Haute Secrets Boston: Holly Daniels Christensen, Owner of Dune Jewelry

One of the most special gifts comes from memorable experiences that have been created. To capture these heartfelt memories, Dune Jewelry transforms these experiences into a beautiful jewelry collection. They inlay sand from your favorite beach, trail, ball park or golf course into sterling silver to create a beautiful piece of jewelry celebrating your favorite memories. You can choose from their stock of beach sand from thousands of locations worldwide or send them your own sand for a custom piece of jewelry.

Photo Credit:Samantha Robshaw

We recently caught up with Holly Daniels Christensen, the CEO-founder-owner of Dune Jewelry, to find out what she loves most about Boston.

Photo Credit: Samantha Robshaw

Where were you born:  Hyannis, MA

How long in Boston:  10 years

Neighborhood:  Between Walpole & Hyde Park every day now, but enjoyed living in Brighton for 5 years prior.

Occupation:  CEO, Travel Lover & Sand Connoisseur at Dune Jewelry

Favorite Restaurant:  I have a slight obsession with hot pot.  Shabu-Zen in Allston is my absolute favorite.  It’s worth the trip and there’s a small parking lot in the back of the restaurant so it’s easy access.

Best Sushi:  Fugakyu

Best Italian:  Trattoria Il Panino, I love the old school vibe and their warm & welcoming staff – Maria is the best!

Best dessert:  Homemade warm apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream after apple picking with my family at Lookout Farm in Natick

Best place for a romantic date:  Sorellina

Best Sunday brunch:  Article 24 in Brighton is brand new and SO worth checking out!

Best place for a power business meeting:  In our conference room which is furnished with my actual refurbished kitchen table where Dune Jewelry began 6 years ago.

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?  Taj Boston – ask for a room overlooking the Public Garden & a fireplace if it’s winter time.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: I can usually find something cool at Second Time Around on Newbury Street.  I love soft, vintage finds paired with more structured pieces.  Contrast is key.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches:  Any Dune Jewelry retailer.

Best Spa:  I’m a Cape girl at heart so nothing beats the Spa at Chatham Bars Inn.  The smell of ocean air elevates any experience.

Favorite Charity Event:  The High Hopes Gala to benefit Joslin Diabetes Center.  I lost my Dad to type 1 diabetes and spent a lot of time at Joslin when I was young.

Favorite Cultural Event:  North End Feasts

Favorite Cultural Institution:  Do Duck Tours count?  Ha!  I have toddlers at home and this keeps them thoroughly entertained.  We also love the New England Aquarium and Myrtle the Turtle.

Best Steakhouse:  Mooo.  Chic, warm & delicious…I love this place

Best Pizza:  Santarpio’s, East Boston

Best Lunch:  Tutto Italiano in Hyde Park.  The deli is stocked with the best meats and cheeses direct from Italy and their fresh baked bread is beyond delish!

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Unified Fitness in Hyde Park.  My trainer Emanuel Williams is the most positive, upbeat person I’ve ever met.  On any given day he’s doing “fabulous!” and he’ll make you feel fabulous while kicking your butt.

Best Massage:  Back to the Spa at Chatham Bars Inn of course!

Best Limousine/Driving Service:  Uber…or Lyft.  I’ve had good experiences with both.

Best Museum/Exhibit:  Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Describe Boston in three words:  Innovative, Smart, Rowdy

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:  Fenway Park.  We use sand from the infield to create some of our jewelry pieces.  I love that our jewelry can hold a bit of Boston History.

Best Aspect of Boston:  Our strength, ambition and enthusiasm for learning and living loudly.