Gift Guide: Jewelry

It's no secret that good things come in little boxes, especially from jewelry stores. But when it comes to something unique, that's harder to find. These three Newtown shops offer creative solutions for holiday gifts.

In business since 2007, George and Lisa Rose moved their bead store from Monroe to the current location in Plaza South in 2010.

The shop specializes in custom-made pieces crafted by customers.

"We have a lot of different customers," said Lisa Rose, "from 5-year-old birthday parties to adults that want something hand crafted."

The beads come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, with many of them $.25 - $.50 each. Spacious tables allow customers to sit and fabricate the perfect necklace. The shop also offers classes, birthday party packages and girls' nights out.

For customers who want a unique look fast, there is a selection of necklaces and bracelets on display available for purchase.

A popular item at this shop located on the corner of Queen Street and Church Hill Road is the Chamilia line of jewelry. Bracelets and necklaces ($45 - $70) come in silver or leather and can be strung with an endless variety of silver charms. The beauty of this gift is that charms and beads ($35 - $70 each) can be added to the piece each year and reflect the creativity and playfulness of its creator.

This boutique also sells colorful Slap Watches ($18.95 - $26.95), as well as a variety of earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces.

This small jewelry store is located on Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook. This shop has two cases of consignment items, including pearl and precious stone jewelry, as well as watches. The main display case is full of unique pieces created by owner Lari Freeman.

"All the stones I work with are precious or semiprecious," said Freeman, "and I typically work with silver."

The hand-crafted earrings, which start at $60, as well as bracelets and necklaces, feature a variety of stones. Custom work is also available.