In business since 1996, the Libyan-born Marie-Helene de Taillac has always loved color and gorgeous gems -- in fact, stones of every stripe have consistently fascinated her. When she opened her first shop on Paris' Left Bank in 2003, it was important to her that each piece of jewelry be displayed as art -- jewelry, in her mind, should look as fetching and enticing in a display case as it does on a body. "My collections are often inspired by incredible stones, which are at the start of the designing process, and my jewelry is built around them."

In her Gotham treasure-chest of a shop (it is her third boutique; the second is in Tokyo), she has fashioned a petite salon -- created with mirrors, subtle colors, and unusual design -- in less than 300 square feet. "A store in New York is a dream-come-true and the Upper East Side is where I would live if I moved to the City." De Taillac was raised in both Lebanon and Paris, and while she is still calls the latter home, we are happy to say her inimitable bijoux are here to stay. Prices range from about $1,500 for earrings up to $50,000 for major-league necklaces.

Open Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm (until 7pm on Thurs.). -- Ruth J. Katz