CITYist

In Manhattan, jewelry stores are about as common as discarded Metro Cards in the Subway. Standing out in this abounding crowd of jewels and molded metals can be a challenge, but a combined bevy of creativity and a yearning for a bracelet that no one has yet created is what new jewelry stores are made of. It was this craving for novel accessories that inspired the start of Tendenza Jewelry, designed by founders Zichrini Oster and Oren Sarusi.

The pair has been working together for almost six years, but their collaboration didn’t happen by plan. “It really started because I wanted to get something for myself,” says co-owner and designer Zichrini, simply known as Zi, during a phone interview, “I looked and nothing was really the taste I would wear.” In an effort to create jewelry for herself, Zi inadvertently created jewelry for the “everywoman.” Known clients include stars like Debra Messing and Mena Suvari, but Zi adamantly expresses that the jewelry is not exclusively for the famous and wealthy.

By combining top quality materials like leather, 14 carat gold and sterling silver, Tendenza’s jewelry is an oxymoron: the style is modern yet classic. Think thin gold chains with charming pendants, branch-like rings adorned with small diamonds, and layered leather bracelets attached with gold plates. Many of the necklaces and bracelets are engraved with phrases in English, Italian and French and customers can, and often do, customize their jewelry with their own personal messages.

Although Zi is Israeli, the name “Tendenza” is Italian and roughly translates into a long wave of fashion. “It’s a trend,” says Zi, “you know trends usually come and go. But I want to stay.”

Whether considering a bridal gift, a graduation present, or simply to fix that new accessory craving, Tendenza is likely to become a Cityist’s jewelry shopping haven. The store, which is closed on Mondays, is open during 12pm-7pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and Sundays from 12 pm-6 pm. Check out Tendenza’s creations at 8 Spring Street and a sampling of the collection below.