After seven-plus decades in Downtown Miami, Kirk Jewelers makes a bold retail move.
Kirk Jewelers’ new boutique at Brickell City Centre
There aren’t many boutiques in Miami that can claim to have a history wall highlighting their accomplishments and milestones. But then again, there aren’t many boutiques with the longevity of Kirk Jewelers in Miami period. Family-owned and firmly planted in Downtown since 1947, Kirk is somewhat of an anomaly in Miami’s retail scene, which (as of the last 15 years or so) has been about what’s new, now and next. Yet, Kirk’s old-world formula of cultivating clients, maintaining a consistent inventory and staying put just seemed to work for it—with the Rolex and Patek Philippe sales to prove it.
earrings and rings from the store’s KirkCOUTURE collection.
That’s why when co-owners and brother and sister duo Jeff Newbauer and Allison Strongin announced the store’s move to Brickell City Centre (a retail complex that epitomizes Miami’s city-of-tomorrow transformation), longtime Kirk customers were somewhat perplexed. Newbauer and Strongin want them to relax. While the recent move to BCC’s third floor is new, the store’s approach will remain the same, albeit with 50 percent more room to improve the visitor experience. “The larger space has allowed us to give Rolex and Patek Philippe a greater presence with dedicated salons,” says Strongin. “We’ve also been able to expand our jewelry selection and add new brands such as Phillips House, Miansai and our very own KirkSIGNATURE and KirkCOUTURE collections.”
earrings and rings from the store’s KirkCOUTURE collection.
Additional changes include a Rolex repair center, a library area showcasing preowned timepieces, bracelets and watch winders, and a gallery space to showcase artwork. As for the look? “Very ‘Kirk,’” adds Strongin. “Sophisticated and accessible with our sense of history and longevity.” So, why the change of location then? “The area around us had changed over time making it difficult for luxury retail,” says Newbauer. “Brickell City Centre will bring us more foot traffic, and our longtime customers will be able to visit us just as easily as they did before.” The more things change... 701 S. Miami Ave., Miami, 305.501.8609
earrings and rings from the store’s KirkCOUTURE collection.
THE BEAD GOES ON!
22 Jewelry founder Coraline Bennett Acra
Consisting of mixed metal and gold beads (sometimes with details like evil-eye orbs), the necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings of 22 Jewelry are tailor-made for Miami. And that’s exactly why the label is now part of the inventory at Mrs. Mandolin in the Design District. “Miami is my home away from home,” says founder Coraline Bennett Acra. “The brand can be worn effortlessly on the beach or for a night out on the town.” Unisex and easy to carry off, the pieces come in burlap packaging, making them ideal gifts, and priced from $30 for a simple ring to $195 for a silver choker, they also make for perfect guilt-free impulse purchases. Sounds like it’s time to stack up. 4218 NE Second Ave., Miami, 786.420.5110
The brand’s bead bracelets are ideal alone or stacked.
Photography by: PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIRK JEWELERS & 22 JEWELRY
