At Tilden-Ross, Gail Ross tells me Sarasota is such a social town that people can’t afford to see their jewelry coming and going. She places an incredibly rare pink diamond ring on a tray, its spectacular beauty rivaled only by the yellow diamonds of an antique-looking necklace. The yellow stones (contrasted by modern-cut white diamonds) are as masterfully rose-cut as if the work were done as far back as the 16th century. 

Bruce Crissy of Crissy Galleries proffers the ultimate custom jewelry: antique pieces with craftsmanship that can’t be replicated by modern equipment; rare stones like a vivid pink sapphire not to be found anywhere else in the state. For name-brand collectors, Crissy offers a sapphire and diamond brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels; a Tiffany diamond bracelet, circa 1890, in its original box. The assortment here, and the expertise, are world-class. 

In the end it appears that the quest itself produces as much pleasure as the artistry and quality of the trinkets found in Sarasota jewelry shops. Though serendipity waits in every nook and cranny, the essential elements—quality, originality and impeccable service—are no surprise.