Designer Diamonds in the Design District

When it comes to the Miami Design District, fashion, furniture and watches tend to come to mind, but what about jewelry? Design District excels at that too, replete with the fine jewelry wonders both large and small. From gumball-sized diamond engagement rings to ornate high-jewelry broaches to stacking gold bangles, not only does it have the best of everything, it’s the hautest buying experience imaginable. Brand-new two- and three-story maisons designed with plush carpets, natural stones and shimmering chandeliers make high-net-worth buyers feel right at home.

When it comes to diamonds, perhaps the best place to start is Harry Winston. The storied jeweler is named in the famous Marilyn Monroe song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” She would have swooned at the elegant, two-story salon that opened its doors in 2015. Naturally it has some of the juiciest pieces around. These include 10-carat sparklers that would make her say “I do,” a full range of iced-out timepieces and a diamond and sapphire platinum “Secret Message” bracelet. If you look closely enough, you can read “Harry Winston” hidden in among the sparkling stones.

Although it’s in the heart of Miami, the 7,500-square-foot Cartier store is reminiscent of a Parisian “hotel particulier.” The store was designed by architect Bruno Moinard and is filled with bronze cases, blush carpet and a sparkling, two-story chandelier—so it’s almost as stunning as the jewelry it houses. The store is a dream for die-hard Cartier collectors as it has the entire collection in addition to a lot of fun, historic pieces. Cartier CEO Mercedes Abramo correctly predicted upon its opening that the store would “become a destination for serious Cartier fans,” and it has.

Tiffany & Co.’s Design District home is a two-story boutique that makes buyers feel a little like they might be on Fifth Avenue, the brand’s New York City flagship. Here among an Art Deco mural and museum-quality contemporary art pieces by Michele Oka Doner, David Altmejd and Richard Louderback, you’ll find plenty of diamonds, gold as well as their famous silver gifts, glassware and china. They even have handbags now, all of which come in that coveted light blue box.

But it’s precious stones we’re talking about, and one beautiful and timely piece they have in the Design District store is the Schlumberger Elephant Brooch from the 2016 Masterpieces collection. The 18-karat gold elephant has gemstone eyes and dazzling diamond pavé ears, making it rather unlike any other. The piece is part of a partnership with Tiffany & Co., the Elephant Crisis Fund and the Clinton Global Initiative. This piece launched the hashtag #KnotOnMyPlanet to help raise awareness and encourage people to donate to the Elephant Crisis Fund so it makes a big statement.

The quintessential Italian jewelry brand Bulgari has an imposing store at the entrance of the Palm Court. Bulgari was the famously favorite of Liz Taylor back when it was a small but tres chic shop in Rome. Now, the line has majestic boutiques all over the world sharing Bulgari’s core values: authenticity, heritage, perfection and glamour.

You probably won’t find monarchs at Jason of Beverly Hills, but they do service many a pop princess (and prince!) with their over-the-top custom pieces. Designed by Jason Arasheben, you’ll find iced-out watches and pendants ranging from cute (cupcakes, panda bears and ruby-bottomed Louboutins) to naughty (AK-47s, razor blades with sparkling residue and handcuffs).

Other spots are better suited to gold statement pieces like Italian jeweler Vhernier. Inside their blushing shop, you’ll find only rose gold pieces that have smooth, sweeping lines in bold proportions. For daintier pieces, staking bangles, rings and drippy earrings, check out Roberto Coin.