Argento

6.06.08 UPDATE: I just drove by Argento today and it’s closed! Just when all the construction on La Jolla Blvd is ’bout over… she goes and closes up shop. Too bad, so sad. :(
I know you have passed Argento a million times and wondered to yourself, ‘what the hell is an Argento?’ or maybe you didn’t even notice it was there at all…
Argento (meaning silver in Latin) is a sleek, modern & minimalistic store that specializes in very cool & hip one of a kind silver jewelry.
The owner is a really sweet lady (I’m sorry but I forgot her name) she is not a pushy sales lady by any means and will certainly tell you if she thinks a piece of her jewelry is not right for you. She isn’t in the business just to make a buck, which is a nice change from any other jewelry store I have ever set foot in!
The jewelry she has in her stock is all original, many with semi precious stones and each piece is hand made. She spends a few weeks each year traveling around the world where she purchases the jewelry from artisans who make their jewelry for only a few select clients. Many of her pieces are hand signed by the designer! (not just the more expensive ones either!)
Besides the fact that all of her stuff is original and high quality, I think the best part is she prices her jewelry for the everyday consumer — you and me! I personally think that all of her prices are very very fair for the quality of jewelry she has on hand. Also, just because her store front is in La Jolla doesn’t mean she charges the high prices that you would expect to see around this area. I have purchased really stunning rings for under $ 35 and seen similar items in boutiques for over $ 100. Once a year, usually around Valentine’s Day, she will have a killer sidewalk sale and slash her prices even more!
Argento is a great place to get a quick gift for a new mom, or your old mother in law. (I’ve bought gifts here for both!) I suggest the next time you are in need of an original gift for that hard to please friend, relative, girlfriend or coworker, check out Argento, I bet you will find just the perfect gift for not a lot of cash!