The Shape of Lies
Neighborhood: East Village
Type of Place: Jewelry
Gift Shops
Description:
The Shape of Lies is an East Village boutique owned by designer and artist Peggy Yunque, who has been selling her jewelry in New York since 1979. The stories behind the handcrafted items are as compelling as the pieces themselves. Some beads in Yunque’s designs date back four centuries, while others can be traced to the Great Depression. The results are impressive. Antique porcelain dolls become strange objects when assembled with sterling silver crab claws or tiny daggers. Patrons are not only immediately attracted the original work, but the mysteries behind their origins will inspire recipients for years to come. Tiny cards come with your selection that reveal the history and nature of your gift.
Often referred to as one of the last mom and pop holdouts in a continuously gentrifying neighborhood, the name of the store is a nod to Yunque’s talent for crafting authentic period designs. Her jewelry is inspired by distinct periods in history and she often uses symbols and iconography from the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Celtic Europeans. It’s not surprising, considering that Yunque began her career in jewelry design as a supplier of replica jewelry for such institutions as the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the New York Public Library.
Many of Yunque’s designs serve practical functions too, such as eyeglass brooches that enable one to keep glasses close by while remaining positively stylish. Major New York art institutions have also acquired several designs, including Cooper Hewitt and Pierpont Morgan.
The Shape of Lies also includes jewelry crafted by local designers, offering shoppers something very special in a market dominated by mass-produced, machine-made jewelry. Despite its small size, the shop’s selection is vast and includes many items geared specifically toward men, such as signed vintage 1940s cufflinks priced from $48.
When you visit, ask to see Yunque’s “Live Dangerously, Stay Lucky” collection of charming rings and pendants, priced from $60. These gold and Sterling silver pieces recall simpler times and often feature imagery of four-leafed clovers, horseshoes, winged whistles, and scissors, perfect for the DIY set.
The most practical among us will gravitate toward 1840s-styled Victorian spine bookmarks ($38-$68), while the store’s wonderful selection of antique lockets will capture the most romantic souls. Among our favorite items is a collection of Sterling silver “spoon” rings ($78) made from antique souvenir spoons of New York City. These crafty and repurposed designs will appeal to the eco-minded, while history buffs will adore their intricate details that feature city icons like the Brooklyn Bridge, the arch in Washington Square, and the Flatiron Building.
Be sure to check out the gorgeous pendants made from Venetian Aventurine glass, priced from $62 and perfect for moms, grandmothers, and even little sisters. Made with unusual sparkling beads that were originally intended for American “flapper” dresses from the 1920s, they make a uniquely original gift.
Visit The Shape of Lies for an exquisite shopping experience. You’ll definitely find a gift for that person who has everything as well as something wonderful for yourself. And for those who may live farther away and can’t stop by in person, a collection of Yunque’s pieces can be seen and purchased from her website at www.solnyc.com
Hours:
EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS: Open noon-9PM everyday until 12/24
Wednesday-Friday 3-8PM
Saturday-Sunday 12-8PM
- Joann Jovinelly
The Shape of Lies
127 East 7th St (First Ave & Avenue A)
New York, NY 10009
212-533-5920
Website
Map
Comments:
Sign up for our newsletter !
