Favor and Hotcakes Design

I like art. I don’t know much about it, I just know when I like something. Monet grabs me, most things in SFMOMA baffle me.
I’d like to own art, but I haven’t reached the level of grown-​up-​iness needed to go into an art gallery and invest in expensive wall hangings. Well, that was my old way of thinking. Favor made me realize that art doesn’t have to just hang on your walls.
Favor is a well curated treasure trove of wearable and useable art. Everything is handmade, much of it locally. They have unique and playful jewelry, coin purses, makeup bags, cards, decorative accents, and more. It’s the kind of place you might visit, intending just to pick up a present for a friend, but also leaving with a little something for yourself (and there is nothing wrong with that.) The pricing is very reasonable for hand made quality pieces, plus, it is always nice to support local artist. The owner really knows her stuff and was even able to customize some earrings for me.
Favor is like a gallery that encourages you to touch the art, something frowned upon at SFMOMA (and, unlike SFMOMA, there is no cost to enter.)

What a delightful store! Favor is now my «go to» for gifts for my female friends. The store is chocked full with locally-​made jewelry (much of it made right on site, in the studio just behind the retail floor). The owner is friendly and helpful, providing lots of information without ever being pushy. The prices are quite reasonable for the high quality you find there. You could pick up a simple necklace or set of earrings for around $ 25 or go for something more intricate or with finer materials for $ 30-​$ 50. The space is bright and cheerfully decorated; and all in all, I say that Favor is a wonderful addition to the increasingly interesting local retail offerings on San Pablo in West Berkeley.

So many beautiful things — and something for everyone’s taste from cutesy to funky to traditional. Prices are reasonable and also reflect a broad selection range.

This place is so fun! So many different types of jewelry. I have bought a few pieces here and both times I went in the Proprietor was extremely friendly, chatting to find out what my tastes were and making great recommendations. The resin jewelry is funky and fun and there are lot of unique pieces here. I am so glad I stopped by on a whim while walking around Berkeley. I will be putting this place on my default list of places to get cool gifts as well.

I read about this place in the Chronicle and was nearby for one of my Spanish Table trips. Super cute jewelry, very reasonable prices! I wore my cherry earrings and necklace twice over Labor Day weekend. It is just a block away from Acme Bread and Kermit Lynch wines so it can be part of a fun shopping trip.

I happened to walk by this place while wandering through west Berkeley recently and was drawn inside by all the unique jewelry. What a collection! Caramia, the owner and designer, explained that this was her new location– she’d recently moved out here from the city– but I think it’s a great part of town for this kind of shop.
There was only one other person in the shop at the time, so Caramia cheerfully walked me through, explaining all the different kinds of work she does and all the materials she uses. I learned so much about resins in just 10 mins! Because Caramia makes most of the jewelry herself, every single piece has a story that goes with it. The jewelry is definitely on the expensive side, but you have to factor in that it’s all handmade right here in Berkeley by one person! I wound up buying a gorgeous pair of black earrings; Caramia told me they were made from a vintage 1940s resin that she bought in Germany! Really hoping this business continues to thrive in Berkeley– such unique pieces and an amazing designer behind them!