Located inside the Historic La Fonda Hotel, Things Finer has been Santa Fe's premier source for fine antique and contemporary jewelry for 25 years. With over 80 years of expertise as a family enterprise, Things Finer makes acquiring unique treasures a fabulous experience.

2009 Fashion Editorial Responses

“Fashion anticipates, and elegance is a state of mind ... a mirror of the time in which we live, a translation of the future, and should never be static.” - Oleg Cassini

The name of your business is?

Things Finer

What do you market and sell?

Antique and contemporary fine jewelry, accessories and gifts

How would you describe your “typical” client?

We sell to every sort and condition of people, perhaps more women than men, locals, visitors, and part time residents in about equal numbers—we like to think that everyone who comes in to Things Finer can find something in their interest and price range.

We also sell to expert antique collectors all over the world, but the most fun is to introduce someone to a style or period of jewelry with which they were not familiar before.

Who has influenced your fashion acumen the most?

That would have to be Edith Head and Adrian—Film fashions from the 30’s 40’s and 50’s.

If there is one thing about your product line, designs, store that you hope to convey it would be?

That jewelry is both serious and fun, and above all wearable—don’t lock it up, put it on, enjoy it. All good design goes together, and special one-of kind pieces combine with and define your personal style in a way nothing else can.

Why did you choose this career path or create your business or fashion line?

I fell in love with Peru in 1979, and with my background as a fiber artist, I soon began chasing fine textiles around the world.

What is the one fashion item/design you wish would go away and what would you hope stays “in style” indefinitely?

People wanting to follow the herd, and buy “safe” looks that blend in, not wanting to really express themselves with bold and unusual pieces.

What do I hope stays in style indefinitely—well, that would be pearls, especially large special pearls—they frame the face, and act as an instant “lift”. Nothing is more elegant, more timeless, or more sensual. Pearls bloom in luster when we wear them; they feel and look soft, feminine and gutsy all at the same time. They also come in all shapes sizes and colors, so they are not dowdy and predictable, and you can restring or add to them to create different looks and styles. Just put them on last—do not spray them with perfume or anything else, and they will be your friends for life.

The most fun I have working is when…

Introducing someone to a new period or style of jewelry, and helping them coordinate what they already have with their newfound interest. We consult with people about their entire jewelry collections, filling in gaps, so that everything is wearable, interesting and individual to the wearer. It is no fun to have a piece of jewelry you don’t use—people seem to buy the same thing over and over, just not getting it quite right. We can remodel, or consolidate, or even trade pieces, to achieve a wearable and satisfying entire jewelry wardrobe that will grow with you and of which you will never tire.

Inside La Fonda Hotel
100 E San Francisco Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.983.5552
www.thingsfiner.com

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