Best Antique Jewelry Store
Classic Facets
Step inside Classic Facets, a Pearl Street institution, and you’ll time travel through decades, with beautiful antique jewelry spanning the eras and sourced from around the world. The pieces come in at different price points, with a range of costume, estate and fine jewelry. “Customers say Classic Facets is their ‘happy place,’” says Mikki Rainey, the owner and operator. The store has been in business for 35 years, and is a goldmine for Art Deco-style engagement rings. “We offer a unique and fun shopping experience,” Rainey says. Pro tip: Follow the shop on Instagram; you’ll see a rainbow of rubies and emeralds as well as vintage treasures and the occasional engagement story. 942 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.938.8851, classicfacets.com.
Runner Up: Thalken, 101-1/2 E. Chester St., Lafayette, 303. 997.7427, thalken.com.
Best Florist AND Best Garden Center/Plant Nursery
Sturtz & Copeland
The indoor greenhouse gardens at Sturtz and Copeland may as well be world-cass botanical gardens. The aroma of flowers both local and exotic is intoxicating. Sturtz and Copeland is a full-service garden center, florist, and tropical plant nursery, which has been in Boulder since 1929. “In all of our areas we specialize in customer service and we pride ourselves on having a knowledgeable, experienced staff to help you with all your indoor and outdoor plant and flower needs,” says Owner Carol Riggs. “Gardening is our passion and there’s no better way than gardening to get great exercise while growing your own delicious, organic vegetables. Be happy. Garden.” From floral design for home or special events to low-light houseplants, French gardens, herbs and Christmas trees, Sturtz and Copeland has the best. 2851 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.442.6663, sturtzandcopeland.com.
Runner Up for Best Florist: Fiori Flowers, 2620 N. Broadway, Boulder, 720.565.2434, fioriboulder.com.
Runner Up for Best Garden Center/Plant Nursery: Harlequin’s Gardens, 4795 N. 26th St., Boulder, 303.939.9403, harlequinsgardens.com.
Best Gift Shop
Sweet Ruckus
Where in South Boulder can you pick up a Robert Mueller action figure, a pot that gurgles, soft organic babywear and a pendulum clock? Sweet Ruckus! This recent addition to the Table Mesa shopping center offers a thoughtfully curated collection of gifts, paper goods and curiosities. There’s nothing quite like it on the south end of town or maybe anyway in Boulder, to be honest. “I have many amazing and wonderful customers who want to see Sweet Ruckus succeed, grow and flourish in South Boulder (as well as incredibly supportive friends and family),” says Owner Tania Petrulis. “They very much appreciate having Sweet Ruckus … to get a special gift (also gift box wrapped if needed) for a birthday, housewarming, baby shower, wedding, graduation, Mother’s/Father’s Day, Halloween, Hanukkah, Christmas and many other life celebrations.” 607 S. Broadway, #F, Boulder, 303.494.5131, sweetruckusgifts.com.
Runner Up: Jacque Michelle, 2670 Broadway, Boulder, 303.786.7628, jacquemichelle.com.
Best Jewelry Store AND Best Company/Store that Gives Back
Walters & Hogsett Jewelers
“You are only a stranger here once.” So says Walters & Hogsett Jewelers, whose one goal is simple: “To surprise and delight customers by combining the essence of casual luxury with the warmth of a family.” Walters & Hogsett truly celebrates the art of jewelry and their staff takes great joy in helping their customers see and appreciate it, too. They offer the highest quality jewelry and timepieces and their skilled custom jewelry design artisans can help you create a one-of-a-kind piece of custom jewelry. Walters & Hogsett also gives more than $50,000 in support, annually, to organizations in Boulder County and along the front range. Why? “We love this town and the people who call Boulder home. That is why we love partnering with local charities and organizations to keep Boulder at its best.” 2425 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.449.2626, waltersandhogsett.com.
Runner Up for Best Jewelry Store: Classic Facets, 942 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.938.8851, classicfacets.com.
Runner Up for Best Company/Store that Gives Back: McDonald Carpet One Floor & Home, 6367 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 720.432.2916, mcdonaldcarpetoneboulder.com.