Independents

Colette Emerges from the Pandemic with a New LA Store

IndependentsJul 08, 2021

Colette Emerges from the Pandemic with a New LA Store

She’s traded Melrose Place for Brentwood.

20210708_Colette-header.jpg
Colette Jewelry has opened a new Los Angeles flagship in Brentwood after shuttering its Melrose Place location during the pandemic.
Los Angeles—For designer Colette Steckel, brick-and-mortar is an essential part of her strategy.

“As a consumer, I find that the in-store experience is inimitable, especially in the luxury space,” Steckel said, “and while we’ve adapted to the digital landscape, the brick-and-mortar component is equally important to me.”

In business since 1995, the French and Mexican designer has had stores throughout the years in both Mexico City and Los Angeles, where she is based.

But the pandemic posed challenges to her most recent L.A. flagship, located on Melrose Place, so she shuttered it last year.

“The location didn’t feel right anymore. After being in quarantine with my family in L.A., I realized I wanted to bring the business to my own neighborhood and offer something a little bit different from the traditional jewelry store.”

Located in Brentwood, the new Colette Jewelry store plays on the designer’s French and Mexican heritage, incorporating a variety of accessories and home goods sourced from artisans in Paris and Mexico City.

20210708_Colette-insert.jpg
The store’s interior focal point is this large marble table seen on the left. At right, the new store’s exterior.

“Most of the items are things my family and I found comfort in while in lockdown, like board games, comfy sweatshirts, candles, and chocolates. It’s an homage to my heritage of sorts and a really fun way to introduce so many artisans that I love to my L.A. community,” Steckel said. 

Sourced from travels home, the curation is warm but decidedly luxurious and very niche. Think Hector Saxe backgammon sets, Aromaria candles, François Pralus single-origin chocolate bars, and cabinet-of-curiosity-esque art from Benjamin Pietri. 

“Whenever I come back to L.A. from Paris or Mexico City, my friends ask me where I got this or that, so my intention is to always introduce more designers as I discover them.”

These items help evoke the inviting ambiance Steckel is after, which fosters “building relationships.”

“Jewelry is so intimate, so personal,” she explains. “I want to offer this completely bespoke experience without all of the formality that is often associated with the traditional jewelry store.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

While the Melrose Place location was darker and “more boudoir-inspired,” the Brentwood store has a lighter California feel, with herringbone wood floors and large marble tables that have almost painterly patterns.

For Steckel, the space is like a contemporary Parisian apartment, with the predominant shades being “crème fraiche,” light pink, and lavender with burgundy accents.

It’s the ideal backdrop for the in-person experience Steckel finds so necessary to complement the ever-growing digital retail component.

20210708_Colette-insert2.jpg
Colorful enamel is a core element of Colette’s recent collections, adorning celestial-inspired jewels and Art Deco-esque initial offerings alike.

“I feel that the quality of the experience purchasing a piece is just as important as the quality of the jewelry itself,” she says.

“It’s a place for our clients, but also for our wholesale buyers and celebrity stylists and editors. We want everyone to feel like they can come by, learn about the brand, say hi, have a coffee or a glass of Champagne, and walk away with something special—be it a jewel or a super cool sweatshirt from a newly discovered designer in Paris.”

Colette Jewelry is open for business at 250 26th Street in Santa Monica, California, across from the Brentwood Country Mart. 

The Latest

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

×

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