DIAMOND DAZE

Buzzy New York-based custom jeweler dazzles with new Houston boutique

A New York-based fine jewelry store recently opened its first location in Texas at the Galleria. Ring Concierge's Houston store adds to the company's retail expansion outside the Big Apple, joining a new outpost in Los Angeles and a store in Florida that will open later this year.

Ring Concierge is known for its bespoke engagement rings and fine jewelry, which feature everything from solid gold to natural diamonds and gemstones. Although most of the brand's revenue comes from online purchases, its first two brick-and-mortar stores in New York City were hugely successful, and founder and CEO Nicole Wegman is confident Ring Concierge will connect with Houston shoppers.

"It's apparent there's an appetite for shopping for fine jewelry in person," Wegman tells CultureMap. "We're excited to introduce our unique in-store brand experience to the Houston community. Our goal is to build genuine connections through personalized in-store experiences that reflect our concierge approach to fine jewelry."

Founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, Nicole Wegman Photo courtesy of Nicole Wegman

Wegman started Ring Concierge after searching for an engagement ring with her now-husband in New York City. She realized there was a massive gap in the market and quit her job in the fashion industry, starting her jewelry brand in 2013. According to an interview with National Jeweler, Wegman's goal was to "disrupt the industry and allow the end user, the woman, to feel represented and heard."

Eleven years later, Wegman has seen tremendous growth and is ready to "share the same in-person retail experience with additional markets where the brand has a large customer and community presence."

The Houston boutique is modeled after Ring Concierge's New York City storefronts, offering a full lineup of fine jewelry and customizable engagement rings. Customers can also work with the team to select pieces that fit their unique style preferences and build their fine jewelry stack. Jewelry fans can get their hands on the brand's best-selling and most versatile pieces, including the Mini Diamond Tennis Bracelet, Jumbo Diamond Huggies, and Open Diamond Wrap Rings.

"For opening weekend, we're excited to engage with the community through giveaways and in-line activities and tap into local influencers to help spread the word," said Wegman. "We're excited to allow longtime followers to finally shop with us in person, build trust with new customers, and make Ring Concierge a go-to destination for engagement rings and fine jewelry."

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Ring Concierge, Galleria; Level 1, near Forever 21

Photo courtesy of Ring Concierge

Ring Concierge's first store in Texas is now open in the Galleria.

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BIJOU BAGS

Houston designers' diamond-adorned handbags turn heads in Hollywood

Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

Houston twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson are showcasing their Southern roots and global perspective with the launch of 11 Juillet. The brand's fine jewelry and luxury handbags are already favored by A-listers including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, Emma Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston.

11 Juillet, named after the twins’ birthday, debuted its first collection in March. The line blends Italian craftsmanship with modern elegance, featuring handbags made from Italian calfskin leather and jewelry made with malachite, mother-of-pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.

“I’ve called Houston home for about 20 years, and Kim’s been here for about four,” Bowden tells CultureMap. “We originally grew up in Kentucky, where we first began to appreciate quality craftsmanship. In our early twenties, we spent time in New York, where we were introduced to fashion and design, followed by countless trips to Paris that deepened our appreciation for Parisian art and elegance. Once we settled in Texas, we were inspired by the South’s distinctive style.”

Handbags range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on diamond selections. Each purse features a medallion made with diamonds and natural stones ranging from 3.4 to 17 carats. The medallions are removable and can be worn as jewelry.

Leslie Bibb 11 Juliet Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Each 11 Juillet handbag is made to order in Tuscany, where Italian artisans craft the designs from full-grain calfskin. “After visiting artisans across the globe, we found Italy’s heritage of leather craftsmanship is unmatched,” they explain. “We are closely involved in designing each silhouette and communicate with our Italian artisans daily, frequently visiting Italy to ensure every piece is made with the utmost precision and the finest materials.”

Their debut collection, Éclat de Joie, which translates to “radiance of joy,” represents what they stand for. “To us, the Éclat de Joie is the heart of 11 Juillet, a symbol of light, joy, and individuality,” said Wilson. “Each star medallion represents the harmony between natural beauty, technical mastery, and personal expression.”

Currently, 11 Juillet is available online only, though the brand hosts pop-ups in various cities where merchandise is available on-site.

“Success, for us, isn’t about chasing trends, but about creating heirloom-worthy pieces through timeless designs that hold meaning, reflect exceptional craftsmanship, and can be treasured and passed down for generations,” said Bowden.

As Houston’s fashion scene continues to grow, Bowden and Willson see the Bayou City as the perfect home base. “We are based in Houston, which is known for its effortless elegance and love of diamonds. We are inspired by Texas’s fashion scene and we wanted to create handbags that let you wear your diamonds not just as jewelry, but as modern heirlooms to be cherished and passed down.”

Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden 11 Juliet

Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

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