Jewelers to come to CT shopping center. It’s their third location in the state

By Hartford Courant Staff Writer, May 5, 2026

A new jewelry store is coming to a Connecticut shopping center, according to a statement.

Water Street Jewelers will open its third location in the state at The Shops at Yale this week.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 7 at 11 a.m. at the new location at 1094 Chapel St. in New Haven. According to a statement, “Yale University Properties will welcome the mindful artistry of Water Street Jewelers and return of designer-owner Daniela Balzano to the city which first nurtured her creative talent.”

Balzano has a street-level jewelry gallery in the Yale Center for British Art building and is expanding. The location joins her other locations in Guilford and Madison. The New Haven location represents a heartfelt homecoming, Balzano said.

“For me, opening here feels like a true full-circle moment, because as a child, I lived right around the corner in Madison Towers,” said Balzano. “I grew up going to Claire’s Corner Copia, and every day after school I would go to Creative Arts Workshop on Audubon Street – I was sketching there when I was eight years old! It was a huge part of my formative years as an artist.”

According to a statement, “Water Street Jewelers has become known for beautiful jewelry that’s ethically sourced and eco-friendly while also supporting global artisans and partnering with brands which share its deep commitment to making the world a better place.”

Balzano said she wants every visitor to feel at home and empowered to explore the beauty and significance of jewelry, in a space that celebrates both inclusivity and education.

“Jewelry can be a very exclusive field, and we’re really trying to break down those barriers and create a place that is inviting for everyone,” Balzano said. “Customers can come into our store and purchase $48 items, or they can purchase $48,000 items. We have high school students or junior high students that come and get little gifts for friends and feel comfortable coming into our stores.”

Balzano is thrilled to have her daughter, Luna McCulloch, assisting with managing the New Haven location.

“We’re so excited to be in New Haven because it’s such a hub of culture, art, and creative energy,” Balzano said. “There are 12 of us, and we’re a passionate bunch. Everyone is so different. We’re all from different generations, different geographic and ethnic backgrounds, and we have very different experiences from one another in life. I love the diversity of thought.”

“At the core, I’m an artist. I just have a deep, deep desire to create. Whether it’s designing a window, creating a piece of jewelry, coming up with creative product merchandising, or running our social media, being able to create every day is a huge blessing,” said Balzano. “As a young person, every creative is told many times that their passion is going to be just a hobby. So when you can create a career out of it, it’s very impactful. Whenever there are younger generations in the store who express interest in any creative aspect of the business, I always have that conversation with them. It’s very important to me.”

She has specialized in handcrafted inlay and bridal jewelry for the past 15 years, according to a statement.

“When I work with customers on designs, they’re coming in with a great sense of self and history,” Balzano said. “I love to hear about their family, their nationality, their culture, what inspires them, what they’re drawn to; and then the design is born from that information.”

As a designer, “Balzano’s inspired original jewelry creations add a unique layer to the curated collection of luxury designer lines and artisan jewelry on dazzling display at Water Street Jewelers,” according to a statement.

“When I’m doing my own creative design work, I love creating pieces from my imagination and of my heart,” said Balzano. “Most of what I create is nature-inspired. I just love nature, and so I almost always move in that direction, without fail. We have to be true to ourselves.”

Alexandra Daum, associate vice president for New Haven Affairs and University Properties, said Balzano’s addition of Water Street Jewelers to The Shops at Yale further contributes to the district’s creative offerings to visitors and residents.

“We’re thrilled that Daniela is returning to New Haven and bringing her passion to the community. Daniela has an aesthetic that is both creative and also accessible to a wide range of customers. Her location in Yale’s Center for British Art is perfectly fitting for her artist’s approach to jewelry and means that many visitors to Yale will have the chance to stop by Water Street Jewelers while they’re in town and find their new favorite piece of jewelry,” Daum said.

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