• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
    • Subscribe to Inside Press Magazines
    • Issue Archives
    • Site Map
  • Cover Stories
    • Chappaqua Cover Stories
    • Armonk Cover Stories
  • Happenings
    • Westchester
  • Inside My New Castle
  • Just Between Us
    • Chappaqua Just Between Us
    • Armonk Just Between Us
    • From the Editor
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Health & Fitness
  • Single & Smart
  • Et Cetera
    • Worth a Thousand Words

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • New Castle News
    • New Castle Releases
  • North Castle News
    • North Castle Releases
  • Subscribe/Donate
  • Gotta Have Arts
    • Book Excerpts
  • Lifestyles with our Sponsors
    • Sponsor News!
    • Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors
  • Advertise
    • Answers to Your Questions, or Contact Us!
    • Subscribe to Inside Press Magazines
    • Online Advertising

jewelry

Tara Mikolay Jewels and Generosity Add a Special Sparkle through the Holidays

December 4, 2020 by Robin Chwatko

Community has always been the cornerstone of Chappaqua’s Desires by Mikolay, and, in these challenging and unprecedented times, owner Tara Mikolay has taken great strides to to stay connected to her legions of loyal customers and continue to give back.

We caught up with Tara to find out how Desires has survived, thrived, and continued to be the heart of the town this year.

Inside Press: How have you stayed connected with your customers during the pandemic?

Tara Mikolay: It may seem frivolous to think about jewelry during a pandemic, but, though the celebrations may look a little different, we are still honoring all of the same milestones- birthdays, anniversaries, bat mitzvahs- so we have worked tirelessly to adapt our business to safely help customers- old and new-mark these special occasions. We have done FaceTime shopping, shopping by text, DMs on social media, curbside pickup, local delivery and of course shopping online to meet the need in the “new normal”. In our over 15 years here, we have developed deep relationships with our customers, so they trust us!

 

Inside Press: What’s your favorite holiday gift this season?

Tara Mikolay: The floral pave diamond stud earring in white gold, ($1265 -less 10% off for our Holiday Sale!) we featured on the front of our holiday book are a personal favorite- they are versatile, sparkly, and can really pep up your Zoom meeting game! But more than just beautiful jewelry, we have holiday gifts at all price points…for almost anyone on your list. For example, our bestselling snowglobes FLY out of the store every season! Just send us your shopping list and let us do the rest!

 

Inside Press: You are always known for giving back. What organizations are you focusing on this year?

Tara Mikolay:  For most of us the holidays are vastly different this year, with many of us separated from loved ones. Despite this I am aware of how blessed we are…in the back of my mind I am ever so cognizant of all those who do without in this world.  Among others, we are supporting two organizations this season that are particularly near and dear to our hearts. The first is the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry- we are constantly in awe of this organization and the good work that they do for so many in need! And- if you know me, you know what an animal lover I am- so we are ALWAYS supporting the SPCA, and selling the most gorgeous ornaments to benefit them!

Inside Press: What’s on YOUR holiday wish list this year?

Tara Mikolay: I have always wanted two pygmy goats…it is a fantasy of mine to have a farm and since we are home all the time now, it seems like the perfect time! There is nothing like the joy of watching animals frolic in my field and I think my fur babies would LOVE them! Though I have been hinting hard to Scott (Tara’s husband), I keep getting a firm no! So…instead I have my eye on these gorgeous gemstone stackable bracelets at the store from Jane Taylor. No one does colored stones like Jane…they are magnificent. And color makes me happy 🙂 Hoping to find those under the tree this year!

 

To order, contact:

Desires by Mikolay

55 King Street Chappaqua, NY

Call or text (914) 238-2223

info@desiresbymikolay.com

desiresbymikolay.com

@desiresbymikolay

 

Robin Chwatko likes to celebrate all holidays. She lives in Chappaqua with her son and rescue animals. And after speaking to Tara is obsessed with pygmy goats too…

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: Desires by Mikolay, Diamond, Diamond stud earrings, Generosity, jewelry, ornament, snowglobes, spca, Tara Mikolay

Fun & Gorgeous Holiday Gift Ideas

December 2, 2019 by The Inside Press

Courtesy of LaGravinese Jewelers

1. Bangles

2. Big Chain Link Necklaces

3. Mix & Match Pendants (update old vintage ones!)

4. Layered Necklaces

5. Diamonds

6. Statement Necklaces

7. Fun Rings

8. Enamel Bracelets

9. Watches

10. Update Pearls

Visit us at lagravinese.com

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: fun, Gift, Gift Ideas, Gorgeous, jewelry, LaGravinese

Ways to Rock the Holidays!

December 2, 2019 by The Inside Press

Courtesy of ROCKS Jewelry Gifts Home

10. Make your Rocks list, check it twice…

9. Snag a little swag for that holiday party…

8. Glitz up the house with dazzling accessories…

7. Grab a chic scarf for cozy shopping days…

6. Treat yourself to new tableware for your holiday meal…

5. Stuff those stockings with bling, bling, bling…

4. Pick out the perfect hostess gift…

3. Toast the New Year with stylish everything…   

2. Don’t forget you! Create your perfect wish list…

1. RUN to Rocks for a fabulous holiday season!

Visit us at rocksbyjoliebray.com

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: Accessories, Gifts, Holiday List, jewelry, list, ROCKS Jewelry Gifts Home, Stockings, Tableware, Wish List

ROCKS Has You Covered With Stylish Jewelry, Gifts and Home Decor

October 26, 2019 by Ella Ilan

Injecting cutting edge style into the new shopping center at Chappaqua Crossing, ROCKS Jewelry Gifts Home (“Rocks”) opened its doors this past May. The one of a kind boutique carries unique and modern fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, and home decor. Upon entering the bright and airy space, one is immediately struck by the beautiful artwork on the walls and the chic home accessories artfully displayed.

The store is entirely curated by owner Tanya Tochner, an 18-year resident of Chappaqua. Tochner recently closed her jewelry store in Armonk to focus on the expansion of her business into home design at the Chappaqua Crossing location.

“The home component is all new,” says Tochner. “The idea for it started five years ago but I never had the space for it in Armonk and then this opportunity in Chappaqua came up. Home goods take up a lot of space and we have almost 2,000 square feet here to accommodate us.”

There are no home and jewelry stores in the shopping center so Rocks provides a unique shopping experience.

“The jewelry and the home products really complement each other,” explains Tochner. “Customers come in intending to buy a hostess gift but end up looking at jewelry and vice versa.”

Jewelry That Rocks

“I try to carry pieces that are unique and modern and unlike other jewelry stores,” says Tochner.

Tochner sells a wide array of fine and fashion jewelry. Some favorite designers whose original pieces she currently sells include Jamie Joseph, Janis Savitt, Rebel Designs, Rachel Reinhardt, and Ela Rae. The store also carries the Jolie B. Ray line that Tochner created along with her previous design partner over a decade ago.

But Tochner is always changing things up and on the look out for new and exciting designers.

She is also adept at creating custom pieces. As a child, Tochner always liked fine jewelry and had a penchant for drawing. She discovered that drawing was helpful when she worked on the Jolie B. Ray line, and was able to draw jewelry and give it to her manufacturer to create it. She offers that custom service to all her clients. If a customer requests a specific design, Tochner can draft it on paper, make a model, and then ultimately present them with a final product from that drawing.

Rocks also keeps a convenient database of “wish lists” for their customers. “I always tell women to create a wish list if they’re eyeing certain pieces because their husbands come in to buy birthday or anniversary gifts and they want to know what their wives like,” explains Tochner.

Is Your Table Ready for the Holidays?

For people that love to entertain, Rocks is a treasure trove of gorgeous platters, vases, decanters, barware and bowls. Just in time for the holidays, they are selling modern tabletop accessories that are sure to impress any dinner guest.

Larger home items showcased at the store include ottomans, side tables, benches, lighting and artwork. Tochner offers personalized design services and visits to a client’s home to accessorize their house.

“We try to have something for everyone,” says store manager Wendi Gordon. “We have $18 candles and candles that are over $100. We find that everyone shops at all different price points. We have coasters for $40, candy dishes for $45, and bowls for $250. If you’re going to someone’s house and want to bring a little something, we have plenty of affordable options. If you’re looking for a higher end piece to decorate your home with, we have many choices.”

Staying Ahead of the Trends

On where she derives her inspiration and ideas, Tochner says,” I’ve always had an eye for jewelry and home design. I feel that if I like it myself, I will be passionate about selling it. I also listen to my customers and what they want.”

As for following any favorite bloggers or instagram accounts, Tochner says she does not spend her time doing that. “I don’t want to cloud my judgment. I try to be creative and if you are constantly looking at what everyone else is doing, you can’t come up with your own spin.”

Tochner definitely stays current and does her research. She travels to the home show in North Carolina twice a year, attends the New York shows, and is in the city once or twice a week buying merchandise, fulfilling custom orders or getting complicated jewelry repairs done for customers.

The boutique has a fun party vibe to it. Maybe it is all the sparkle between the glamorous jewels and the beautiful serveware that evokes this feeling. It may also be the friendly staff comprising of local moms that are eager to help you find that perfect gift.

Rocks holds many events at the store featuring local vendors and running various promotions throughout the year. To stay informed of all their fun events and see their newest merchandise, be sure to follow them on instagram at @rocks.jewelry_gifts_home. You can also request to be added to their email list or follow them on Facebook at Rocks by Jolie B. Ray.

The store is located at 480 Bedford Road in Chappaqua and can be reached at (914) 219-5808.

Filed Under: Lifestyles with our Sponsors Tagged With: Artwork, boutique, Chappaqua, Chappaqua Crossing, cutting edge, fine jewelry, Gifts, home, home accessories, home decor, jewelry, rocks, Tanya Tochner

LaGravinese Jewelers: Serving Armonk’s Jewelry Needs with a Personal Touch

August 24, 2019 by The Inside Press

Armonk’s original jewelry store, LaGravinese Jewelers, located on Main Street in Downtown Armonk is in its 26th year of providing its clientele with beautiful jewelry. The LaGravinese family has been in the jewelry business for over a century. Debra LaGravinese, owner of the Armonk store, is trained in diamond grading, gemology, gem identification, and pearl grading by the Gemological Institute of America. LaGravinese Jewelers carries a large selection of jewelry at all price points and are known for their custom design work, excellent service, and quick turnaround time.

Custom Design

Clients looking for handcrafted custom pieces specifically made for them meet with LaGravinese and her trusted bench jeweler/“right-hand man,” Art Manfredo, to create the design they have in mind. They can incorporate a sentimental piece of family jewelry into a new design or simply construct an entirely new piece of jewelry. Approximately eighty percent of LaGravinese’s business involves redesign, repairs and special orders.

“If you have an estate piece that nobody is wearing and it just sits in a drawer, we can make something current out of it, either trendy or classic, that the next generation wants to wear,” says LaGravinese.

Celebrating Milestones

Jewelers often get to share in their clients’ most joyous celebrations. Helping clients choose the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or any momentous event, is what they do. It is especially sweet when they have personal relationships with those clients.

“I have recently been working on a lot of engagement rings,” LaGravinese says. “All of my clients’ children are at an age now where they’re all getting married. After 25 years in the same town, it’s great to see these generational milestones. I have amazing clientele and I’m so lucky to be part of their process of buying and giving to their family.”

Happy Customers

Many of LaGravinese’s clients have been customers for decades. The business is well sustained by virtue of repeat customers and word of mouth.

“You don’t get to stay in business 25 years doing the wrong thing,” she remarks. Despite being a small store in a small town, she makes certain that the store remains competitive. “We are very close to Manhattan, so I compete with that and I compete with the internet. I make sure I am giving the best possible deal to my customers,” she says. LaGravinese travels to jewelry shows and strives to acquire a diverse collection and unique pieces such as watches from Shinola that her clients may not have seen elsewhere.

As a full service jewelry store, they cater to all their customers’ jewelry needs, including watch battery, watch repairs, appraisals, ear piercing, custom orders, redesign, pearl restringing, and they buy diamonds, gold and silver.

LaGravinese is grateful for her clients and to many of them that have become friends over the years. “I’m blessed to know them,” she says.

With the fall season upon us, LaGravinese is stocking up on plenty of new inventory for the holiday season. Be sure to stop in and check out their selection. Also, be on the lookout for their occasional specials when a portion of proceeds are donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

LaGravinese Jewelers
430 Main Street in Armonk
P: (914) 273-5432
lagravinesearmonk.com

Filed Under: Sponsor News! Tagged With: Armonk, engagement rings, jewelry, LaGravinese Jewelers, New Design, personal relationships, repairs, trendy or classic

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Support The Inside Press

Visit Our Sponsors

Northern Westchester Hospital
William Raveis – Chappaqua
William Raveis – Armonk
Future Stars Summer Camps
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
Compass Real Estate: Chappaqua
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
World Cup Gymnastics
Douglas Elliman Chappaqua
Douglas Elliman Armonk
Eye Designs of Armonk
Generac
Leaf Filter
Kitchen Magic
Play Nice Together
Mount Kisco Child Care Center
Willowbrook Swim & Tennis Club
Beecher Flooks Funeral Home
Wallauer
Houlihan: Alicja Bohmrich
LaGravinese Jewelers
Samkoff Design
Dr. Briones Medical Weight Loss Center

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Instagram

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Chappaqua Inside Armonk

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe

Footer

Recent Posts

  • For the Best Summer Ever, Sign Your Child Up for Dance Camp at Logrea Dance Academy!
  • Remembering Lawrence Otis Graham
  • A Conversation with Congressman Mondaire Jones
  • John Diaconis on…Togetherness, Reaching Out & Preserving History at the Miller House
  • ‘Memories Live Here’
  • Good Will, Volunteerism and Community Donations at the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime for the print editions of either Inside Chappaqua, Inside Armonk–or both?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2021 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in