By: Shireen Korkzan <[email protected]>

If you want silver jewelry, go to Broad Ripple Avenue. At least that’s what I always thought until I stumbled upon Silver in the City, a gift shop located on 434 Massachusetts Ave. in Indianapolis. With items ranging from humorous refrigerator magnets and children’s clothing to silver jewelry and furniture, this eccentric store has a wide variety of items to choose from, satisfying any customer looking for a unique gift to buy for any occasion.

My first impression of Silver in the City was that it was merely a small gift shop that had nothing to do with silver items. However, one corner of the room is filled with all sorts of jewelry created by various local artists, such as Evan Knox, Terri Hanson and Cha-rissa. Strewn about the store is recycled metal molded into animals. The rest of the store is filled with all sorts of random gift items, such as house décor and eclectic books (i.e. nostalgic 1990s paint book with pictures of famous moments in that epoch). There were items that people normally wouldn’t see at any local store like Wal-Mart or Target, such as organic toilet paper with a picture of President George W. Bush and some of his quotes on every sheet. The jewelry is simple yet elegant and the furniture is youthful yet bold with its bright colors and eccentric shapes. With the wide array of items that Silver in the City offers, just about anyone can shop there.

Because most of Silver in the City’s items are imported from larger companies, items are typically pricier than that of other gift shops. But the quality and the originality of the items themselves easily compensate for the slightly high prices. Prices can range from $2 to $4,000, depending on what the item is and how high of a quality it is. Cheaper items include random trifles and fake flowers and more expensive items include large house décor and furniture. And since most of their products cannot be found at most local stores, they are worth the extra money.

At a first glance of Silver in the City, customers can assume that because of the different items offered, it is not that popular of a gift shop, especially compared to other gift and silver shops, such as Chelsea’s, in areas like Broad Ripple and Westfield Boulevard. But the store actually does well especially around the holidays, according to manager Kristopher Bowman. When owner Kristen Kohn worked in a silver shop in college, she decided to start her own business because she thought it would be a good idea for Indianapolis. With this idea in mind, she opened the first and so far only Silver in the City shop in 2000 and has operated this successful business since. If my experience is any indication, the store should continue its success, especially since I’m probably going to be coming here for most of my birthday and holiday shopping needs from now on.

Silver in the City is an interesting gift shop that can attract any type of customer. Shopping at gift shops such as this one is a refreshing break from shopping at the usual Hallmark store. People can now have an excuse to go to downtown Indianapolis besides any school event and can get all their gift shopping needs done in one store.

SUMMARY
Atmosphere: A-
Service: A
Price Range: $2 to $4,000
Overall: A
Location: 434 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204
Website: http://www.silverinthecity.com
Phone Number: (866) 955-9925
Store Hours: Mon. through Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fri. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.