About Us
OUR STORY
Established in 1988, during the high-noon of rap's golden age: Popular Jewelry started out as a small jewelry booth, tucked inside an exchange that bordered the outskirts of Soho, Tribeca, and Chinatown. It has since then matured into a robust self-operating business— all the while maintaining the intimate family atmosphere that so defined its early years. Many jewelry stores along the Canal Street strip have closed down for good, but Popular Jewelry has steadfastly persevered for the past 30 years, enduring the toughest of both economic and natural disasters. The business owner, Chiok Va Sam, (a.k.a. Eva) is well-known for her relentless work ethic (Popular has been closed for business only six days since it first opened) along with the dedication and passion that she brings to her clients on an everyday basis.
Popular Jewelry has striven to produce the highest quality fine jewelry; to provide the best service and customer experience. We wish to exceed our clients' expectations each and every time we serve them. The demographic of our celebrity clients range from music artists to actors (both rising stars and hall/walk of famers); this esteemed list includes locals such as the members of A$AP Mob, Amber Valletta, Ayo & Teo, CeeLo Green, Chris Moore, Diggy Simmons, Elephant Man, the Flatbush Zombies, GoldLink, Jaden Smith, Jake Gyllenhaal, Joey Bada$$, Joji, Kaley Cuoco, Ken Rebel, Kirk Knight, Kodie Shane, Macklemore, Playboi Carti, Remy Banks, RiceGum, Ro James, $ki Mask the Slump God, Smokepurpp, Spencer Pratt, Stefan Charles, Timothy DeLaGhetto, Tracy Morgan, Travis Scott, Uma Thurman and Wu-Tang Clan's Cappadonna. We have also been blessed by international customers such as Britain's Dev Hynes, Jorja Smith, Jude Law, Artistic Director Dior Men’s Kim Jones, and Lily Allen, Canada's Jazz Cartier, Japan's Generations of EXILE, China's Higher Brothers, former member of EXO Kris Wu, Vaness Wu, Spain's C. Tangana, Rosalía, France's Ibeyi, Mexico's Paulina Rubio, Korea's Loco, and Australia's Nick Murphy— the list goes on. It's no wonder Popular Jewelry has been the mecca of fine jewelry for both celebrities and locals alike.
The Difference - Why We Only Carry Fine Jewelry
Whether a piece is labeled as fine or costume jewelry ultimately depends on the material from which it is made. Fine jewelry is comprised of precious metals such as gold (fine jewelry is defined as gold with a purity of 10K or greater), sterling silver, and platinum. Because fine jewelry is composed of durable, high-quality materials; with proper care, it can better withstand time (very often for multiple generations) than their costume counterparts. For these very reasons, gold. silver, and platinum retain their value extremely well— fine jewelry is a worthy investment.