It’s not exactly a secret that I like a big jewel. I wear yellow gold Lalaounis chandeliers at 9 a.m., and a Verdura Maltese cross for brunch. But still, I found myself oddly overjoyed at the news that Monica Vinader was opening a store on the Upper East Side. Vinader has made a name for herself with finely crafted friendship bracelets, delicate layering pieces, a fast and high quality engraving process—and a pair of Siren Wire earrings in green onyx that Kate Middleton seems to really, really like.

If I had to, I might trace my excitement back to the 2018 holiday season when I visited Vinader’s Soho store with my niece. I had planned to let her select her own Christmas gift from the store and knew she would like Vinader’s gold bar bracelets on brightly colored cords. She did, but I also liked enough of what was there to finish all my shopping in an hour—a circular pendant on a gold chain for my mother, two Signature bangles for my sister in law, and the sterling silver Fiji bracelets for everyone else. And, as always, an Atlantic necklace in amazonite for me.

Kate Middleton Wearing Monica Vinader's Siren Wire Earrings
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 - Press Day

These classics remain at the new store but, given its location at the heart of what I call the Upper East Side’s Golden Triangle—the Carlyle Hotel, Gagosian Gallery, and Three Guys Diner—Vinader has introduced select pieces that will be exclusive to this store.

"The Alta collection is based on shipping links in my home town of San Sebastián"

“After opening Soho, Madison Avenue was a natural second step,” says the London-born Vinader. “The particular area on Madison is very close to my heart because I used to always stay at the Carlyle as a young girl. The Alta collection is based on shipping links in my home town of San Sebastián and it felt natural to create an exclusive Alta line for Madison, linking my new home to my past and adding the glamour of New York to it by adding the diamonds."

Monica Vidaner
Courtesy Monica Vinader
Alta Ava Necklace by Monica Vinader— exclusive to the Madison Avenue store. Silver: $5,645. Gold/Rose Gold: $5,745

Added bonus: when her most famous client visits New York, she too likes to stay uptown.

Shop Monica Vinader Jewelry
Alta Capture Charm Bracelet
MONICA VINADER Alta Capture Charm Bracelet
$450 at Nordstrom
Credit: Monica Vinader
Siren Semiprecious Stone Drop Earrings
MONICA VINADER Siren Semiprecious Stone Drop Earrings
Now 10% Off
Engravable Baja Stone Bracelet
MONICA VINADER Engravable Baja Stone Bracelet
Siren Semiprecious Stone Stacking Ring
MONICA VINADER Siren Semiprecious Stone Stacking Ring
Headshot of Stellene Volandes
Stellene Volandes
Editor In Chief

Editor-in-Chief Stellene Volandes is a jewelry expert, and the author of Jeweler: Masters and Mavericks of Modern Design (Rizzoli).