Dockside Jewelers proves to be an island favorite
by Brittney Wright
The Oak Bluffs’ harbor is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, rain or shine. You can stroll down the sidewalk and breathe in the salty air. You can rest on a park bench while you snap pictures of the sailboats waving in the ocean breeze. And you can find that perfect Vineyard keepsake that you’ve been after since you first stepped off the ferry.
Appropriately named after its location, Dockside Jewelers has stood on the Oak Bluffs’ harbor for 28 years, in which time it has earned a reputation for offering some of the most iconic island souvenirs. Owner Steven Davidian opened the store in 1986, after selling jewelry on the New Bedford ferry.
“Being a professional jeweler means you make people happy for a living. It’s a ‘want’ business, people come in here because they want to,” says Davidian.
And with such a grand selection of sterling silver and 14-karat gold pieces, it’s no wonder that curious customers leave this shop front with a smile on their face and a new treasure in hand.
The highlight of Dockside Jewelers comes in the shape of iconic island landmarks; Davidian handcrafts his own collection of island charms. He starts by carving an original charm, before making a mold of it which will allow him to cast the same charm over again. The designs include familiar shapes such as Ocean Park’s gazebo, a carousel horse from the Flying Horses, road signs for each of the island’s six towns, and the ever-popular shape of the island itself. Customers have the option to customize their own bracelet, which can be decorated with charms and added to on future visits.
Dockside Jewelers is also home to a plethora of both exotic and familiar precious stones and jewels, set in either sterling silver or 14-karat gold. Wampum, an island favorite, is available in all shapes and sizes, including bracelets, pendants, rings, and earrings. Wampum is made from harvested clam or quahog shells, which are broken apart to reveal identical patterns on opposing sides; the shells are then carved into smooth shapes with a rich purple hue.
Another popular stone is the brightly colored larimar, which takes on a blue shade that is not unlike the crystal- clear waters that surround the Dominican Republic, where the mineral is harvested from. Davidian picked up this beautiful selection, among many of his others, at one of the many gem shows he has attended as far away as Tuscon, Arizona and as close as Boston. His travels have also brought a spectacular selection of birthstones into the store; nearly every month is represented in a stunning mix of bracelets, earrings, rings, and more.
Whether you’re searching for upscale designs or fun souvenir styles, Dockside Jewelers has nearly any style of jewelry you can think of, all of a quality that has kept this popular harborside shopfront in business for almost 30 years. From bracelets adorned with sterling silver flip flops to a set of pearl earrings that match an exquisite pearl necklace, the collection that Davidian has spent years bringing together is truly a sight to behold. Let that warm ocean breeze blow you in the direction of Dockside Jewelers next time you’re out strolling on the Oak Bluffs’ harbor –– that perfect summer treasure is waiting for you inside.
MORE INFO:
Located inside the Dockside Marketplace on Oak Bluffs Harbor
Open 10 AM to 10 PM daily
508-693-3644
