Galatea Fine Jewelry Offers Customers Unique Appeal

The third floor of 60 Adams Street in Milton Village is probably one of the last places someone would expect to find an upscale jewelry store and boutique. But climbing the flights of stairs, one will discover that the third floor is the location of ; a home to international brands at varying price points and two welcoming dogs, Benson and Finula, pets of store owner Kai Armstrong.

Galatea has been the pleasant surprise of many Milton residents since 2005, when Armstrong, an experienced jewelry sales rep, transformed the 2,500 square foot space from a rundown karate studio to a luxuriously laid back sales floor. The half moon windows, mini chandeliers and cheery light blue paint job create a prime atmosphere for stylish creativity.

“The building was built in 1891…and it had all of the original architecture,” said Armstrong. Armstrong stated that she chose the unorthodox sales spaces because of “all the history” and the “villagey feel” of the area.

Mixing the old with the new seems to be a common theme of the establishment, who displays their jewelry collections of up-and-coming designers in antique looking cabinets and with distressed animal statues. Even the store’s fitting room looks like a plush bohemian tent but is actually a modern creation thanks to Morgan Allen, Armstrong’s assistant.

The store features the jewelry lines of Crislu, Lauren Wimmer, Officina Bernardi, Jaded Studio, Catherine Canino, Anna Beck and Kameleon as well as original designs by Armstrong. The store owner and Milton resident has 33 years of experience in the jewelry business and travels to expositions and trunk shows in New York about four times a year to research and pick her inventory.

In addition to jewelry, Galatea carries clothing from brands like An Ren, Last Tango, Second Denim Yoga Jeans and handbags from Big Buddha and Heather Hawkins. The art of Milton artist Remy Franklin is also on display and for sale in the store.

Like the choices of brands, the store has an array of price points to fit any budget because Armstrong believes “good design does not need to be expensive”.

Without having the benefit of street level traffic, Armstrong and Allen believe Galatea’s continuously growing customer base is a result of the uniqueness of the sales space, the strong and loyal “customer relationships” and their involvement in the community. “We offer free gift wrapping, home deliveries…free appraisals…and try to make it a personalized experience,” said Armstrong.

Some of the past events held at Galatea have included an annual Gal’s Night Out in November and Men’s Panic Party in December as well as a Dress for Success charity event. Incorporating the community in the store is a main goal of Armstrong and her team.

Looking to the future, Armstrong is expecting strong business for both the Massachusetts tax free weekend on August 13 and 14 and their Summer Sale at the end of August.

Armstrong added she enjoys that her business has the feeling of a secret spot because “there’s a feeling of exclusivity in that without any of the snobbiness”.

For more information on Galatea Fine Jewelry, including details about their summer hours, mailing list and exclusive deals, check out www.galateafinejewelry.com or visit them on Facebook.