Who hasn’t desired a big, blingy diamond at some point in their life? Wedding rings are often a symbol of the couple’s love for one another, and you likely want only the most special of jewelry for the occasion. A wristwatch is a symbol of status as well as being gosh-darn practical, and there’s nothing quite like something well-crafted and top-notch. Whatever the occasion, you want to make sure you’re spending your hard-earned money on something that you adore. The 2023 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Sofia Jewelry (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Jewelry Store picks see below.
Our 2023 Shopping category sponsor is California Girl Jewelry.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern and Central Marin.
Southern | Central
Southern Marin
Alix & Company
Mill Valley
This is the place to go for anything bridal. Wedding rings, engagement rings, you name it. If you want to get married with your great-grandmother’s wedding ring but simply can’t stand the antiquated look, Alix & Co. can renovate it into something modern that you’ll adore while keeping the materials and spirit of the original. But don’t let that fool you into thinking you can’t get a stunning original design from Alix. With a focus on ethically sourced gems and recycled materials, this place is sure to appeal to the eco-conscious. Hours are 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
18 E. Blithedale Ave. #12, Mill Valley, 415.380.0880
Moonstruck Fine Jewelry
Mill Valley
Located in picturesque downtown Mill Valley, Moonstruck’s two owners opened their doors in 2018 to rave reviews. Johanna has 20 years of goldsmithing under her belt, having learned at her father’s side since she was 15. She adds her own handmade pieces to the store alongside a curated collection of boutique designers. Bouke has a full 50 years of experience as a jeweler that he brings to the store, keeping classic European traditions alive through his masterful creations. There is no better place for something as delightful as it is unexpected. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday.
11 Bernard St., Mill Valley, 415.383.0462
Poet and the Bench
Mill Valley
Poet and the Bench has everything, including the kitchen sink. Looking for some gorgeous new jewelry? They’ve got it. Want a unique painting to decorate your living room? They’ve got it. In absolutely desperate need of a ceramic, brightly colored, deeply weird monster? You guessed it: They’ve got it. Rounding it all off are selections of perfume, paper goods, and even culinary items. Owners Jeffrey and Bonnie have created something truly unique in the heart of Mill Valley. Hours are 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
11 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415.569.4383
Sofia Jewelry
Mill Valley
Serving tourists and locals alike, Sofia is best known for custom designs and upcycling old pieces. Pick something up at an estate sale that has promise? Go to Sofia Jewelry and see what can be done to make that older design shine once again. The shop also offers quality repairs, so if you’ve got a broken clasp or loose setting, they can help. Located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sofia’s is a widely acclaimed destination jeweler that can’t be missed. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
80 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415.388.8776
Central Marin
Ashley Morgan Design
Ross
Originally a San Francisco-based jewelry design company, creative visionary Ashley Morgan opened up a Ross branch to better let Marinites enjoy her work. She’s a trained goldsmith focused on helping clients explore their own spirit and beauty through jewelry. Member of Jewelers of America, the Women’s Jewelry Association, and more, it’s hard to beat her credentials and the skill they bring to the table. Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
23 Ross Common, Ross, 415.205.6228
California Girl Jewelry
Mill Valley
Run by a mother-daughter duo, California Girl Jewelry is a rare gem in the business, in that they make their own jewelry while also offering custom designed pieces at various price points. Customers can choose from over 34 different kinds of high-quality gemstones that are used in hundreds of rings, necklaces, earrings and more on display in this contemporary boutique in the bustling Strawberry Village shopping center. Here you can choose from hundreds of finished pieces in all prices points available for last minute shoppers — no matter the occasion. The woman-owned company also has a robust inventory of rare-colored gemstones, offers jewelry repair and creates custom jewelry without design fees. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
1321 4th Street, San Rafael, 650.440.0217
Commonwealth Marin
Larkspur
Founder and curator Alexis Nordby named her store after the street her mother grew up on. Her mission is to have every piece of jewelry be more than just an accessory; instead, she wants it to be a story. Everything displayed behind the warm wooden doors of Commonwealth has a story behind it, just waiting to be discovered. From pearls to pink sapphires, Commonwealth is offering an experience that goes beyond your standard diamond ring. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday.
2213 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 415.517.0933
Johann Paul Fine Jewelry
Greenbrae
Johann Paul continues to be a family-run establishment providing top-notch service and top-notch pieces. While the store has its own designs on offer, it also partners with smaller jewelers, both local and national, to ensure it can provide only the most unique of earrings, wedding rings, and dazzling necklaces. Check out the extensive online store, make an appointment for a consultation, or simply wander in on a whim to see what bit of sparkle catches your eye. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.
272 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.461.1866
Julianna’s Fine Jewelry
Corte Madera
With a wide display of top European designers and gorgeous diamonds, Julianna’s oozes style and sophistication. Julianna and Judy, a mother-daughter duo, have been running their custom jewelry store for over 40 years now, with another 20 years in the jewelry business before that. They’ve been joined by Julianna’s granddaughter, Caitlyn, resulting in all three generations of women working side-by-side to create custom jewelry for any occasion. Beyond a nice pair of earrings, the store also offers the best collection of Swiss watches to be found outside of Switzerland. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.
1632 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera, 415.924.9711
Stephan-Hill
San Rafael
Stephan-Hill believes that interesting people make interesting choices and these include our choices in apparel and jewelry. So they have put together a number of small collections of interesting jewelry from around the world, Germany, Italy, France, Turkey, and the South Seas. They also have designed an in house collection of appealing pieces. As they say, “Finish dressing, put on a piece of jewelry!” Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1226 4th St, San Rafael, 415.459.5808
Sponsor
California Girl Jewelry: 2023 Best of the County Shopping
