elle-même

On my usual walk downtown from home, one day I decided to change my route from Clay to Union, for a nice change of scenery.
As I was walking up steep Union St. I noticed a beautiful shop window decorated with big pink flowers.
The sign read Elle-​Meme. I thought, and being a Francophile, I must step inside to check it out!
A very cool, friendly lady, Denise, greeted me. My eyes opened up with amazement.
This beautiful boutique carried a wonderful assortment of jewelry, some costume, others gold and jewels. Everything was beautifully displayed in glass cabinets, almost like a museum of bijoux!
I highly recommend a trip to this fabulous store, with a French name meaning «herself».
I now understand the name. One will walk out with a unique one of a kind piece that will leave you feeling special.
Ooh– la la!

Found a lovely vintage necklace for my wife on our anniversary. Friendly, helpful service, a great selection and reasonable prices.

if you have been looking for that little jewlrey shop you can depend on, this is the spot. the people that work here have impeccable and varied taste, and will go out of their way to find that perfect something for you or someone else. they even have some men’s stuff!

My husband got my engagement ring from Denise and she couldn’t have been lovelier. I love the ring! It’s both beautiful and unique. This is a great place to go if you’re looking for something special. Thanks Denise!

The customer service here is always a treat and they have a super well curated inventory. The pieces can be a little pricey for costume jewelry but I found some steals after getting on the email list and being notified of the store wide 75% off sale. Defiantly worth a visit for a unique vintage statement piece or special gift.

Just got my fabulous earrings here, and I am already obsessing over their other beautiful pieces. They are very helpful and accommodating. I wish I could buy everything from this store, everything is just so fabulous! I am already planning on going back to purchase my next treasure.

One of my favorite things to do is try on shiny vintage treasures at Elle Meme. Whatever my mood, the energy in there just makes me feel good. Denise & Kelly love to play the «dress up» game with me and of course I inevitably find something that I have to take home but without any pressure to do so. We have so much fun either way!
Guys– this place will rock your girlfriend/​wife’s socks for any gift, guaranteed she’ll love it. And the great thing is that Denise wants her to so she’ll help you find the perfect thing.
Brides– AMAZING. I would seriously find the dress to go with the jewels. Her necklaces will change your life.
The best part of having Elle Meme in my neighborhood is that I can accessorize something I already have without having to spend a bunch of money on a new outfit. The prices are totally reasonable & it’s clear each piece was picked with love and a fantastic eye. I have a small collection of favorites that I’ve purchased over the years. Each one so special to me and totally unique… highly recommend stopping by!

My friends and I discovered this store a year ago on a long walk across the city. After a great browsing and fun conversation with the owner, I left with a pair of gorgeous earrings (that she converted from posts to studs for me) that have been my special occasion go-​tos since.
I live on the east coast and visit friends in SF once a year — today was that year later date, and my friends and I were back in the store today. It was another perfect afternoon, and two of us left with pieces I imagine we’ll wear for years to come. I’m already looking forward to this afternoon, same shop, same time, next year.
Happy almost 5 years to elle-​meme!

I’m not really a jewelry type of guy. But I needed a wedding band. This was the first place we stopped on our list of antique jewelry shops. It’s a pretty cool shop. They’ve got a lot of cool-​looking, unique stuff. Found a nice ring, and was told that it was from the 1890s. It looked unique, had a lot of character, fit well, and most importantly it was light, I hardly even noticed it.
This being the first ring I tried on, I thought I should shop around a little bit more. But I’m not that kind of guy either. So I bought it, and I was DONE. AWW YEAH…

I haven’t hunted for jewelry priced above $ 20 much in the past, and I must say that shopping at Denise’s store was still an awesome experience.
She picked out jewels based on the pictures of the giftee I showed her and what I told her about the things I like and even tried them on for show. I would never have seen the shine in those Czechoslovakian glass crystals of the necklace I bought if she hadn’t done that for me.
Great jewelry store, seriously.

I luuurrve this store. As soon as I’ve cracked my Forever 21 addiction I’ll shop here for myself but for now it’s serves as my go-​to place for gifts.
I came in at Christmas to find something for my Dad’s girlfriend. She does so much for me it was really important that it was just right. Given all the glowing reports I’d heard about Denise I had very high expectations, and she didn’t disappoint.
I ummed and ahhed for aaaages while she very patiently pieced together an image of Dad’s girlfriend. Kind of like profiling, but in a good way. Not the ‘everyone who wears a turban is a terrorist’ way.
There were a lot of close contenders that were not quite the right color, or just the wrong length, but then she darted into the back and pulled out this crazy awesome piece that I just knew was it. It was even within my budget which she had made me state honestly right from the beginning, in a way that didn’t make me feel sheepish — that’s pretty cool.
Beautiful store (in my head I like to pretend it’s my own), even more beautiful jewelry, and did you know she even does her own window dressings?

I can’t believe it took me as long as it did to finally walk into this store. I live in the hood and walk by it constantly. My hubby and I have always admired the window displays, but I made the (incorrect) assumption that everything in there was way beyond my budget. What a silly girl I am, holding myself back from visiting the pretty vintage jewelry. The store is full of incredible finds — unique pieces you’ll never find elsewhere, and everything in there is very reasonably priced. I was giddy with excitement.
Denise, the owner, is awesome — down-​to-​earth and so passionate about her work. She was just as excited as I was. The girl has some mad skills for picking out the perfect pieces. I had a ball playing dress up with all of the gorgeous jewelry and finally decided on some bad@ss red/​gold earrings from the 60s that work with nearly every outfit I own.
I heart elle-​meme!

I am a huge jewelry fan and have always been interested in vintage jewelry — the special feeling you get from wearing something with its own history, own story, own style. So my new favorite shop is Elle-​Meme.
Owner Denise has an amazing eye for unique, quality, eye-​catching pieces. No ugly stuff, no bins of crap to sift through — only nice jewelry. Browsing through the gallery-​style artistic presentations of the pieces — well, you feel even more special and cannot wait to find the treasure that speaks to you. (and there are a lot of them!)
But far from a stuffy gallery, Denise encourages you to try on anything and everything and makes spot-​on suggestions. She is really knowledgeable about jewelry and it’s obvious she has a passion for quality and style. And the prices are very reasonable — the usual range is about $ 100 – 800, but there are beautiful things for above and below. Really, anything your heart’s content.
I had such a great experience shopping there with Denise, and 100% recommend Elle-​Meme. Shop for yourself, shop with a friend, or shop for a friend. No matter, you will find something fabulous and unique here.

This review is long, long overdue. And, it’s going to be a long one because I have many ways to illustrate why this should be your next jewelry stop!
Michael – my then boyfriend, now fiancé – discovered this store. He would pass it on his way to work/​school. And, when I gently suggested that I would prefer the gift of jewelry (over more cookware) in 2009, he saw an opportunity to check it out. And, his experience with Elle Meme has literally changed our lives.
First off, Denise (one of my girl crushes) listens to what the customer is seeking and she has a true instinct for discerning a shopper or «giftee’s» style. So, she gently guided Michael in selecting a perfect set of earrings and a broach for me. It turned out that I even owned another piece of jewelry by the same designer who made the earrings!
When it came time to propose, Michael knew where to go. He had a family ring to give me, but Denise helped him to get it sized by a jeweler who knows what’s up with antique jewelry and to box it up for the big moment. So, another reason to shop Elle Meme: The service is unmatched. Denise sees herself as part of her clients lives. Now, we have even gone in to visit her and browse for future occasions; she totally welcomes that kind of relationship building.
Finally, for my birthday this year Denise helped Michael to find me the perfect «everyday earrings» and a key necklace (like the ones that Tiffany makes, but vintage). I had longed for both of these things. And, her selection – which is much more extensive that her minimalist displays might let on – ensured that he could gift me my hearts desires.
Men, you will not leave this store with anything but a winning piece of jewelry. Ladies, you too. Every piece of jewelry that Michael has purchased for me comes from this store. And, I love every bit of it. Now, if that isn’t a rave, I don’t know what is…

I’ve been shopping here for a year now, and I’ve been very happy with every purchase, as has my fiancé. In fact, I can’t see myself shopping anywhere else in San Francisco for vintage jewelry.
The owner, Denise, has great taste, and the prices are unbelievably reasonable. Elle-​meme is truly a find!

I just visited this boutique today. Fabulous!
Denise is great! She carries so many beautiful vintage and antique jewelry. She definitely has an eye for very unique pieces. I could have easily walked out with several items. I am definitely going back to do some holiday shopping.
Price ranges from $ 40 and up, which makes it even better. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to own something from elle-​meme.

I loved the vintage ring that I purchased and wear it almost everyday! I was very impressed with the stores overall appearance and customer service! There is something for everyone, all styles and prices ranges! It’s a must if in town or around the corner!
I am going back to buy some more…

This place is totally cute. I bought the most fab earrings from here (black flower jewels) that I’ve been OBSESSED with and wearing every day. The sales girl was nice and very helpful.
I also got a cute card w/​black hearts in it. Any store with JEWELS + STATIONERY = 5 STARS for me! :) :) :)

You know, I’ve lived around the corner from elle-​même since it opened and didn’t wander in until today. I’d been looking for a new cocktail ring, and after all the swell things I’d heard about the spot I thought I’d give it a try… but I should have walked back out once I realized the shop girl was working on a paining of a giraffe (on top of the counter!) and had no intention of helping me.
Admittedly I got a ‘Hello’ and ‘Do you have any questions?’ but honestly I was left wanting. A little ‘Have you visited us before?’ or ‘Are you looking for anything in particular today?’ would have secured at least $ 200 in business. Shucks.
Three stars for the absolutely beautiful wares and cabinetry alone. I’m not turned off forever, but it’ll be a while until I’m back.

Beautiful. Truly a well-​thought out store, from the layout to the display and of course… the jewelry. Each piece is obviously carefully chosen and taken care of. When I came here for their cute pre-Valentine’s party, I wanted everything in the store! It’s all vintage and antique, but without the dust or the treasure hunt. Yes the prices are slightly high, but when you think about it you pay for what you get– quality and good service. You’re not going to find all these pieces in one place, and perfectly restored or refurbished.
When I was there for their little pre-Valentine’s gathering, I fell in love with a ring and bought it from the lovely Denise. I told my boyfriend all about the store and how great it is (he loved the ring)… and being the smart boyfriend that he is, went there the other day to pick something out for Valentine’s day. He did a great job (though I’m sure Denise helped him out a little ;) and picked a very unique bone and wood bangle, which I put on right away!

What a beautiful store! A friend was visiting from New York and wanted to stop by a jewelry shop owned by her friend. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this was definitely not it.
The store is very sparse in terms of décor, but not in a scary, high security bank sort of way. It is very inviting and clutter-​free, and the focus is on the exquisite selection of vintage jewelry.
The owners clearly have fun choosing their items, and are very helpful and love letting you try stuff on. The prices are high, but so are the standards.
Also worth peeking at are the greeting cards designed by the owner’s sister (she also painted the piece behind the front register).