Princess Designs Jewelry & Rocks

Such a quaint jewelry place specializing in specialty crystals. Great selection and fantastic customer service.

I passed this tiny shop on my way to the handmade gifts gallery next door and a pair of earrings caught my eye. We stopped in to get a better look but had a difficult time getting sales help. The sole worker appeared to be doing something at a table or desk with her back to the rest of the store, including the entry. There was one other customer, who had a question to ask, and then left. We were shown the earrings. They were inexpensive and cute so we got them.
A little more training on customer service would be nice. Most things are in locked cases though the prices would not warrant it if a set of employees eyes were on the displays.

Princess Designs has a variety of jewelry in an array of stones and beads, as well as pearls.
SELECTION
Although other stores may stock a multitude of stone jewelry, Princess Designs does carry a good selection in each stone. This is what probably sets them apart is the selection within each stone variety.
The only thing that I will say is that if you are looking for super unique, one-​of-​a-​kind, or high-​end artsy items, you will really have to sift through here to find something like that. Her variety of stone selection spans far, but the designs themselves stick to safe and plain styles that please a mass audience. I would say there is a lot of ‘everyday’ jewelry and no single show-​stopper piece here.
She does have items ranging from Larimar to Tourmalinated quartz on hand all the time, so that alone should show you the available range.
SETUP
The setup of the store is nice in that it allows you to browse quickly in this tiny spot upstairs in Kerrytown. Since everything is together in its own stone category, or pearl section, you can easily find what you’re looking for.
I like that she has pearls in size ranges ready to browse through quickly. Everything is clearly marked with prices on it and is often arranged by price range as well– again, for ease of shopping.
VIBE
They are cordial in there, but I wouldn’t say friendly. Expect pretty standard service, which is of course fine if you’re just making a simple purchase. It’s not stuffy, even though the name might put you off, so go in and have a look around.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you’re looking for a quick gift for someone and need pearl studs at a reasonable price or perhaps a necklace of beads for yourself for work, this is a great place for that.
There are items in every price range here, but you basically get what you pay for. There are no ‘deals’ unless you have a coupon from being on the mailing list. By deals I mean that you’re getting say a necklace that I could get on an online shopping network for half the price, you pay here at full retail– around $ 80−100+ depending on the stone.
Although, as I said, prices vary and you can get a simple set of pearl studs at a reasonable price, as well as beaded earrings for a very cheap price.
If you’re looking for a special piece, you may want to check out Four Directions. I often get that special piece that no one has over there.
FINISHING TOUCH
They do give you gift boxes that are quite nice with each purchase. Right now they are black with a hot pink princess crown logo and tissue inside. It makes a cute presentation and makes the recipient feel special that you went to «Princess» Designs for them.

My wife loves this store. The jewelry isn’t high end precious gems but rather nice things that you can wear everyday. They have a lot of semi-​precious stones, Swarovski Crystal, and beads. There is a terrific assortment of styles and colors that are neatly arranged so that you can easily find what you are looking for. We have never been there when the owner isn’t there and she will be glad to help you find whatever it is that you had in mind and if you don’t see it, I believe that she will make it for you, as long as she has the right stones. The owner makes all the jewelry here herself and her craftsmanship is top notch.

Maybe all this jewelry just isn’t my thing. I felt like I was in one of those giant markets in Mexico, where every object is nice but the sheer number of very similar objects makes them all seem (ahem) — cheap.