BLINDINGLY blingy and over-the-top crystal goodness — Swarovski’s new Crystallized Concept Store (499 Broadway; 212-966-3322) is every budding bedazzler’s dream.
A new concept for the crystal company, this store focuses on encouraging customer creativity. Think: Nike iD or Build-A-Bear for jewelry — you come in, sit down and visualize your perfect accessory. And then you make it.
The space is stocked with everything you need for DIY baubles, including 2,000 kinds of loose crystals, clasps, iron-on crystals and more. Plus the super-helpful staff will walk you though the process of creating anything you want, including cocktails rings, necklaces and even selecting the perfect crystals to ice out your special-occasion shoes. Or clutch.
Seriously.
There are also ready-made pieces from designer collaborations with Kenneth Jay Lane, Manish Arora and Janis by Janis Savitt, as well as take-home jewelry kits for at-home crafting.For the craft challenged or virgin beaders, staffers will even sit down and teach you how to string and snip for no additional charge. The two-floor space also has a cafe — we worked up quite an appetite selecting the perfect crystals — and a downstairs lounge (complete with crystallized ottomans) that can be rented for special events.