MANAYUNK

Originally Published in Manayunk Magazine

By Leo Dillinger & Jane Lipton

“Beauty is who you are. Jewelry is simply the icing on the cake.”

Need a gift that says, “I love you”? Or maybe you just got your holiday bonus and you’re looking to splurge on yourself. Either way the holidays are a perfect time to purchase a quality piece of handmade jewelry and Manayunk’s signature jewelers have just what you’re looking for. A stunning pair of earrings for her? A handcrafted watch for him? Our jewelers have you covered.

Gary Mann Jewelers

4349 Main Street, 215-482-7051

Since 1988, Main Street has been graced with the presence of Gary Mann Jewelers. Offering a variety of unique, custom gems, Gary and his wife, Norma, will help you find that special piece for that special someone for the most wonderful time of the year.

“When you come here, you get an incredible selection of both handcrafted and estate jewelry. We’re not a big chain store. We’re not a corporate mall store. We’re a small mom and pop, literally, and we take pride in helping our customers find the most special gift. People do come in a little frazzled and nervous because they have a lot of gifts to buy, a limited budget, and in some cases have never even bought jewelry before. We’re very patient, taking as much time a person needs, and break down the process to make it easier for them. By the time they leave, they say, ‘Wow! Thank you so much. You really helped me and I’m happy with what I bought,’ and we really love to hear that.” -Norma Mann

Martin Pulli Fine Jewelry and Watches

4337 Main Street, 215-508-4610

If you’ve got a hankering for vintage or contemporary timepieces, stop by Martin’s shop and bend his ear. After 20 years of working in the business, Martin is guaranteed to select the perfect watch for you or your loved one.

“The watches I sell are all from small to micro manufacture. In fact, quite a few of the watches I sell are from single watchmakers that produce their own watches in very limited numbers. It's a very non-commercial approach, from an industry that’s dominated by very large commercial interests in regard to marketing and advertising. So regionally, or even nationally, I provide products that are really becoming the most unique type of handmade or hand fitted rarities. A lot of the commercial world of manufacturing has left the old world in the dust. Watches are made in increasingly sterile environments, intended to really be perfect clones of the one preceding and the one to come. I come from a collector’s world, where the notice of the lasting evidence of the hand of the maker is a sign of pride. I work mostly by appointments, so clients generally have a good idea of what they what to choose ahead of a visit. It's my job to find just the right, extra special item for any given client, according to their taste and budget. We live in a world that is completely interconnected now, yet folks are more disconnected from other humans than ever before. I believe when you want to make a special gift for the most special people in your life, it's nice to have specialized, expert, personal service to enhance your valuable experience. An experience which is exceedingly rare in today’s modern society, yet it's possible here!” -Martin Pulli

Orbit Art Gallery

4312 Main Street, 215 - 508-6728

David Decca, owner of Orbit, not only sells a wide range of art pieces. He also provides a fine selection of jewelry courtesy of local jeweler Emily Keifer. 

“I can tell you people return to us because we do everything in our power to make it a great experience for our customers. We've delivered everything from engagement rings to centerpieces right to our customers’ homes. If there is a problem with a piece someone purchased at Orbit, the owners, Sandy and myself, deal with it. We push hard to get the sale right the first time and to continue to support that sale long after it leaves the gallery.” -David Decca

Bendi Jewelers

4333 Main Street, 215-508-5220

Owner and designer, Sami Nakishbendi, has an eye for precious metals and has been selling his designs on Main Street for years.

“Our hand crafted pieces are designed to reflect upon the latest in-fashion styles.  They capture appeal and functionality in an art form.  We are known for our extraordinary service.  When designing a piece we manage to successfully connect with clients and ultimately give them what they want.  This is achieved by taking the time to exchange ideas and present different options until the masterpiece is achieved.  The ultimate goal is to make the client happy.” -Sami Nakishbendi