By Jill Newman
Come winter, Aspen sparkles with a different kind of ice: diamonds and jewels. This town is a veritable candy store for jewelry lovers. World-class designers and brands grace nearly every corner in boutiques that represent the pinnacle of jewelry artistry.
Betteridge
This elegant jeweler at The Little Nell is the only place in town to find the signature designs of iconic jewelers David Yurman and Roberto Coin—including exclusive pieces made just for the Aspen crowd. Serious gem collectors come for Robert Procop’s ultra-rare, fancy-colored diamonds and magnificent museum-quality gemstones. There’s also a curated mix of hard-to-find vintage jewelry and pre-owned watches from the most desirable brands—and the staff will track down special requests.
Bespoke experience: Can’t find your dream piece? Betteridge will create it from scratch in its L.A. workshop.
Meridian Jewelers
Longtime Aspen locals Robin and Kenny Smith know firsthand what their clients want: unique, statement pieces nobody else will have. Since 2003, the Smiths have had their pulse on the designer jewelry scene and assembled a roster of best-in-class international designers. Coveted collections include Anita Ko’s everyday luxe diamonds; Silvia Furmanovich’s vibrant, exotic creations; and Fernando Jorge’s sculptural gold pieces.
On time: With big selections of Rolex, Cartier, IWC, A. Lange & Söhne, and Tudor brands, Meridian is a watch lover’s playground.
Etc.
At this chic jewelry and clothing shop, owner Meg Margjeka curates an eye-catching assortment of playful, stylish, and unique designer jewelry. She encourages clients to pair baubles with après-ski sweatpants and cozy cashmere sweaters, saying, “It’s the Aspen way.” Fun pieces include Brent Neale’s bold, gold, bubble letter pendants; Retrouvai’s colorful lollipop jewels; and Uniform Object’s sculpted gold and diamond pieces.
The VIP treatment: Too busy on the slopes to hit the store? No problem. Etc… offers private appointments and in-home consultations. It can also transform family heirlooms, collaborating with designers like Brent Neale and Jade Trau to reimagine pieces in contemporary styles.
Oliver Smith
With a 40-year history of making timelessly smart jewelry, Oliver Smith is the destination for elegant diamond designs and foundational pieces for every wardrobe. Think diamond studs, tennis bracelets, and hoop earrings in a range of shapes and sizes. Every stone is certified and ethically sourced, and Smith also offers diamonds from recycled jewelry. Located in the historic Tom Thumb building on East Hyman Avenue, the shop also showcases a watch collection with the latest from Omega and Blancpain, plus pre-owned unicorns that collectors hunt years to find.
Go bigger: Ready to upgrade your diamond ring? Oliver Smith offers current market value for diamonds when a client is trading up to a new stone.
Buccellati
This Italian heritage brand, which has called Aspen home for 20 years, is attracting a younger generation thanks to new pieces designed by fourth-generation jeweler Lucrezia Buccellati Wildenstein. Her creations include chic stackable rings and bracelets made with the house’s signature finely detailed gold finish and sprinkled with diamonds. The mountain crowd gravitates to the Macri collection’s bold gold and diamond cuffs and extra-large hoop earrings.
Worth a visit: For a truly exclusive shopping experience, the newly remodeled boutique features a private VIP room.
Lugano
Ski straight off the mountain into Lugano’s boutique at The Little Nell, where Champagne and extraordinary jewels await. With contemporary art pieces on the walls and a plush, residential vibe, this local gathering place feels like home. The collection speaks to Aspen’s adventurous spirit with pink diamonds strung on sleek black rubber cords and substantial diamonds cradled in hand-carved ebony settings.
A good cause: Lugano’s intimate philanthropic dinners and cocktail events invite clients to try on the house’s exceptional pieces while supporting the local community.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Reopening in mid-December, the beloved French maison Van Cleef & Arpels’s two-story Aspen salon is nothing short of spectacular, with an elegant bar, crackling fireplace, and custom Fromental silk wallcoverings celebrating the region’s wildflowers. Naturally, jewelry steals the show, especially collections like Snowflake, with its glistening diamonds, and Palmyre, featuring cascading diamond and gemstone pieces.
Get comfortable: The store’s second level welcomes clients for private appointments, where they can try on jewels while sipping Champagne.
FoundRae
This new salon on East Hyman Avenue feels like stepping into a cabinet of curiosities. Founder Beth Hutchens infused artisanal details throughout, from the wood-marquetry sunburst that greets visitors at the entrance to hand-blown glass sconces imprinted with the brand’s motifs. The stylish jewels are also rooted in symbolism, drawing from Greek mythology, ancient icons, and modern mantras of love and inner strength.
In real time: Clients can see FoundRae’s in-house artisan jewelers crafting pieces and commission a custom engraving on-site.