a show! without deep pockets for that beautiful white gold pendant. read more

This place has some really, really nice stuff. I greatly desire their bronze bicycle on display. However, this bicycle is indicative of the rest of the items in this store - super awesome, but super pricey. I've bought some jewelry here for my fiance, and we have been nothing but pleased. The ambiance is very nice, staff is extremely professional and knowledgeable, and I felt well taken care of. They spent a lot of time with us, and made sure to wrap it exquisitely and make sure we were satisfied. The decor is very modern, and they have some beautiful pieces, as even an untrained eye like mine can determine. As said earlier though, someone has to pay for it. Most of the stuff here ain't cheap, but the quality explains the price away. I'll come back here for the a classy gift I'm buying for the special lady. read more

This place has some of the most beautiful and unique jewelry I have ever seen. I was amazed by many of the pieces in their current show, Dichotomies in Objects--especially the pieces with the skulls! Wow! The person who was working there was friendly, allowed my friend and I to browse freely without making things awkward.. which I feel like happens pretty often in gallery-like spaces. read more

We were referred to Purple Da Vinci when looking for promise rings. The gallery itself is a gift to the Bay Area and I cannot believe it's taken me this long to discover it. I now make it a regular jaunt when in the area. There were so many wonderful, chic, unique and elegant pieces to choose from but with Elizabeth's (co-owner) encouragement, we settled on two stackable rings by Masato Inoue for me and one for my partner. We love them so much, we decided we want to get our wedding set from the same designer. We asked Mike (other co-owner) what were some options and he offered great design advice on how to add to our current sets. Aside from serving as a great artistic space and center of amazing jewelry, I love Purple Da Vinci for the warm interactions we have had with Elizabeth and Mike. They were super sweet to our baby boy and even played with our high strung pups. We highly recommend this place for art enthusiasts and jewelry collectors alike. read more

They have the most unusual and wonderful jewelry anywhere. If you want a collector's piece or just looking for something so different that when you wear it people will say OMG where did you get that. This is the place. Plus the staff is so helpful and helpful. read more

THE best place for interesting art-piece jewelrey by local and foreign designers. The owners are usually there, and are very nice. You can also arrange to have custom pieces made. read more

Velvet Da Vinci is one of my favorite stores in the country. When I lived in CA they were located in Hayes Valley but have moved to a much more grand space on Polk. When I am visiting the bay area (or the web), I go there to look at the amazing work of some wonderful artists and to get inspired. Anyone with artistic sensibility and with of love of craft (not a dirty word) would love this store. I would love it even more if my wallet would allow. read more

I always stop here when I'm in SF. It is one of the top three art jewelry galleries in the country right here in SF. From functional to edgy - something for everyone. Staff and owner are always welcoming. read more

Velvet Da Vinci consistently exhibit some of the most interesting jewelry design in the city. The work here is highly sculptural and comfortably straddles the divide between art and design. If you are looking for a demure ring or some screaming bling, this is not the store for you. However, if you are looking for some baubles with depth and pedigree to show off at the next mission art opening, this is definitely the place to go. http://www.velvetdavinci.com/ read more

Amazing artwork, unique jewelry, lots of cool things to look at. I love to poke my head in there every few weeks and see what is new. I have yet to purchase something from them but I suppose I will once something catches my eye and/or I can afford it. If you have not been there, go and check it out...very unique. read more

When I want a little eye-candy I pop in here to oogle all the beautiful jewelry, which are really just miniature works of art. If I ever become a wealthy Pacific Heights philanthropist/socialite I'll come here to buy all of my conversation-piece jewelry. Until then, I can only lean on the glass and drool a little. read more

Do you want unique, hand made and beautiful jewelry? Do you want a staff that may actually and honestly care if you're happy? Then this is the place for you. I won't go into details, but let's just say that they take care of you even if the special order item you got is exactly what you asked for and is wrong because you are an idiot. They made it right even though it was my fault. The people are great, the jewelry and home decorations are great and the vibe is NOT SNOOTY. Go there and spend money with a terrific local S.F. shop! read more

Good looking building from the outside and friendly staff on the inside. I didn't like the current exhibition (JIllian Moore) as I don't like work which isn't wearable and I don't like work which detracts from the beauty of the wearer but in general there is a great range of very interesting and affordable work on show. I thought the Ethical Jewellery was particularly good and after rereading the website it is a shame that just a little more signposting in the gallery would have made clear the purpose behind this project. This is a rare little gem of a place. read more

Amazing jewelry, some of it a bit extreme to wear for my taste, but still entertaining to watch. They often change their display, or have small thematic exhibits, so it's worth checking it out. The jewelry is a little pricey, but if you want something truly unique this is the place to go (I got my engagement ring from them). read more

I've been to the Velvet Da Vinci since it was at Hayes and now at its new location on Polk. I preferred the Hayes Valley location because I could combine other shopping and make an afternoon with friends. The current location is less convenient (although the Cheese shop nearby ROCKS) but the space is so much larger and they can display more so it's a wash. In any case, I love the place. It's a feast for the eyes and the owner is wonderful. read more

For anyone who's idea of perfect jewelry can't be found at Tiffany & Co....From the expected to the unexpected and a whole lot in between, VdV has got to be one of the best places to see what's happening in the world of contemporary jewelry design. read more

i want it all! this unique jewelry gallery is absolutely fabulous, meticulously curated and the owners are so helpful. shop or just spend your time browsing the sights. read more

My husband and I decided while engaged that we wanted to have our wedding rings made by the jewelry designer Todd Reed. Velvet Da Vinci is one of the few galleries that carry this designer. My husband worked with the store to have my ring made and was pleased initially by the store, the style and service. However, we also looked at a gallery that sold Todd Reed rings in Venice, CA and our experience there was at a different level. When my husband gave me my ring that cost over $1900 it was in a simple cardboard box. They could not even put it in a decent box for him to give me? Then when we wanted to order his ring, he had called the store, talked the to the sales-person and we were told that while she was at the store, she had closed it early and couldn't see us because she was doing paper-work. We were living in L,A , and this was a rare time we were both in San Francisco. We'd hoped to start a relationship with this store, thinking in the future if we wanted more we'd come there. We ended up going to the gallery/store in Venice where they not only helped us with my husband's ring, giving him a nice box, but gave him a 10 percent discount because we are also artists. I only wish we had done everything with the Venice Gallery. In the end, we wished they had handled it differently. We were treated at the minimum service level and nothing more. read more