Page Sargisson, renowned for her distinctive jewelry designs, has expanded her presence with a new boutique at 1250 Madison Avenue, marking her second retail location in Manhattan’s prestigious Carnegie Hill neighborhood. The grand opening on Tuesday further solidifies Sargisson’s commitment to crafting exclusive, handcrafted jewelry that eschews mass production in favor of personal artistry.
“I don’t make jewelry for the masses,” Sargisson asserts with conviction. “My jewelry is very specific. It embodies my unique perspective, characterized by texture, brush strokes, and vibrant colors. In an era dominated by digital design, my pieces stand out as handcrafted works of art, which resonates deeply with those who appreciate the tangible essence of the artist’s touch.”
Sargisson’s approach to jewelry-making is rooted in traditional techniques, particularly “lost wax casting,” where she meticulously carves wax models that are then encased in a concrete-like material. This mold is heated to melt out the wax, leaving a cavity into which molten gold is poured, creating a one-of-a-kind piece. Her dedication to this time-honored method underscores her commitment to artistry and authenticity.
The Madison Avenue store follows her first boutique, which opened in November 2020 at 347 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. This location also serves as her design studio. Alongside her physical stores, Sargisson maintains a strong online presence, allowing her intricate designs to reach a broader audience.
Sargisson’s collection spans a diverse range of jewelry, including pendants, chains, rings, bracelets, wedding bands, and engagement rings. Prices start at $600 for an 18-karat gold gemstone necklace, with more elaborate pieces such as a 4.2-carat diamond necklace reaching up to $23,500. Notable bestsellers include sapphire signet rings priced at $2,200 and “mosaic” tablet pendants adorned with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, ranging from $3,600 to $10,000.
Sargisson’s journey into the world of jewelry design began with childhood hobbies like knitting and beading, inspired by her grandfather’s craftsmanship in antique-style wood furniture. “That experience was a profound influence on me,” she reflects. “I learned to carve from watching him, which has informed my own approach to creating jewelry.”
Prior to fully committing to her jewelry business, Sargisson worked as a communications manager at Genentech, a San Francisco biotech firm. Her colleagues’ enthusiastic responses to her designs led her to start selling her creations, eventually prompting her to transition from a side venture to a full-time career.
Relocating to New York in 2003, Sargisson shifted her focus to jewelry after personal and professional upheavals, including the loss of her father. She took classes in wax carving and metalsmithing, which facilitated her transition to a dedicated jewelry designer. “Working with wax is akin to woodworking, though it lacks the scent of wood. It allows for detailed carving and sanding, which is crucial to my process.”
Initially, Sargisson’s business was focused on wholesale, with significant success in Japan. However, after a distributor’s bankruptcy and the impact of the 2011 tsunami, she redirected her efforts toward creating unique, high-end pieces for a more personal clientele. Her business model now includes a dedicated team of artists and craftsmen, with a workshop in Park Slope, Brooklyn, supporting her creative endeavors.
The new Madison Avenue boutique reflects Sargisson’s design ethos with its textured walls, colorful abstract murals by Caty Wooley, and an engaging layout that includes industrial felt pads for displaying jewelry. The shop also features a unique seating area humorously dubbed “the bored husband’s seat,” aimed at enhancing the shopping experience.
Sargisson’s new store responds to increasing demand for bespoke wedding bands and engagement rings, a segment of her business that has seen significant growth. “Opening this second store was driven by the needs of clients from New Jersey and Manhattan seeking personalized service,” she explains. “Unlike larger retailers or the complex Jewelry District, my boutique offers a niche service where clients can work directly with me to create exactly what they envision.”
With her new location and ongoing commitment to artistry, Page Sargisson continues to make a significant mark on the fashion jewelry scene, offering pieces that are as unique as the clients they adorn.
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