Diamonds, Skulls, and Bullets

By David A. McKnight

December 8^th marked the one-year anniversary of Turkish jewelry design house, Atelier Minyon.  When I stepped into the Soho, NY flagship boutique to partake in the festivities and review the collection, I was surprised by what awaited me behind the glass doors.  I felt almost as if I was instantly transported to a small shop nestled on a quiet street in Istanbul.  Beautiful dark wooden cases filled with precious jewels covered warm stucco walls, an eclectic collection of unique lanterns hung gracefully from the ceiling, and one of the most beautifully tiled walls I’d ever seen stared at me from the back of the store.

Of course the main attraction of the evening was the exquisite assortment of mostly one-of-a-kind jewelry, which ranged from classic pearls strung between alternating diamonds, to rebellious rock-n-roll themed skulls covered in diamonds, rubies and semi-precious gems.

All hand-crafted in Turkey, other statement pieces included a breathtaking black and white diamond covered bullet pendant (my personal favorite), oxidized silver bear claw necklaces and earrings, and rustic looking keys made of silver, gold and diamonds.

As the crowd of mostly bloggers and fashionistas admired the design and construction of the museum-worthy accessories, the friendly boutique owners busied themselves by making sure all their guests were fed generously on delicious Turkish treats, and that their wine cups never fell below the half-way mark.  As a parting gift, each attendee was given a beautiful, large hand-made wooden jewelry box from Turkey – another pleasant, and very generous, surprise.  Located at 155 Spring Street, I suggest urge you to check out the stored during your next shopping excursion to Soho.  Now I guess I’ll have to return to buy some jewels to put in my new box.