Houston’s Hidden Gem for Jewelry
*I’m honored to be partnering with the Houston Museum of Natural Science on today’s post.
Hi friend! I’m so excited to share one of Houston’s best kept secrets with you today. I’m here to spill the beans and let you in on it!
I can normally take a secret to the grave, but today’s secret isn’t confidential, it’s more of an IYKYK kind of thing.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science Store
As the disclosure clued you in, I’m talking specifically about the hidden gem that is the store at the Houston Museum of Natural Science “HMNS”.
If you’re lucky enough to call Houston home, you may have visited the museum in the past (it’s located in the Museum District at 5555 Herman Park Drive). At the end of your visit, you might have popped into the store.
Like me, you were probably amazed at the wide variety of items offered, but the hidden gem is all the fabulous jewelry they have to offer!
From elegant gemstone necklaces to intricate delicate pieces and everyday accessories, the museum store’s jewelry collection is a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates unique and beautifully crafted accessories.
Going to the Store at the HMNS is such a wonderful experience because they have unique and gorgeous things- different from what you find at your typical retailer. Many of their pieces are one of a kind and handcrafted by local and nationwide artisans with female owned businesses.
If you’re not local, or you prefer the convenience of online shopping, you have that option too.
And did you know that when you shop at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Store, you’re also supporting the museum’s educational programs and conservation efforts with your purchase? Isn’t that awesome?!
Visit the HMNS Store with Me
If I’ve piqued your interest and you’re excited to see what kinds of things the Store has, let me be your virtual tour guide.
I’ll walk you through some of the designers the store features and what caught my eye on a recent visit.
You’ll see every price range represented, from pieces under $50 all the way into the thousands. Of course my budget is on the lower end, but I’m open to gifts! 😉
My Favorite Jewelry
I have to start with my personal favorite designer, Tai Rittichai. You may have seen me wearing her delicate earrings and triple stack bracelets. I recently bought the star and moon ring, along with a gorgeous pair of turquoise and gold hoop earrings.
I love that these earrings are unique and delicate with the thin gold double hoops. They’re very lightweight so it feels almost like you’re wearing nothing, but they make a nice statement with the longer length.
The triple stack bracelets are another fave and I like how simple they are and easy to mix and match and layer with other pieces. The two thin strands have a pull tie closure and the third piece is elastic so it stretches over your wrist.
And isn’t that ring so cute?! It’s simple and elegant, perfect for everyday or a dressier occasion.
Here are the earrings I got on my most recent visit to the store.
I love how the stones are showcased on the front and also on the inside so you can see them from every angle. Aren’t they beautiful?!
You’ll notice that not every item featured in the store is available online, that’s why I don’t have a link to share for every piece. Many of the pieces are one of a kind and the items offered change with each collection.
That being said, the online site has many pieces available and some that aren’t included in the store. It’s worth bookmarking the online store and checking back frequently because the site is continually updated as new pieces become available.
Tai Jewelry
Tai Rittichai was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. She started her career in jewelry in 2002 by selling her line of bracelets at flea markets. From there, her career blossomed into high quality fashion jewelry with fine details and finishings.
Tai finds inspiration all over the world, but is specifically captivated by the flea markets in Paris.
Not only does Tai strive to keep the art of handcrafted jewelry alive, she prides herself in employing artisans from her home country.
Below is just a sampling of Tai’s jewelry that you’ll find at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Store.
These petite earrings are perfect for young girls. My daughter has been saying she wants to pierce her ears. I know – I can’t believe it either!
But, if she does, some of these would be DARLING on her. I think the little safety pins are too cute, along with the tiny butterflies. They even have the cutest bumble bee earrings on their website.
Feather Drop Earrings • Bobble Earrings • Pearl Bloom Earrings
Here are more of her sophisticated styles. The bobble earrings and pearl bloom earrings are dumure in size if you prefer a smaller earring that still has personality.
Satya Jewelry
Fun Fact: Satya Jewelry is named for satya, the sanskrit word for “truth.”
30 years ago, founder and CEO Satyta Scainetti began a spiritual journal that awakened a deep reverence for cross-cultural and spiritual traditions. From there, she felt called to create jewelry that had meaning and benefitted those in need of inspiration, healing and empowerment.
She crafts pieces using sacred and meaningful symbols and semi-precious gemstones, renowned for their healing property.
Satya’s jewelry line supports children all over the globe with charities that offer education and other opportunities.
One of each, please! Especially the Moonstone North Star Fringe Earrings and the glow gold starburst necklace.
The Moonstone represents intuition, passion and good fortune. The Star represents guidance, inspiration and dreams.
I didn’t see the Moonstone necklace online, but I did see this gorgeous Moonstone Ring. It’s 14k gold plated brass with cubic zirconia stone and moonstone.
Sallyjane Gems
Sallyjane has been wire wrapping jewelry for over 25 years. She and her husband, Steve, collect crystals, fossils, meteorites and gemstones around the world for their Geo collection.
She loves to create using wildlife specimens such as bone, rawhide, and leather. Her collection is truly created out of nature.
I was so crazy for this necklace. It’s a Herkimer “diamond” which is actually a double-terminated quartz crystal from Herkimer, New York. They’re known for their clarity and sparkle.
Jewelry by Katrina
Jewelry by Katrina concentrates on timeless, one of a kind, couture and on trend designs. She works directly with miners all over the world where the highest quality of gems, geodes, and mineral stones are discovered.
She also works with artisans around the globe to gather unique, quality materials and well-designed pieces that become beautiful jewelry and works of art.
Sapphire Earrings • Lariat Necklace • Green Stone Ring • Aquamarine Earrings
Katrina’s rings are brass/vermeil with 24k gold plate, and most of her chains are 14k gold plate, although she does offer some 24k gold plate also.
One woman in the Store told me that she’s had Katrina pieces for over 10 years now and that they still look brand new.
Melissa Joy Manning
This designer prides herself on creating socially responsible pieces. She has a love of culture, travel, and art that she brings to each one of a kind piece.
Melissa’s education in art history, design, sculpture and silver-smithing make her uniquely suited to her work as a jewelry creator. Her designs are driven by her passion for ancient cultures and a fascination with found objects, which she reclaims, recycles, and renews with a touch of the modern.
Brazilian Agate Necklace • Sugalite Drop Earrings • Dinosaur Bone Necklace
Original Eve
Eve Streicker is the vision behind this brand. She has a passion for gem stones that’s clearly evident with every piece. Her brand features bespoke jewelry design, heirloom redesign and fine jewelry collections.
A romantic at heart, her pieces tell a story of two people falling in love and have meaning that goes beyond first glance. She prides herself on creating quality that will last a lifetime and educating clients about jewelry and gemstones.
Eve is a certified Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Pearl expert and a member of the American Gem Trade Association.
The earrings above are a custom HMNA piece with stones by Tresor and settings made by original Eve.
Her pieces are literally stunning. Like drool worthy.
I was honestly a little afraid to actually pull any out from the case at the store, although I shouldn’t have been. The associates are friendly and available to help assist you with whatever you want to see and try on.
If I ever get married again, I wouldn’t be mad at a band like the Westport Diamond Eternity Band. It features 60 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 1-carat. What a special ring!
Mirta Tummino
Mirta is one of Houston’s own! Each piece that Mirta designs is one of a kind. She crafts by hand with 14k gold wire, oxidized sterling silver and AAA grade gemstones curated from all over the world.
Her Celia Technicolor line was designed and dedicated to her late mother, Celia. Celia would always ask Mirta for a necklace in “muchos colores” or many colors, and technicolor was Celia’s favorite shade. Such a special way to honor her mother.
Opal Fringe Necklace • Confetti Beaded Necklace • Quartz Tassel Necklace • Garnet Flower Earrings Turquoise Drop Earrings
I also really liked her beautiful Mint Amethyst Earrings.
Rachel Atherley
Rachel is from the Rocky Montain region of Montana and studied Metalsmithing at Montana State University.
Inspired by the beauty that exists in the natural world around her home in the Hudson Vally, Rachel’s work interprets forms found in nature into recycled precious metals with hand selected gemstones.
Aquamarine & Tourmaline Necklace • “Butterfly Earrings”
Gosh, I wish I got a clearer picture of the earrings. The ones in the center are one of a kind bright green Chrysoprase stones against a rich, yellow gold.
Like the necklace, these cluster earrings by Rachel Atherley are a beautiful combination of Aquamarine & Tourmaline
EthicGoods
EthicGoods was founded in 2011 on the idea that fashion can empower. This brand provides economic empowerment for survivors of human trafficking and exploitation.
Each piece is handcrafted by the woman it helps employ for a fair wage. By wearing Ethic Goods, you’re helping provide dignified employment and freedom to women around the world.
Ring • Bracelet • Earrings
Butterfly Trinket Box
My mom would go crazy over these unique trinket boxes. She loves little things like this with such precise attention to detail.
One thing that wasn’t actually jewelry, but I found absolutely stunning and unique, was the dipped leaves.
These are real leaves in all shapes and sizes, collected and dipped in gold, silver, or copper to create such a charming decorative accent.
I believe they are intended as tree ornaments, but I’d love to display one on a stack of books or decorative boxes on a shelf, end table or coffee table.
How to Shop the HMNS Store
If you see something you have to have (for yourself or someone you love), and you want to order online, you’ll get FREE standard shipping on all U.S. orders of $125 or more.
All other orders ship for a flat rate of $12.95 and they do ship worldwide.
If you need expedited shipping, you can email the store at museumstore@hmns.org for faster shipping options.
If you’re local, you can order online and pickup your order curbside. So convenient, although going into the store is such a fun experience.
Next time you visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, remember the Store isn’t just for kids with fossils and dinosaurs! There’s an expansive, diverse and beautiful collection of jewelry at all price points.
I can’t wait to hear what you think! Have you shopped the Store already? I know my friend Kelly has quite the collection and I’m not surprised, she’s always so well put together.
If I left anything out or you have questions, let me know in the comments. I read every one!
Have a fantastic day friend!
WoW great jewels