where it shines; Here, a rock-solid directory for the best bauble buying.(Directory)

Byline: Alexandra Mack

Berkeley ca Tail of the Yak 2632 Ashby Avenue (510) 841-9891 Stepping into this well-established shop feels like falling through the looking glass and waking up in another world where unusual Victorian and Georgian jewelry takes center stage among taxidermy animals and rugs from far-off lands. Boston Good 88 Charles Street; (617) 722-9200 shopatgood.com Housing an array of exquisite antique jewelry, this Beacon Hill boutique also carries Erica Molinari and Melissa Joy Manning. Brooklyn Catbird 219 Bedford Avenue (718) 599-3457 catbirdnyc.com The borough is a hotbed for jewelry design, and this intimate space brings together the work of local designers. Erie Basin 388 Van Brunt Street (718) 554-6147 eriebasin.com A carefully assembled collection, including pieces by Natalia Brilli and Paul DeBlassie IV, in a beautiful monastic setting. In God We Trust 135 Wythe Avenue (718) 388-2012 Specimen jars, magnifying glasses, and shells arranged atop antique school desks create a magical milieu for Shana Tabor's funky reconstructed necklaces, earrings, and charm bracelets. Charleston sc Dixie Dunbar Studio 192 King Street; (843) 722-0006 dixiedunbarstudio.com Vintage pieces and original designs are displayed against an ever-changing Southern Gothic backdrop. Chicago Gem-a jewelry boutique 1710 North Damen Avenue (773) 384-7700 gemchicago.com A ladylike space in the hip Bucktown area showcases rings on starfish spires and necklaces intertwined with white branches. Dallas Grange Hall 4445 Travis Street; (214) 443-0600 urbanflowergrangehall.com A 21st-century cabinet of curiosities where original Gothic-inspired jewelry sits next to unique items for the home. Houston Peel Gallery Shop 4411 Montrose Boulevard ...