What does Whoopi Goldberg and Kid Rock have in common?  Believe it or not, they use the same jeweler. 


Lazaro, 54 Mercer St. New York, Soho (b/w Broome and Grand)  212-219-8494

When it comes to men's jewelry, you have many designers to choose from.  Of course, the most well known would be Chrome Hearts, you have Good Art HLYWD, King Baby, David Yurman, John Hardy and all the usual big name fashion designers have dabbled in their attempts at jewelry.  If you ask me who makes the best men's jewelry, I would have to say without a doubt, it is Lazaro.  I was put on to him about four years ago and had a major problem back when I was first introduced.  My good friend Eros mentioned this new designer that did all the jewelry for the Blade movies.  That alone caught my attention and I had to check him out. 


Some of my Lazaro collection

As you can see, I have my fair share of Lazaro jewelry.  Like I said before, I had a slight Lazaro addiction when I was first introduced.  The best thing about Lazaro compared to the other designers is the personal touch that Lazaro's pieces have.  He literally has anything that you can imagine to fit your tastes.  From exotic skins to precious stone, from rare coins to fossils, he has the right look that you are after.  If he doesn't have what you're looking for, the best part is that you can get Lazaro to customize his jewelry or even come up with something completely original. 


Custom Lazaro Bracelet

This bracelet was actually two different rings which I then added to a plain bracelet.  I would not go so far as to say plain, the bracelet itself is gynormous and heavy as all hell.  I originally had the snake and lion rings and then, bought the custom dragon ring that I currently wear.  I felt like I had animal kingdom on my fingers so I stopped wearing the lion and snake.  So I bought this chunky bracelet and asked him to take the lion and make that into the clasp and take the snake and wrap it around the bracelet.  I must say that it came out pretty hot.  I get tons of compliments on it, as well as most of my Lazaro jewelry.


Custom Lazaro Dragon Ring and Necklace

Both of these pieces are also custom jewelry by Lazaro as well.  I had some old jewelry that had some stones in them that I was never going to wear again.  So I took all the stones out and added them to some of Lazaro's jewelry.  I took a couple diamonds that I had from previous rings and jammed them in the eyes and mouth and all along the crest of the dragons head.  I also put black diamonds going down the body of the dragon. 


Custom Lazaro Dragon Ring

I went into the store the other day and he had the dragon pendent with rubies on the tongue!  Although I like the minimal look, I could always use some more stones on my jewelry.  I feel that I could never go over the top with his stuff.  Of course you can if you really wanted to, but the great thing about Lazaro is that he has something for everyone.  He even has an amazing women's line.  Actually, he started off in women's jewelry and still does an amazing women's collection but his men's line is certainly the hottest men's jewelry your money can buy.


Lazaro Chain Wallet / Necklace

Another cool thing about his jewelry, is that he has several pieces that are versatile and multi functional.  This is a chain wallet that can also double as a necklace.  I must say that the chain wallet has saved me from pick pocketers a couple times.  I highly suggest getting a chain wallet for the city.  It's not only fashionable but it will save your ass.  I even wear mine with my suits.  I wouldn't of even gotten a chain wallet because I always thought it was not my style and a lil too rock and roll for me.  Then I was watching Dolce and Gabbana's runway show and they both came out in the end wearing suits with chain wallets on.  If D&G can wear it on the runway, then (so can I damn it!) I have to say it's not just for rockers.  I actually thought that was pretty cool that they were wearing chain wallets.  I was reading this article about them and they were saying that Armani brought the Italian style to America in the 80's and D&G wanted to bring the U.S style to Italy.  Influenced by our rock 'n' roll culture, they brought the American rock style, into Italian high fashion.    


Lazaro Chain Wallet / Necklace

He puts incredible attention to detail in all his work.  You might of seen his talent and art on some of his credits like the "Blade" movies, "Steven Tyler" on the cover of Private Air, "The Notorious Betty Page" movie,  "John Varvatos" and "Joseph Abboud" runway shows, "Kid Rock" on Rolling Stones cover, and even Shaggy's new album cover and "Bonafide Girl" video.  As you can see he has been placed in a wide variety of different styles, and can match the look for any occasion.  From the runways, movies, rock stars to hip hop, Lazaro has managed to branched out his style in the entertainment world.  He is even working on a artist collaboration with John Varvatos as we speak.  I can't wait to see what they come up with.


Shaggy's new album "Intoxication" / featuring Lazaro Jewelry


Shaggy "Bonafide Girl" / Intoxication / featuring some Lazaro's Jewelry


Kid Rock: Rolling Stones wearing Lazaro


Steven Tyler:  Private Air Magazine wearing Lazaro


Steven Tyler:  Private Air Magazine wearing Lazaro

His unique style has found its way to wide range of celebs from Kid Rock, Steven Tyler, Shaggy, Jamie Burke to Whoopi Goldberg.  The thing about these guys are that they actually own the pieces that they are wearing.  Instead of some stylist just putting it on them, this is what these guys are personally spending their money on.  Even Whoopi gave a shout out on "The View" the other day and mentioned that all the jewelry that she was wearing was Lazaro.  Whoopi Goldberg wears and owns tons of Lazaro jewelry.  She is even going to be wearing his jewelry when she hosts the Tony Awards next month on Sunday June, 15th on ABC.  You should definitely check out his website but in order to get what you are really looking for, you have to go to his store in Soho.  His jewelry is exclusively sold there and only there for what I know of.  I am sure that you could make an order over the phone but you have to go by the store because not everything is featured on the website and he is continuously coming up with new designs. 


Lazaro, 54 Mercer St. New York, Soho  (notice the necklace is the same link as my chain wallet)

Here is a picture of one of his cases in the store.  Check out the 15 million year old Megalodon Sharks Tooth with black and white diamonds on it!  If you're not into big pieces like that, you have the Fleur de les with black diamonds on it right next to it.  Or you can go all out with the skull and cross with diamonds, rubies and emeralds.  If jewelry just is not your thing, and you are still interested in obtaining some of Lazaro's designs, you can also decorate your room with some of his home furnishings.


Lazaro's home furnishing (check out those hot candle holders)

He recently started carrying clothes from other various designers that really fits his style well.  The last time I went down there I noticed that I found myself buying two shirts instead of jewelry.  He has everything from dress shirts to belts to complete your look and makes a great one stop shop.  It's also a great place to come for gift ideas because of his wide range in men's and women's jewelry as well as his home furnishings.  So, get off your butt and head down to Soho, and stop by Lazaro's and take a peek.  Mention that you read this article from the Tanaka Report and he will definitely take care of you.  I am sure if you end up going down there, you will not leave empty handed and you will be returning for more.