The Goddess Boutique

VENICE GEM
I just now turned from my side desk filled with stones, findings, pendants and other such treasures I’ve mined since the day I walked into The Goddess in 2004 to write this. It was on Abbott Kinney Boulevard then, and The Goddess ignited my love affair with that street. I even celebrated a birthday with friends making jewelry there long after the X who’d brought me in my first time and later splurged on a piece I nicknamed the «Titanic Necklace» was gone. Sandrine and her staff, frankly some of the most caring and creative women I’ve had the pleasure to spend time with in LA, taught me to wire wrap soon after I designed my sentimental favorite first piece there. I’ve made lots of pretty pieces since then, but my best isn’t in the shimmering stratosphere as Sandrine’s simplest. I was heartbroken when it disappeared, but I serendipitously ran into her, and she told me she’d soon be open on Lincoln, sharing the space with Slave, a cool clothing shop. It’s not the fairylike Craftsman dream it was on Abbott Kinney, but I’m so grateful it still exists. Last year, Sandrine wrapped the blue topaz earrings I’d designed for my grandmother for Mother’s Day. Tonight I sit here stacking up my designs, realizing I want Sandrine’s eyes and hands involved. «Go to The Goddess,» says this Friday’s calendar.

PLEASE IGNORE «john d.» & VISIT THIS SHOP! It’s a lovely boutique, and I can’t believe I’ve only just now discovered it. The owner, Sandrine, and the people who work with her are exceedingly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Her designs are clearly crafted with great care and elegance, with healing energies in mind, and with emphasis on the natural beauty and brilliance of each and every stone.
I was actually referred here by the gentleman who owns the Wonders of the World store on Lincoln in Santa Monica. I purchased a Rutilated Quartz stone there which I took to Sandrine for wire-​wrapping. She took her time with me to discuss what I had in mind, and the end result was even more lovely than I’d pictured. I couldn’t be happier with her work… Oh, and while I was there, I found a stunningly elegant Turquoise necklace that I bought (which I’m wearing in my profile pic, by the way!) and an even more radiant Chalcedony necklace that I didn’t (but only because it was a wee bit out of my price range). I really *really* wanted it, though!
I’ve received countless compliments on both my pieces, since I purchased them in the last week. And it’s with great enthusiasm that I’ve answered the many people who’ve asked where I found such high quality, eye-​catching craftsmanship. (The pieces are so nice, in fact, I feel the need now to upgrade my wardrobe so as not to be out-​classed by my gorgeous new accessories… Ha!)
So clearly I’m not the only one who believes this woman’s work is exceptionally impressive… though «john d.» seems to be the only one who does not. So again, I say ignore him, and go say hello to Sandrine for me. This woman has such a beautiful gift, and I’m sure she’d love to share it with you too.