The Seven West Village: An Enchanting Treasure Chest Of Independent And Emerging Jewelry Designers

The West Village of Manhattan has undergone many changes over the past 20 years. Luxury stores went up close to, or on the iconic blocks where there are neighborhood stand-alone cheese stores, Italian bakeries, fresh fish and meat shops and some of the best pizza in the city. Since the pandemic, Bleecker and its neighboring streets have come alive again with a new range of brand names and independent clothing and beauty stores opening. But if you are a jewelry enthusiast, there are none so enchanting and inviting as The Seven West Village, which is a multi-designer treasure chest that opened before Christmas on Bleecker Street. Owner Camille Zarsky has created a magical shop, which is at once homey and opulent. She has pulled off what other jewelry retailers only hope for—a boutique that is customized and decorated to feel warm and comfortable yet plush and artistic at the same time. The space was designed by the acclaimed Blake Brunson, who worked with Zarsky to turn her fantasy jewel box and designer destination shop into a reality. In addition to jewelry, the shop also features lavish decorative and gift items and a small but expertly chosen selection of ready-to-wear.

Here I talk to Zarksy about her introduction to jewelry, the impetus to open the shop, the highlight of the store’s environment and designers, some of the most sought-after independents and thoughtfully curated emerging talents in business today.

What was the first piece of jewelry you ever owned?

“A Spanish coin pendant set in 18K yellow gold from a 400-year-old shipwreck gifted by my father. I was very young and obsessed with all things from the sea at that time!”

Why did you name the store The Seven?

“My mother was one of seven sisters born into a very close-knit Italian American family. They called themselves Le Sette Sorelle – Italian for the seven sisters, so this is how the name The Seven came to life. The boutique is a nod to all the women in my family who influenced my taste and style from the beginning.”

What was it like growing up in a family with so many women (Aunts) and how did they view jewelry?

“My family always celebrated things that were unique and special. My aunts, who have been a bit like surrogate mothers to me, each have their own respective jewelry tastes. My family has always celebrated individuality and being unique, so we all had opportunities to develop and evolve our own styles over time. They viewed jewelry as emblematic of memories and points in their lives and as something deeply personal and exceptional.”

Can you talk more about your mom, and if she had a particular taste in jewelry that she passed down to you?

“My mother and I were very close. She passed away several years ago, leaving a deep hole in my heart; therefore, this store is very much a celebration of her influence on my life and everything she would have loved. She had the most impeccable taste and never followed brands or trends; rather, she had her own perspective on jewelry and style. And in the fashion of a true southern woman, she never left the house without hair and make-up tastefully done.

My mother’s taste was always discreet, and she prized high quality over quantity. The best advice she gave me was to buy the very best of what you can afford and invest in timeless pieces. She loved jewelry, and before she passed away, she started her own jewelry line with a little jewelry studio set up in her house. Up until the end of her battle with cancer, my mother’s favorite part of the day was getting dressed. We would pick her outfits that were never complete without her jewelry selections for the day.”

I am so sorry for your loss! You have created a beautiful tribute to your mom; I can feel her influence when you talk about her. Did you, too design or start out in jewelry?

“I worked in fashion for many years and have always loved jewelry! I started collecting vintage and antique pieces when I was younger. But my first career was owning and designing a handbag line – my namesake about ten years ago, which was sold at luxury retailers and specialty boutiques across the US.”

Was your love for jewelry and creating a tribute to your mom the impetus for changing your career path?

“Yes. I decided I wanted to open a retail space with a strong emphasis on authentic and special jewelry collections that you cannot find everywhere. This comes from my mother’s influence over me. She taught me not to follow the masses and to find pieces that are unique with their own story. Jewelry often represents significant moments and occasions- big and small- to the wearer, and these ‘stories get passed down through generations and live on. They are little vessels of memories and timeless investments. This is what I look for in the jewelry I purchase for the store.”

Did you have any jewelry retail experience before The Seven West Village opened in December?

“We had a four-month summer popup in Sag Harbor this past summer. I received a rare opportunity to do a popup with two friends of mine, so it was the perfect test run while our permanent location in the West Village was still undergoing a gut renovation to be opened much later in the year.”

Why was this location in the West Village chosen for the store?

“I loved that it was a corner shop on Bleecker Street which is such an iconic street. I also live in the West Village, so opening my first store post-pandemic in the neighborhood I know and love was a dream.”

Do you purchase rather than consign the pieces you carry?

“Yes, I purchase rather than consignment or memo in my shop. Since I invest in each designer, it allows me to focus on newer designers where I know an infusion of capital can really be supportive in helping them launch their collections. I view each purchase as a partnership with the designer. Therefore, it’s also important to work with people who also want to build a relationship together.”

How do you choose the jewelry designer you feature in the store?

“Many of the newer designers I’ve found through Instagram. Others I may have known and often, mutual friends make introductions. I have an ongoing wish list of designers I aim to bring into the store.”

Who are some of the designers that are best sellers in the shop?

Sophie Joanne, Mason & Books, The One I Love NYC, State Property, Sorellina, Gigi Clozeau, Selim Mouzannar, Emily P Wheeler, Christina Alexiou and Melissa Kaye. Really, it’s challenging to narrow down any specifically. When customers enter my store, we walk them through each designer and educate them on the designers’ ethos and inspirations. We really don’t sell just one brand more than others. They all truthfully sell very well. The only one that sells the fastest is Gigi Clozeau because she has the most attainable price point in the fine jewelry arena, so we have many people purchasing these pieces in multiples at one time.”

What other items besides jewelry do you sell in the shop?

“We carry fine vintage china, perfumes, candles and room sprays and a tight edit of ready-to-wear from Suzie Kondi, Harden, Sablyn and La Prestic Ouiston.”

Can you also talk a bit about the décor of the shop?

“Interior designer Blake Brunson designed the store. She brought my vision, and then some, to life in the space. Blake enlisted Gracie to create a highly customized one-of-a-kind hand-painted wallpaper that features homes from my childhood along with every one of my past and present dogs hidden in the scenery. She sourced one-of-a-kind antique furniture pieces from all over the world, most of which were refinished and reupholstered for the store.”

What is your criteria for bringing jewelry designers into the store?

“They must offer something authentic, unique and designed with excellent craftsmanship. I won’t work with brands that I feel copy or are trying to capitalize on other designers’ pieces. It’s important to respect each designer’s collections and honor the originator of the design. It’s also important to me where jewelry is made and that every piece’s component is ethically sourced.”

Anything to add about your future?

“I’m super excited about what we have accomplished so far, but I look forward to growing and supporting our list of new talent and even more designers as we evolve as a retailer.”