Best estate jewels

Classic: Metier owner Sheri Evans remembers virtually every piece of estate jewelry she’s found and sold—including the many pieces she wishes she had kept for herself. For over 15 years, she and the dealers she works with have traveled the world on a constant quest for the jewels she stocks in her women’s clothing boutique—her pieces are chosen to complement the current season’s clothing collections. Prices range from $500 for her famed French angel charms to $3,000 for engagement rings and pieces with precious stones.
355 Sutter St., S.F., 415-989-5395, www.metiersf.com

Future classic: For years, ladies who lunch wore stunning jewels they acquired personally from Meriwether McGettigan as they made the rounds on San Francisco’s charity circuit. With the opening of her boutique on Sacramento Street last year, McGettigan’s jewels are moving in ever-widening circles. Hand-painted vitrines house pieces from the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. In addition to stocking signed pieces from Tiffany, Cartier, Bulgari, and Seaman Schepps, McGettigan also designs earrings, necklaces, brooches, and engagement rings. Prices range from $3,100 for gold and yellow polymita picta shell earrings to $125,000 for an emerald bead necklace.
3524 Sacramento St., s.f., 415-359-1111,
www.meriwether.net