Elegantly nestled between Gucci and Neiman Marcus at Coral Gables’ luxe mall Merrick Park are two Mayors Jewelers stores. One represents the iconic South Florida brand’s past, while the other its future; the former is gutted and shuttered awaiting its new tenant, while the latter glistens like Gigi Hadid’s thighs, après plage.
Years in the designing (by Michael Neumann Architecture) and making, this new 4,700sf Miami flagship boutique has finally debuted with perhaps the most important collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry and Swiss timepieces south of Manhattan’s diamond district.
But this new Mayors isn’t merely a shopping destination – it’s a lush lifestyle hub and spontaneous pit stop, where one can stop by for a civilized glass of Champagne, a pick-me-up espresso, or an ice cold glass of water served in lead crystal – no questions asked. Would you like your birthday party at the flagship, or perhaps a private dinner party for 10 in the showroom? Ask them. For Mayors understands that social hubs are loyalty hubs between purveyors and consumers. Perhaps a little bubbly and breezy conversation at the white-veined marble bar would be the perfect place to make friends and trade cells in case one needs a last-minute BVLGARI delivered on a Saturday night. After the chat, don’t forget to check out the magnificent living wall and orchids on your way out.
The store is packed with interesting pieces, like the L’Epee 1839 Time Fast D8 vintage automobile tabletop clock. Weighing in at 10lbs, its 289 parts vibrate the 14″-long mechanism 18,000 times per hour. How do you wind it? You gleefully roll it around like a child.
But the real showstoppers are the one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry – ranging from $1,000 to well over $1 million – with the biggest and most precious stones on earth. In every glassed case, around every corner, on every podium, your heart will ache and pitterpat for the earrings, the bracelets, the rings, and the necklaces. Good luck. You might just need some Champagne for this journey.
Photos: Mayors Jewellers