87 years ago, Maury Stein started a tradition that his granddaughter continues today.
Stuart Kingston started out as an auction house, but Stein was also a jeweler. In 1940, he expanded the store to include rugs.
“We have representation of every country that weaves, from small car mats all the way to palace size pieces,” said Mauria Stein
Mauria says the biggest variety in her businesses comes from the auctions.
“People don’t realize what they have in their attic, or their grandmother’s china cabinet,” said Mauria
Recently, a client found a vase that ended up selling for $9,800. Mauria says she’s able to tell if something is valuable, and if she is not sure, she will research it.
“Auctions are basically based on what you are willing to pay for something.” Mauria says.
Stuart Kingston also carries fine jewelry. Mauria travels to China for pearls, and Thailand for Sapphires and Rubies. She buys the stones loose and commissions obscure designers from around the world to set the stones in one-of-a-kind pieces.
“I love taking jewelry that they don’t wear anymore and redesigning and make it more contemporary so they can wear it today,” said Mauria.
Stuart Kingston also has a growing line of beads strung from single up to seven strand necklaces.
“It’s very fashionable and you are not buying a piece of costume jewelry, you’re buying real stone,” said Mauria.
There’s also an affordable line of semi-precious jewelry with rings as low as $50 and earrings starting at $150.
