Botkier's Baubles

When I first met Monica Botkier, I fell slightly in love with the designer. Not only does she create some of the most StyledOn handbags and footwear around, but she's also incredibly personable and has a very relaxed air about her. Needless to say, the more we talked, the more I learned about her – like the fact that she's very interested in photography and also collects antique jewelry (which also happens to be a passion of mine).

Ever since our initial conversation several months ago, I’ve wanted to see her pieces as well as get more of the story behind them. Well, this past week I got the chance. Monica met us in her adorable NoLIta flagship location to show us some of her favorite jewelry pieces and answer our questions:

StyledOn: When did you begin collecting antique jewelry?
Monica Botkier: I grew up with my father sharing his love of antique jewelry. It’s always been part of my life and aesthetic. My first piece was a ring he gave me in grade school, an ornate gold and enamel piece that I wear to this day (now as a pinky ring).

SO: Which piece in your collection is your favorite?
MB: My 1970’s Fred heavy gold chain link necklace is my current favorite but it changes all the time.

SO: Who are some of your favorite jewelry designers of all time?
MB: No favorites, as the pieces I like are unique often to the artisans that made them. Mainly 19th century or Deco pieces. I love some of today's jewelry designers as well, like Mizuki, Manon Von Gerkan and Anna Sheffield.

SO: Is there a piece you don't own yet, but would love to?
MB: I would love a real 19th century tiara necklace from Victorian times.

SO: Is there a piece of jewelry out there that you once considered buying but didn't, which still haunts you to this day?
MB: A Phillipe Patek watch I saw at auction that is worth a lot now.

SO: Any theme to your collection?
MB: No theme, each piece has its own story and its own beauty.

SO: Do you collect anything other than antique jewelry?
MB: I collect handbags too!

SO: Have you ever thought about launching your own jewelry line?
MB: Yes, I always think about my own jewelry line. The process is amazing; I have made a few pieces for myself here and there.

We would love to see the jewelry that Monica would create, but until then we’ll have to satisfy ourselves with her stellar bags and blooming footwear collection! And speaking of… Don’t miss the upcoming Botkier sample sale:

Dates & Times: May 6^th & 7^th 11am-7pm; May 8^th 11am-6pm; May 9^th 12pm-5pm
Location: 60 Mercer at Broome, NYC
The Deal: 50-70% off handbags, shoes & wallets

And also be sure to visit Botkier’s flagship store in at 246 Mott Street to shop the complete collection, including all of the products you've seen in this story as the backdrop to Monica's jewelry.

All photos in this story by René Fragoso.

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http://www.botkier.com/