08.07.07
Lovely Lireille

Lireille, a new Piedmont Avenue boutique, is a treasure chest of gorgeous jewelry. Many of the designers they carry are international transplants to the Bay Area, including jewelers from Germany, Israel, and Malaysia. My favorites are a series of sea-inspired pieces by German artist Ina, a Santa Cruz resident. The store also serves as the home base for owners/designers/cute married couple Yan Liu and Steve Robinson.
Along with contemporary jewelry at a variety of price points, Liu and Robinson are part of the First Friday art walk and exhibit a new artist monthly. Currently featured is Mexican artist Dionisio Ceballos. Their light, airy gallery space is perfect for showcasing paintings and wearables. And the collection changes all the time. Liu is constantly looking for jewelry artists whose designs would fit well in the showroom. That makes this a wonderful - if dangerous for the pocketbook - stop on the Avenue for jewelry lovers.

3980 piedmont ave.
510.547.3455
hours: 10-7 daily