A true treasure trove of jewels, 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod

“It’s a celebration of art,” says Australian jewelry designer and Nantucket resident Katherine Jetter of her charming island boutique, The Vault Nantucket.

“If you’re a jewelry lover, you walk into the store and you just start giggling because it’s so exciting,” Jetter says. “The minute somebody who’s a real jewelry lover walks in, it’s like, ‘Oh, my God, I can’t believe this is all here in one place.’ ” And that’s exactly the response she is looking for: “The goal is to have a complete bonanza of unbelievable pieces to explore.”

Right in the heart of Nantucket’s historic district on Centre Street, the 8-year-old store—open seasonally, May 15–Sept. 30—is a true treasure trove of finds by Jetter and designers she’s carefully sourced. “As a jewelry designer myself, our philosophy is all about educating our customer on the designers: their stories, their workmanship, their craft, why they make pieces a certain way, understanding the value of the pieces, understanding the gemstones, being able to speak intelligently to every single piece.”

This designer-centric approach also resonates with shoppers, who can choose from an amazing selection of couture jewelry from around the world. “I want to make sure that every designer in the space has their own niche so that there are no two designers who do the same aesthetic and are in competition with each other,” Jetter says. “Within a certain aesthetic, I drill into who I feel is meeting the standards of production, pricing, execution, and quality that I’m looking for in a finished piece of jewelry.” Her enviable roster of designers includes Eva Fehren, Melissa Kaye, Silvia Furmanovich, Sorellina, Sydney Evan, and more.

GEMS EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK

The 700-square-foot boutique’s design speaks Jetter’s same sparkling language. “There are gems on the ceiling. There’s pink, there’s purple, there’s green. It’s just a joyful, happy space,” she says. “I want them to be excited to come into the space. I want it to be a joyful experience. I want them to be able to discover the jewelry. I want it to be approachable, friendly, and fun.”

Jetter herself doesn’t enjoy “stuffy, intimidating jewelry environments,” and The Vault’s relaxed vibe reflects her outlook as well as the tranquil charm of Nantucket. “Jewelry doesn’t need to be intimidating,” she says. “It’s another product like anything else. We don’t need to take ourselves too seriously.”

FINE JEWELRY, BUT MAKE IT FUN

Jetter’s upbeat sentiment resonates with the local and visiting clientele alike. “I do think that people are in a more whimsical mood when they’re on [an] island, and they’re looking for pieces that they can wear more casually…as opposed to sitting down and making, I don’t know, a 5-carat diamond engagement ring.”

Nantucket is a popular summer destination, and Jetter finds that her seasonal-business customers are more ­inclined toward impulse shopping. “They’re looking for fun things to wear out at night and something that’s going to complement their time while they’re there.”

While the purchased jewel may seem like the souvenir, ­oftentimes guests realize that a visit to The Vault Nantucket—the unfiltered experience of absorbing the space, discovering unexpected designs, and making human connections with Jetter and her knowledgeable staff—is the real keepsake.

Top: The Vault’s decor includes diamond paintings by Jetter’s good friend, artist Angela Muñoz.