Presidio Heights has a new go-to shop for bespoke baubles, thanks to the opening of the second San Francisco store and working atelier of Mabel Chong. Larger than the diminutive original location in Noe Valley, the local designer’s new Sacramento Street home showcases her handmade necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets amid furnishings collected by Chong's husband, Mark Welte.
Pop in to see Chong’s latest work: black diamond-and-18K-gold stardust bead earrings and long, asymmetrical necklaces that can be worn plain or layered for added drama. And if a piece of furniture catches your eye, don’t be shy. Chong has plans to put price tags on the store’s art and furnishings, too.
Building upon the idea of "uncivilized elegance" that has driven Chong’s work over the past few years, the new space came about quickly this fall after the antiques store that had long occupied the Sacramento Street space moved out. In fact, Chong and Welte were about to escape the wilds of the city for a much-needed Mexico vacation when the space beckoned, and the trip was delayed to transform the interiors in time for the holiday season (don’t worry, they still got their fun in the sun a few weeks later). If meeting Chong herself is a must, call before you go – she’ll be splitting time between both stores in the coming weeks.
Mabel Chong is open daily from 12 pm to 6 pm at 3242 Sacramento St, 415-885-0198, www.mabelchong.com.