Walking into Faye Kim’s eponymous atelier is a little like uncovering pirate treasure. Tucked away at the woody northern end of downtown Westport, the quaint boutique exterior belies the rich and glittering artistry within. Precious stones and metals are Kim’s medium, and the pieces she creates are so skillfully made as to render them timeless. 

“Fine jewelry has always been an investment, whatever the economy,” Kim told me recently as she walked me through her showroom, her easy elegance evident throughout. “So I try to create pieces you don’t want to shelve when the next trend comes along.” 

Kim’s pearl pieces are a perfect example of her thoughtful marriage between classic and contemporary. “Pearls can feel really stuffy or dated,” she explained. “But it doesn’t take much to update them and make them more versatile.” She incorporates larger, hand-crafted clasps and oblong-shaped pearls that give them a decidedly edgier feel. One can imagine a young Audrey Hepburn, in all her quirky style, happily draping her graceful neck in strands of Kim’s pearls. 

But pearls are just the beginning of what you’ll uncover inside Kim’s store. “I like to do funky stuff on leather cords. I love turquoise and moonstone,” she smiles. “And I always make sure that we have a great selection across price points.” In addition to custom designed diamond engagement rings and elaborately woven gold bib necklaces, Kim also designs charms and casual earrings at prices under $50. “They’re great for girls, bridesmaids, even young moms. And because I’m independent, I have the flexibility to do these things.” 

Whether you have a piece you want to update or you’re in the market for a new heirloom, Kim can help you create exactly the piece you’ll cherish for years. “My inspiration is in the life that’s all around us—the people, the colors—it’s everywhere.” Kim’s inspiration may be ubiquitous, but the pieces she creates are one of a kind. That’s the alchemy of her artistry.