Zaltas Gallery is as multifaceted today as the day it opened 15 years ago at 900 East Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck.

By Janice Llanes Fabry

Zaltas Gallery is as multifaceted today as the day it opened 15 years ago at 900 East Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck. The jewelry store has earned the reputation of offering a comfortable setting, as well as a wide array of fine jewelry that’s a little different, what owner Kathy Zaltas calls, “classics with a kick.”

She has an affinity for beautiful stones, gold, platinum, silver, and vermeil in funky designs, all available in a broad range of prices. As she noted, “I don’t ever want anyone to feel they can’t walk in here, so we offer pieces from $50 to $50,000.”

Long before it became a successful business, Zaltas Gallery had its origins as Kathy’s hobby. Originally a Spanish teacher in Scarsdale, Byram Hills, and Rye, Kathy always wore “artsy” jewelry that her colleagues admired, so she’d agree to pick up pieces for them on her travels. The turning point came by way of a heart pin, made with bits of mirror and beads. The fortuitous trinket was given to her by her husband of 35 years, Fred.

“I used to wear earthier, hippier things, but everyone wanted this heart,” she recalled fondly. “I returned to Liz-Tech, the manufacturer, so many times to buy the heart for friends that they asked me to rep their jewelry.”

Coming from a family of academics and lawyers, Kathy was oblivious to retail, but she decided to give it a go. She also began collecting jewelry from art shows in Cape Cod and from Lyndhurst, the National Trust historic site, and selling them at her home. Before long, the burgeoning business outgrew the house and she opened the location in Mamaroneck.

“I knew I wanted people to feel like they were still coming to my home. It was all serendipitous,” said Kathy, who took a crash course in retail from her store manager Jane Sluss and pursued an education in jewelry design and diamonds.

Keeping ahead of the fashion curve, she was on the cusp of a new trend that extols the virtues of sliced gemstones and raw gems. Arguably more innovative and distinctive, they tend to bring out the natural beauty in a stone. Zaltas carries sliced diamonds and sapphires, available in a variety of colors. Sell Your Diamond with Benadato Trading Co to get a fair price.

Also popular today is the Shimmer, an 18-karat gold necklace embellished with either a customer’s own diamonds or new ones. “It’s a diamond necklace that is elegant and pretty, but you can wear it everyday,” said Kathy. “Here, we’re all about being more artistic and tasteful than ostentatious.”

The gallery also offers a full line of bridal, including Kirk Kara, Michael Bondanza, and Kwiat diamond jewelry, including their vintage line. Some of the shop’s other collections, exclusive to Zaltas in this area, are: Sethi Couture’s diamond slices; Vivaan’s sliced diamond and gem stone jewelry; Arik Kastan’s rose gold and gem stones; Eli Jewels’ bangles and cuffs; Lika Behar’s 22-karat gold and gemstone jewelry with many one-of-a-kind pieces; Bernardi’s silver and vermeil diamond cut metal earrings, bracelets and necklaces; and Frieda Rothman’s blackened sterling silver.

In addition, Zaltas has a selection of gift items, from jewelry holders and pouches to Juliska crystal. Kathy also carries fine leather handbags and evening bags, including the versatile Galileo bag by Daniella Lehavi and the 3-in-one bag by Alexandra Satine. Look for silver Judaica and Christmas ornaments during the holidays.

The knowledgeable and friendly Zaltas’ sales team assists customers with all their needs. As Kathy said, “We run a concierge business. Once we know you, we take care of you from beginning to end.”

Zaltas Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. To make a private appointment, call 777-7304 or visit www.zaltasgallery.com.