The luxury jeweler Bulgari says it hopes to open a showroom at 14 Newbury St. early next month.
It would be the first Boston address for the brand, and the 2,864-square-foot boutique promises to bring a bit of Italian glitz to the block.
“For over 130 years, the brand has been anchored in the ‘dolce vita’ — it gives us a lot of guidance in everything we do,’’ says Daniel Paltridge, president of Bulgari North America.
The company currently has about 20 US stores and has wanted to open one in Boston for a while, he says.
The new location would be a tribute to the brand’s Roman heritage, with a black-and-white marble facade, Italian walnut parquet floors, and Murano crystal chandeliers dangling over Bulgari’s iconic eight-point star motif inset in the floor, Paltridge says.
If after browsing the selection of watches, accessories, and baubles — like the Divas’ Dream bracelet, a mix of rubellite, amethyst, and diamonds cast in pink gold and priced at $87,000 — you decide to make a purchase, you’ll be whisked into the VIP room, which offers a bit of privacy through a bronze latticework screen inspired by the Roman Pantheon’s floor.
Paltridge says that in a time of retail uncertainty, with more stores looking to create showroom experiences to lure shoppers offline, luxury jewelry lines have an edge. “You hear this word, about people looking for experiences,’’ he says. “It’s all about going into an environment where you see beautifully made things and an intimate environment, that’s really where we play.’’
Room 68 returns, for now
When the Jamaica Plain- and Provincetown-based art and design shop Room 68 shuttered its storefront at 68 South St. a few years ago, devotees held out hope that it might someday return to JP. The brand has done a few pop-ups in the Boston Design Center over the past few years, while focusing on its Provincetown store, but has been operating out of the Fenway neighborhood for the holiday season.
The shop’s co-owner, Brent Refsland, says he likes providing a contemplative experience for customers amid the hustle and bustle of the Fenway.
“Everyone seems to be on a mission,’’ he jokes. “They’re running to Target or Blick or they’re going to a movie. The retail experience that’s been missing in that whole pocket is a more boutique, a ‘let’s slow the roll and enjoy what’s in front of you’ experience. We’ve found that people spend time with us and listen to our story and take in the collection we’ve created.’’
That collection is currently a mix of giftables for the holidays and a rotating selection of artwork on the walls from Kristin Texeira and Dana Piazza. The shop has been hosting events every Thursday evening since it opened in late November.
Refsland says Room 68 recently extended its lease and will be staying in the Fenway through Feburary.
“We’re building rapport with people that we’ve engaged with over the years but also creating new relationships,’’ he says. “We’re happy to be back and in a dynamic, growing new Fenway neighborhood.’’
Have something of interest for Talking Shop? Janelle Nanos can be reached at janelle.nanos@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @janellenanos.
