My husband gave me a necklace. It’s fake. I requested fake. Maybe I’m paranoid, but in this day and age, I don’t want something around my neck that’s worth more than my head. ~Rita Rudner
Anita Stern’s twenty plus year old bastion of costume jewelry This’n’That, carries everything from $20 earrings (as many clips as pierced) to one-of-a-kind artisanal pieces one can only think of as wearable art, as well as an amazing amount of vintage. It’s a fabulous place in which to happily lose oneself. The shop is an international designer resource for fashion print and runway as well as one for costumers accessorizing films.
Brides come with photographs of their dresses and are escorted to the back where tray upon tray of rhinestone and pearl jewelry is revealed. The small staff is scrupulously honest. You’ll never be made self-conscious about asking for cases or drawers to be opened, trying on, or encouraged to buy anything just to make a sale.
This’n’That also stocks lamps and lighting fixtures, mirrors, perfume bottles, head vases, 50’s kitchen pieces, powder puffs, salt and pepper shakers, napkin rings, frames, vases, bookends, jewelry boxes, magnifying and eyeglass frames, pottery and glassware. Look up, down, under, behind, in, over…ask. Anita guesses the most expensive piece currently in the shop is a $5000 lighting fixture, then a $3750 Miriam Haskell necklace. “I don’t touch gold. To me, it’s boring.”
She shows me five bracelets snuggled side by side the front case: a 1980’s coin-accented piece from The Metropolitan Museum, a signed Hobe from 1950, a modern butterfly design using antique components, a turn of the century Czech piece and a gold filled bracelet from 1920. “I’ve learned a lot over the years, but I also listen to customers. If they’re collectors they might know something I don’t.”
It’s been quite a journey from the days Anita would buy for herself with the salaries she’s earned since high school. “Do you still collect?” I asked. Yes, but not jewelry. A very particular type of sterling silver compact and lipstick case…generally from Italy, hand painted enamel.
Wouldn’t you know it would be something eclectic?
People come into the shop and literally say it has a good aura. Perhaps that’s because Anita loves what she does.
This Multistone Convertible piece can be a pin, a bracelet, or the necklace you see.
Semi-precious stones. For making a dramatic entrance in stage whispers.
Carry this Vintage Crocodile Bag with Bakelite Frame Closure and be stopped all over
by jealous admirers. 8” high 11” wide
These Graziano Multi-Color Crystal Post earrings will accent a multitude of outfits.
At 3.25”, they’re just long enough to swing as you move. He’ll catch you in his peripheral vision. It’s a mating dance.
Read Alix Cohen’s profile of Anita Stern in Woman Around Town.
