Boutique Peek: Lireille on Piedmont Avenue

One-of-a-kind finds highlight this Oakland jewelry shop.

Tucked between the coffee shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques on Piedmont Avenue is a real gem—and appropriately enough, it’s full of them.
Lireille, Gallery of Contemporary Jewelry and Art features beautifully intricate pieces of jewelry crafted by mostly local artists. When the boutique started out in 2007, it had eight contributing artists. The following year, that number doubled, and then doubled again the year after that. Today, the glass displays show the diverse talents of nearly 30 different artists. It’s been said that Oakland has one of the highest numbers of artists per capita in the country, so it’s no wonder Lireille is where a rotating group of emerging craftsmen and women choose to get their start.
Though the shop is set up like a classic art gallery where everything gleams and sparkles under glass, the aim is to “increase the accessibility” of fine jewelry to the general public and promote its artistic value, according to business partners Yan Liu and Steve Robinson. “It’s a SoHo-style art consortium where artists push the creative boundaries,” says Liu. The walls also feature East Bay artists’ work: “wireist” Diane Komater ’s intricate wire sculptures will be available for viewing and purchase from November 24 through January 10.
In addition to offering quality customer service and a unique personalized buying experience, Liu and Robinson also use the gallery as a platform for them to connect the public with fundraisers for various causes, including the Cancer Resource Center and the Renaissance School.
Though running a business today isn’t the easiest venture, Lireille is keeping afloat with the support of their loyal shoppers and the community. “It’s overwhelming,” says Liu with a smile.
Who you’ll see here: Women looking to treat themselves, men shopping for a special occasion, and fine jewelry collectors, to name a few. The shop also specializes in custom-made engagement, wedding, and commitment rings, and the design options go further than the classic diamond look (but they do feature conflict-free diamonds for those interested.)
What you can expect to find: Carefully selected jewelry styles that may be worn or displayed in a shadowbox. Every piece emanates ingenuity and originality: earrings made with the “dimensional weave” by Niche Award-winner Anastasia Azure, Bonnie Heras’ eco-friendly rubber necklaces, and Swiss-born metal artist Monica Schmid’s azara twig necklaces, which were some of my favorites.
Lireille co-owner Steve Robinson’s gemstone creations are also on sparkling display in the front of the shop.
Mark your calendar: Meet Diane Komater and metalsmith Jenny Reeves at an artist reception on Friday, December 4 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Yael Baharav, who designs unique wedding rings among other pieces,  will appear on the second Friday, December 11.
Reservations are not necessary to attend either event.
 
Lireille – Gallery of Contemporary Jewelry and Art, 3980 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, 510-547-3455, lireille.com

 

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