I'm ecstatic about Kimberly Baker's new shop [0] in Fremont. Tucked away in an intimate space on 36th, Baker showcases her complete collection of jewelry.
The shop is spare and organic. A stuffed taxidermy pheasant forever suspended in time is perched atop a fallen log on a pedestal. Some jewelry is displayed under bell jars, as if Baker is protecting delicate insects or other organic specimens. It's completely apropos, since many of her designs are influenced by the natural world. One wall is covered with imported black and white wallpaper featuring woods with barren trees. Earrings, rings and necklaces are nestled within thick green moss or hung from antlers and twigs.
The prolific designer has added some stellar pieces to her repertoire. Laser-cut earrings in silver and gold plate are ultra-light and delicate, but big and eye-catching ($65-$85). Her 18-karat gold vermeil wolf ring imprinted with a lotus flower pattern is wildly primal but somehow sedately tranquil ($198). Unicorn horn earrings made of blackened sterling silver or gold vermeil are fanciful and a bit dangerous looking ($78-$98). Delicate cherry blossom rings in gold vermeil are perfect for stacking ($115-$138 each). I'm lusting after the Fat Jack necklace of chunky gold vermeil jacks that can be worn long or tied into a sexy knot ($1,400).
This is the kind of store you'll want to visit often, and you'll always come away with something you love.
Kathy Schultz is a Seattle-based free-lance writer. If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, E-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
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