Pumps & Pleats: Cog & Pearl beauties

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

Forget about Tiffany & Co. Try something new!

Cog & Pearl, a boutique in Park Slope, carries a lovely collection of fine jewelry crafted by emerging designers, many of whom live in Brooklyn.

These handmade pieces range from classic styles to funky wares to truly innovative designs. An added bonus, they’re cooler than anything in department stores’ overpriced jewelry counters.

Take the goods from designer Verre NewYork. A series of silver necklaces and earrings ($36—$112) showcase blown glass shaped like raindrops in shades of amber, root beer and aqua. Simple glass stud earrings in ravishing red or perfect turquoise are a steal at $30.

The team at Kiln Design relies on smooth enamel. A standout is the $50 pear blossom enamel necklace. To create this stunning piece, an artist hand paints the blossom print on a copper circle. The pendant, measuring nearly two inches, is fashioned on a sterling silver neck ring, making for a thoroughly modern design.

Speaking of glass, Happy Owl Glassworks offers cuff links made of glass for $40. That’ll give some pop to a dreary suit.

My favorite find is a compass serving as a pendant on a long silver chain ($88). Talk about functional fashion!

Cog & Pearl offers more than jewelry. The shop carries handbags, t-shirts, bric-a-brac and home goods — all of which are handmade by up-and-coming designers.

There’s an eye-catching series of wallets from Shara Porter. They offer classic billfold and clutch silhouettes but are emblazoned with off-beat images of animals and objects. With so many choices, you can pick the image that best suits your personality. Are you a pickup truck? Maybe a dinosaur? Or a tree? How about a bunny rabbit?

Me? I’ll go for the bird.

Cog & Pearl is located at 190 Fifth Avenue. For hours call 718-623-8200 or visit www.cogandpearl.com.

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.