gorjana makes final preparations for Bethesda Row opening (Photos)

The interior is complete, and the Southern California-inspired jewelry is on display at gorjana at 4810 Bethesda Avenue. It makes its Bethesda Row debut tomorrow, Friday, October 15, 2021. Last night, final preparations were being made for the grand opening. Two artists were painting on the boutique's exterior wall, completing a large mural.

gorjana sets opening date at Bethesda Row

The permanent sign was installed at gorjana yesterday, as the Laguna Beach-based jewelry retailer makes final preparations to open its Bethesda Row boutique at 4810 Bethesda Avenue. Last night, the sign was lit for the first time. Screens still cover the storefront windows, but the interior is expected to be upscale, with Southern California coastal design cues. Opening date is now scheduled to be October 15, 2021.

Sneak peek: Pampillonia Jewelers at Bethesda Row

The construction walls have come down at the new Pampillonia Jewelers on Bethesda Lane. It has a different interior design than the Mazza Gallerie store, but you can see the chandelier has made the move to the new location. The vintage-style display cases are also carried over from the original store.

Fire and Ice closing at Westfield Montgomery Mall (Photos)

Fire and Ice is closing at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The jewelry boutique, which also sells glass art and even fossils, is holding a closing sale with savings of up to 70%.

Alex and Ani opens at Westfield Montgomery Mall (Photo)

Bracelets and other accessories imbued with "positive energy" are now available at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. That's because Alex and Ani has opened.

This is the chain's first boutique in Bethesda.

Amethyst closes at Bethesda Row

Amethyst, a jewelry boutique, closed yesterday at Bethesda Row. The independent shop (which briefly had a second location at the new Mosaic District in Fairfax) was founded by Amy Hugo, who also is a jewelry designer.

The shop closes not long after an international name in jewelry, Kendra Scott, opened a store diagonally across Bethesda Avenue. As more and more small/independent businesses struggle or close, even longtime ones, one has to question the recent assertion that Bethesda is the 8th best place in America to start a small business.

There's a lot of disposable income here, for sure. But the closures and moves of established restaurants and stores suggest the picture is not quite as rosy as Entrepreneur and "Nerd Wallet" have concluded from faraway offices. 

The 2.7% unemployment rate cited in their data is quite misleading, as well. Unemployment rates tell you what percentage are unemployed, but don't correspond to the location of those jobs. With the exception of major government employment sites like NIH and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, most jobs - most especially the high-paying ones - are located outside of Montgomery County in the District and Northern Virginia. Don't expect your elected officials to admit that publicly, however.

And if you rely on "Nerd Wallet" to decide to move here to start a business, you'll be shocked when you get your first tax and utility bills, as well as the cost of your rent. 

Kendra Scott opens at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Kendra Scott opened without warning Monday on Bethesda Avenue. The jeweler to the stars' door was wide open, and a sandwich board outside reflected the theme of the surprise opening: "Yes, we're open!" Champagne was being served inside, as Bethesda shoppers got their first chance to browse the new boutique's lineup.

One thing to check out is how much more complicated the seemingly-plain metal "awning" out front is at night. It is more than it appeared to be when initially installed, containing lighting that makes for one of the more interesting storefronts around the Row. Of course, it's hard to beat the Apple Store's window display.

Kendra Scott to open at Bethesda Row

Thirteen years ago, Kendra Scott launched a modest line of jewelry with $500. Today, Scott is a jeweler to the stars, whose creations adorn celebrities like Selena Gomez, Nina Dobrev, and Eva Longoria. Now Scott is expanding her Austin-based empire to Bethesda Row.

A Kendra Scott boutique will fill the vacant former home of the Picture Frame Shop on Bethesda Avenue. Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and accessories also include custom colors and bridal designs.

Philanthropy is also a major part of the Kendra Scott brand, with stores hosting events to benefit local individuals and charities, in addition to national causes. She also has a line of Kendra Gives Back charms, from which 20% of the proceeds go to charity.

KOREAN CRAFTS SALE TODAY IN BETHESDA

Korean Focus and Ginkgo Leaf Art are hosting a Korean Crafts Sale from 11 AM - 3 PM today, at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church (10701 Old Georgetown Road) in Bethesda.
The sale will feature hanboks, bojagi, jewelry, toys, games, furniture and more.  Headlining the event is jewelry artist Rae Anne Johnson.  Many of the products are from Korea. A bojagi wrapping workshop will be held at noon, and again at 1:30 PM.
Refreshments will be served, and proceeds go to DC area Korean adoption support organizations and agencies.