Editors

I Entered ‘The Vault’ at Saks Fifth Avenue

EditorsSep 16, 2019

I Entered ‘The Vault’ at Saks Fifth Avenue

Associate Editor Lenore Fedow ventured into the retailer’s new space dedicated to high jewelry and timepieces.

20190916_Saks_Vault.jpg
Saks Fifth Avenue opened “The Vault” earlier this month, which features six jewelry shop-in-shops and eight watch boutiques, at its New York City flagship store.

Saks Fifth Avenue opened “The Vault” earlier this month, a space dedicated to high jewelry and watches on the lower level of its New York City flagship store.

I wrote about the opening, looked through press photos and remarked to my fellow editors how much I’d love to see it in person.

Our Editor-In-Chief Michelle Graff suggested I venture into The Vault and write a blog post about my visit. And so with my boss’ blessing to go shopping on the job, I hopped on an uptown 5 train and headed to Saks.

You can’t miss The Vault upon entering the store—a rainbow, fluorescent-colored escalator, created by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, beckons shoppers to head downstairs.

It felt exclusive as soon as I set foot on the shimmering gray floor; The Vault is spacious and elegant, a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of upstairs.

Perhaps it was because I stopped by in the late afternoon on a Thursday, but there were only a handful of people mulling around.

It had the air of a museum, with visitors walking around at a leisurely pace, speaking in hushed tones with their hands behind their backs, staring in reverence, careful not to put any fingerprints on the showcase glass.

I started at the back and worked my way around counterclockwise, stepping into each of the shops.

There are six fine jewelry shop-in-shops in the space: Boucheron, Chanel, Chopard, Graff, Piaget and Repossi.

Eight watch brands are in The Vault as well: Baume & Mercier, Franck Muller, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Roger Dubuis, TAG Heuer and Vacheron Constantin.

My first stop was Piaget. There was no one in the boutique, but it wasn’t long before an employee stopped in to see if I needed any help.

When I told her I was just looking around (unfortunately), she smiled and told me her name and where she would be if I needed any help. I was approached only once, left to walk around the rest of the shops undisturbed, which I appreciated.

The security measures were discrete but present, as serious-looking men in suits walked circled the space slowly.

Just to be sure, I asked a nearby employee if it was alright to take photos and I received an enthusiastic “yes!”

It’s hard to imagine stores telling anyone they aren’t allowed to take pictures in the age when sharing on social media is such a big part of driving interest.

I took my

phone out to snap a few photos and noticed fellow shoppers doing the same.

Chopard’s shop was blocked off and appeared to still be under construction, but its merchandise was featured in adjacent showcases, a pair of silky gloves sitting on a nearby table to keep the jewelry smudge free.

Jewelry showcases sit near the middle of the space, featuring Bulgari’s Serpenti watches as well as one-of-a-kind pieces from Assael, Oscar Heyman, Piranesi, and Martin Katz.

The candy-colored jewelry from Nini Jewels stood out to me, especially an 18-karat yellow gold nine-row “Birdcage” cuff featuring tanzanite, peridot, rubellite, citrine and diamonds.


Nini Jewels’ one-of-a-kind “Birdcage” bracelet (far left, $150,000)

It looks like it belongs in the jewelry box of an eccentric socialite who’s dripping in over- the-top jewels and old money. I just love it.

Tiffany & Co. is the first special guest to take over The Vault’s exhibition space, displaying stunning pieces from its “Paper Flowers” collection and other show-stopping diamond jewelry on a Tiffany Blue background (of course).

The exhibition space has been set aside to feature brand partners, guest curators, special collaborations and other events.

There was a seating area with luxe couches perfect for people watching, though there weren’t too many shoppers lingering the day I visited.

As I toured The Vault, I thought to myself how spoiled I’ve become by how often I come in contact with expensive jewelry, playing dress up with diamonds and gems I’d never have access to in any other line of work. At the next showcase, I lingered a little longer and looked a little closer.

When I was done downstairs, I decided to head to the second floor to Saks’ original jewelry department, which I also found to be sparsely staffed and quiet.

The shops on the second level included jewelry from Vhernier, David Webb, Zydo and Anita Ko. Chopard has a shop on the second level as well.

The stores here seemed a bit more low-key and the showcases were closer together in a smaller space.

I felt more comfortable upstairs than in The Vault, more like I was shopping and less like I was at a museum.

I exited the jewelry department and made my way upstairs, walking around a few floors of women’s fashion before popping into the out-of-this-world shoe section, both of which were much livelier than the jewelry departments.

Shoppers balanced armfuls of clothes and employees walked back and forth with stacks of shoes, a welcome change to the quiet.

While in the elevator heading out, I noticed the fancy escalator is the only way to get to The Vault; the elevators won’t take you down to that level.

I had passed a few signs for The Vault during my visit, but the elevator ads seemed more focused on telling shoppers about the pop-up Magnum ice cream bar on the fifth floor.

I had walked by the bar earlier, and the customers there had looked overjoyed to hand over $8 plus tax for a customized ice cream bar, selecting the type of chocolate and toppings they wanted.

The toppings selection included unicorn gems, mermaid pearls, salted caramel crisp pearls and gold glitter confetti, a nod to the fall trends of “bold metals and larger-than-life gemstones,” according to the pop-up shop’s event page.

A group of friends gathered for photos with their ice cream bars, posing for “candid” shots as they took bites.

They looked like they were having more fun than anyone else in the store. The ice cream bar was an experience to share with friends, a reason to come to Saks rather than other stores lining Fifth Avenue.

The Vault is quiet, for now, but with its beautiful, Instagram friendly design, it has the potential to draw the same level of excitement as the Magnum station.

Not everyone who enters Saks is going to take the escalator ride downstairs and drop a million dollars on a sapphire necklace.

However, I can envision The Vault as an events space, hosting talks and panels with celebrities and fashion royalty, or bringing in designers for trunk shows, thereby generating more excitement and foot traffic for the jewelry department and the department store in general.

I look forward to seeing what events and special guests Saks has up its sleeves.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Navneet montana sapphire
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana Sapphires

The wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.

Theresa Caputo &LIVY jewelry
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ Star

The “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.

Lorraine West Diamond Open Heart Ring
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ Ring

Show some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Surveillance image of Macy’s jewelry thief
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.

Weekly QuizFeb 13, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Namdia rough diamonds
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist

Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

Spectrum and Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice awards
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting Edge

AGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Royal Chain models in 14-karat gold fashion links
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 Catalog

More than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.

Azra Mehdi pink sapphire ombré heart dog tag necklace in 14-karat rose gold
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s Day

This curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.

Jewelers Relief Fund logo
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires

The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

3 natural diamond engagement rings by Marrow Fine, Stephanie Gottlieb, Single Stone, and Sylvie Jewelry
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025

From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.

De Beers Jewellers Embrace Bracelet
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of Trees

The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.

Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) diamonds
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Late last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.

Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes

Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.

myGemma showroom
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment Service

The secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.

 Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
Ghirardelli Is Slipping Chocolate Into a Locket This Valentine's Day

The limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond District

One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.

Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti watch
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ Watch

The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.

Boucheron Power of Couture campaign
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%

The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.

Midas Chain Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond Collection

The jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.

Tacori Stilla ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.

Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says

Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.

Hearts On Fire Inside Out Collection Bracelets
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New Collection

The collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.

JW Marriott Hotel in Nashville Tennessee
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to Nashville

The trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.

Jade Trau Ladybird Charm
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ Charm

From the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy