Time to Bling: The Haute 5 Jewelry and Watch Boutiques in San Francisco

Haute Living readers demand the best of the best. So we are here to serve as your guide to the gems that stand out amongst the crowd at Union Square for jewelry and watch shopping with their exquisiteness, charm, and grandeur.

Van Cleef & Arpels in Neiman Marcus Union Square

Jewelry enthusiasts were giddy with excitement when the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique open in San Francisco in 2009 because finally they could get their Alhambra pieces without having to hop on the private jet. Tucked inside Neiman Marcus at Union Square, this 500-square-foot space is decorated in all the glamorous sophistication you could expect from the luxury retailer, including gray tones accented by black lacquered details, which allow the brilliance of each collection to tantalize all day. In the event that a custom piece is all that will suffice, special-orders can be made right in the store.

Van Cleef & Arpels in Neiman Marcus Union Square is located at 150 Stockton Street, 415.362.3900

Cartier

For those days when a meditative yoga session just won’t take the edge off, there is the Cartier showroom in Union Square. This is where the wealthy come to find their center. What better place to do it than at the ionic Cartier boutique, with its seamless décor of traditional and avant-garde elements like oak paneling, a Murano chandelier, and grand ceilings. The newly expanded boutique houses display cases full of Cartier’s signature watch collections like the Tank, Santos, Roadster, and Pasha. Clients will find a knowledgeable horologist ready to show their wearable art collections like the Prive and Ballon Bleu. Word to the wise, you might not want to try on the fabulous engagement rings without the prospect of marriage, no matter how great they are you will only leave there with a disheartened spirit.

Cartier Union Square is located at 250 Post Street, 415.397.3180

Bulgari

Bulgari opened over the holidays in 2009 and this retail gem takes the cake in terms of beautiful stores. Situated on a corner of Stockton and Geary Streets, this magnificent structure leaves shoppers in awe from both inside and out. Shopping here is like entering a magical palace full of fine jewelry and watches. With its heavenly staircases made of copper and glass, and its rectangular Murano glass chandelier cascading down the center of the store, shopping for a fine piece of jewelry is a true visit to the lap of luxury. We suggest some retail therapy during sunset in order to take in the spectacular views of the city from this multi-level building.

Bulgari Union Square is located at 200 Stockton Street, 415.399.9141

Montblanc

Another colossal giant amongst the chic Union Square shops, Montblanc offers jewelry, eyewear, fragrances, and leather products to go with their infamous writing instruments. The white marble floor, which displays the Montblanc symbol in the store’s center, is a sharp contrast to the onyx colored cabinetry. Cufflinks, wallets, and belts are displayed as if in a museum in brilliant glass cases. Patrons are offered savory chocolates and Champagne to enjoy while waiting for an associate to engrave the pieces.

DeBeers

Since its debut in Union Square a little more than a year ago, the 2,659-square-foot De Beers shop, located on Post Street, is the diamond destination. The environment features open spaces, ebony walls, and etched-glass paneling strategically placed to enhance the jewelry. With high display counters reachable from all sides, there are no intimidating barriers, allowing the client to enjoy an up-close experience when selecting these prized possessions, and for those desiring private presentations, there is an exclusive VIP room. De Beers’ diamonds are unique in that the cuts are not optimized for carat weight but rather for beauty. A special and distinct serial number, invisible to the naked eye, is engraved on every diamond more than .3 carats to provide security to the customer.