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Shine-o-mite: Downtown's jewelry district
The hot dog carts aren't the only thing reflecting off the sunlight downtown.
The first floor of the Seybold Building, a Miami landmark and home to many jewelers and jewelry stores. Photo: Donna E. Natale Planas.
By Marni Marx
In this city's race to see who can be the most distinctive and extravagant, saying "he went to Jared" might not cut it. Whether you're vying for bling rights or just looking for something special and unique, head to downtown Miami's jewelry district (NE 1st Street and Flagler Street between NE 2nd and Miami Avenues). Here are some of the crème de la crème specializing in all matters of high-end baubles.
Seybold Building
The basement and first and second floors of the Seybold are filled with shops carrying set and loose diamonds, very high-end timepieces (think Franck Mueller, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet) and mind-boggling custom-made jewelry. Be smart: look around for what you want and don't be afraid to negotiate - many dealers sell similar merchandise and someone is always looking to make a deal. If you want to be even more daring, venture up to the third through tenth floors, where the private jewelry dealers that create for and distribute to the vendors on the lower floors reside.
36 NE 1st St.; 305-374-7922
Miami Time Watches
Miami Time is an exclusive watch broker that also specializes in custom diamond watches -- and surprising affordability. For example, purchasing a diamond timepiece at the retail price usually starts around $8,000 and can run you thousands more. At Miami Time, you can purchase the same watch without the diamonds and they'll put in a custom diamond bezel for a fraction of the price. You can also construct a distinct design by sitting down with their master diamond setter, who has been in the business for over 25 years. They're not open to the public, only by appointment.
40 NE 1st Ave.; 786-285-1962
Haimov Watches and Jewelry
This watch brand is heading straight to the top, and they're doing it from their storefront downtown. Celebs can't seem to get enough of Haimov's creations, with the likes of 50 Cent, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Shaq rocking the uber-cool octagon-shaped designs. With prices ranging from $8,000 to $50,000, Haimov can't seem to keep watches in their boutique for very long; their HM1 model is loaded with a prolific 21 carats worth of diamonds. Not just for watches, Haimov also deals with diamond jewelry and gold galore.
33 NE 1st St.; 305-381-8901
Watch Time Inc./Lifestyle Eyewear
Gucci, Armani, Fendi, Seiko, Tissot are some of the watch brands this shop carries, clearly more affordable but not lacking one bit in name and trendiness. Inside you'll find displays filled with the latest watch trends and stainless steel jewelry. They carry sunglasses as well, with fab monikers ranging from Dior and Gucci to Oakley. Located on Flagler St. in the middle of downtown's chaos, they offer a couture oasis in the midst of bustling foot traffic and roaring busses.
139 E. Flagler St.; 305-539-0515
Where do you buy bling? Leave a review!
Published: 6/08
| Average rating based on 7 reviews. |
What you said
anything talking about diamonds and jewelry i love! what recession???!?! this is MIA and there is no room for hard times...just good times & great fashion! i like this site bc they are trying to be like newyorkmag.com...PUT UP MORE info like this & about restaurants! xxx000x0x... Read more
who wants to wear what everyone else has....thanks for the tips...looking forward to blinging my watch.
I've always wanted to know the inside secrets of the jewelry district and know I have some great tips! Frome exclusive & expensive to affordable & chic - all the bases are covered. Another very good guide & cute too! Looking forward to your next one!!!!... Read more
Thanks Marni for a thorough and enlightening review! I am interested in buying jewelry and now I know where to go! Awesome as always! :)
Thank you for a very informative article :)
