A Treasure Grows in Brooklyn The Clay Pot Written by Vanessa Moore Photos Courtesy of The Clay Pot

The Clay Pot is a funky little gift shop in Brooklyn’s Park Slope. Its cozy storefront space nestled on the Slope’s main drag, 7th Avenue, belies the dazzling array of eclectic items such as art glass vases, retro-ey pewter kitchenware, French bath and body sets, and jewelry, including an impressive selection of engagement rings for which The Clay Pot is perhaps best known. Founded in 1969 by Robert and Sally Silberberg, The Clay Pot is a neighborhood institution.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, nothing says “I love you” like one of The Clay Pot’s rare treasures. Their wares, made by a coterie of seventy-five artisans, have graced the pages of such magazines as Instyle, Lucky and People. Oxidized silver necklaces with charms engraved with spiritual symbols and handcrafted by the artist Jane Diaz range in price from $42-64. Sterling silver and 14k gold charm necklaces by Pinu ($70-270) can be personalized with a message of your own choosing. Handmade brooches made of felt material in varied floral designs in citrus-y colors like lime, tangerine and lemon yellow range in price from $29-42. Art Nouveau-inspired vases with smoky opalescent hues of gold, mauve, aquamarine and midnight blue swirl design motifs range go for $127-270. More modestly priced selections include wallets, planners and make-up cases in jewel tones like fuchsia, emerald and turquoise. For the kitchen, mesh placemats by Chilewich in metallic tones like copper and gunmetal gray are reasonably priced and make a decidedly sleek, modern statement. For men, there are cuff links in abstract designs and watches by Tokyobay with striped bands in offbeat colors like yellow, orange and dark blue. There are even a few items for the little ones including flip books, dominoes and leather-bound journals in lollipop colors.

The Clay Pot is located at 162 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11215 - 800-989-3579. For more information: http://www.clay-pot.com