Of the Sea gift shop opens in Ocean Beach, Fire Island 

Jewelry maker Nicole Dubensky has joined the tight-knit retail scene in Ocean Beach, Fire Island with a new gift shop: Of the Sea.

From 2010 to 2014, the former Ocean Beach resident was a server at the village’s Mermaid restaurant. In 2015, she began selling jewelry under the name Sweetpeas & Gypsies and every August sold her creations at the village art show. She now handcrafts jewelry from her Rockaway studio and sells the pieces at her shop.

"I have a strong following of customers in the area; it’s a place that aligns with my style and brand," Dubensky says. She spends half the week at a friend's apartment on Fire Island to run the shop. "I wasn’t looking to open a store. It would've been a dream if something became available."

That dream came true this summer — Of the Sea opened in June. The shop sells her handmade earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets. It also offers permanent jewelry.

Dubensky started making her earrings from seashells and sea glass she found while spending time in Puerto Rico. Many people asked where she got them and wanted the jewelry for themselves, notes Dubensky. The endeavor developed from there, and she opened for business in 2014 online and sold at craft fairs and wholesale to boutiques.

"It was a hobby that turned into a business and an inspiration to keep learning and pushing to more fine jewelry," she says.

Dubensky’s refined bohemian-style jewelry is sterling silver and 14-karat gold with all-natural gemstones. The pieces range from simple stacking rings and bracelets to statement earrings and necklaces, which also vary in price. The amount of time to make the jewelry varies. Beaded jewelry can take 10 minutes and some rings and cuffs can take six-plus hours. 

"My jewelry has a beachy style. I make jewelry with cowrie shells, shells I find on the beach, lots of turquoise and gemstones," she says. "It aligns more with people who find themselves at the beach; my customers always seem to be that kind of person."

In addition to jewelry, shoppers will find other makers’ items, such as candles, macramé, perfume, beach bags, body scrubs and housewares ranging from $40 to $400.

Of the Sea, 153 Bay Walk, 516-820-2980, sweetpeasandgypsies.com