When you run a small shop, you have to be very selective about what you put in it, especially if you’re a jewelry store going up against the behemoths. That’s why Savvy never misses a chance to pop into Craig Coyne in Ellicott City. While lovestruck couples are looking for engagement rings, she can sidle up to cases containing everything else: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, estate pieces, all carefully chosen by owners Sam Coyne and Jesse Craig. (The messieurs don’t turn up their noses at costume jewelry either, which has forever endeared them to Savvy’s heart.) Their newest line, one that no one else in Baltimore is carrying, is by Alishan Halebian, a self-taught Armenian designer whose creations are so beautiful and unusual they give Savvy the vapors. Alishan’s specialty is brushed, patinated silver that takes on a deep, steely-gray hue, overlaid with handcrafted gold, palladium and precious gems. A garnet ring looks like it came from King Arthur’s court. An asymmetrical orb pendant, simultaneously modern and Byzantine, has sheets of gold that lay like fabric in a tray. Earrings that caress the curve of the chin dangle on strings of tiny pavé diamonds. Many of the creations are unisex. But which Emmy-nominated luminary wanted one of Alishan’s designs for the red carpet? Shhh— he’ll never tell. 8113 Main St., Ellicott City, 410-480-2210, www.craigcoyne.com
