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- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 10 am - 7 pm
Thu-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
7 reviews for Blue Ruby
7 reviews in English
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Review from Tom B.
1/23/2012
A small, pleasant jewelry shop with plenty of charm and character. The layout and design don't really suggest anything unique--it's just one display after another, with the most desirable pieces in the ringed case in the center of the floor. The usual sparkling charms abound, both in the cases as well as behind the counter. They seem to understand that clueless boyfriends are their best customers, and hire girls who can calm those frazzled nerves and guide those rudderless ships into harbor next to the nicest pieces in the store.
I came in with two friends, one who was shopping for herself, the other, realizing he didn't have to shop for her, choosing to amuse himself people-watching outside the store. Fortunately, since I had an errand of my own, as it turned out, I had the benefit of both a trusted friend and friendly salespeople on the case with me. In my case that extra hand-holding is probably not a bad thing to have.
I had all kinds of questions about how to predict the taste of someone who you don't yet know like the back of your hand, and found a piece that has both some individuality as well as some fundamental appeal to it. The salesgirl was very reassuring and matter of fact throughout, and I can't thank my friend enough for being there. ("Alright, Tom, say with me: 'wom-en love jew-el-ry'." Got it.)
The emphasis here is on fairly limited pieces by independent artists, and you often get a business card in the box with your purchase. The pieces are all high quality, and range from very casual items to fairly formal and even flashy choices. The materials are all well chosen, and include many precious and semi-precious stones and metals. There's a great focus on vintage and highly detailed (not to say ornate) creations, though the aesthetics run the gamut from traditional to modern as you move throughout the store.
They even have a whole case of cuff links. It's quite a nice place, and I have a feeling I'll buy another gift, if not several, when I'm back in town. -
Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
8/28/2008 1 photo
In the summer of 1998, Blue Ruby opened and filled a long-empty niche in Vancouver's retail scene: Fun, funky, fashionable, and fabulous jewellery that DIDN'T cost (but definitely looked amazing on) an arm and a leg.
Eight years later, and with multiple locations around Vancouver, Blue Ruby's still at it, offering a wide selection of mid-price range jewellery that falls somewhere between costume jewellery and diamonds and pearls.
Whether you're looking for those earrings Jen Aniston wore in In Style, a gift for the girl who's got everything, or a sparkly bauble to complete an evening look, Blue Ruby's a safe bet. Trend-setting looks are available in just about any price range. -
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
9/23/2008
Sparkles. Shiny. Pretty. Fancy. Silver. Gold. Stones.
You name it, they have got it! Just about anything you can think of - from sparkly headbands and nose rings to metallic necklaces and earrings.
Blue Ruby is the home of good quality, funky, fashionable jewelry that's NOT going to break your bank. They carry labels from Mimi and Marge to Tashi - it's a mecca for fashionistas!! -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
11/4/2008
Ooh, pretty bright shiny objects! Yes, I am definitely one of those people that gets distracted by movement and, of course, things that fall into the aforementioned
"pretty bright shiny objects" category. I can't walk by their window display without glancing back at least twice.
Despite this and the fact that I do love pretty things, Blue Ruby just doesn't really do it for me. I always go in, admire the bejeweled headbands and delicate earrings but I have yet to actually make a purchase. Something about the general aesthetic there just doesn't appeal to me enough to buy something. It reminds me too much of what my imagined sixteen-year-old self would have worn.
In addition to all the sparkly trinkets, they also carry a range of different kinds of accessories, like scarves, sunglasses, hats and belts. -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
11/5/2008
This wee jewel box of a store is always a wonderful place to poke your head in and take in all the lovely, sparkly wares. Save for the bad taste in store music, this particular Blue Ruby has quite a large space to work with, allowing you more room to peruse the display windows for that perfect little trinket. As with Luisa, I have yet to purchase anything from here, mainly because I am uber-picky about my jewellery purchases and I choose to buy things that are one of a kind, instead of buying pieces that InStyle magazine told me Lindsay Lohan is wearing.
There are some beautifully creative pieces, and many that are affordable, so don't shy away if you think your budget can't handle it, they often have sales! -
Review from L K.
1/5/2009
I enjoy perusing through Blue Ruby whenever I see one. They have some pieces that are very unique and simple, which is what I like. I love the nature-inspired pieces that they had when I last went. And I bought a couple of their sterling silver pieces which were pounded to make a duller look. And I'm still satisfied with those purchases.
Definitely a fun little shop, and what's not to like for girls that like jewelry... -
Review from Jennifer H.
Victoria, BC
8/18/2010
A day trip to Vancouver wouldn't be complete without a quick diversion to Blue Ruby. I've always loved that there is plenty of Canadian talent to choose from and there are plenty of original designs to browse from. It may be the location, but some of the items do seem a little too pricey when compared to the same designer's work at other stores.
