Profile

Michael C. Fina is as one-stop as you can get for china, jewelry and stationery, without braving packed department stores. Built on tradition—the family-owned business started back in 1935—Fina's inventory surpasses department store offerings in quantity and quality, successfully dipping into current trends without sending Grandma's sensibilties overboard—that is, as long as she steers clear of the psychedelic Missoni table sets and decadently gaudy, gold-rimmed Versace Rainbow Butterfly plates. The basement of the Manhattan location is a bride-to-be's greatest fantasy and worst nightmare: Although the sales staff tries to make registering for The Big Three—china, sterling and stemware—painless by scheduling individual, 90-minute appointments, navigating the maze of Waterford, Hermès and Meissen wares can unhinge the savviest fiancée. Upstairs showcases rings, including a house line of affordable engagement bands. — Dana Schuster

Key Departments

Stationery

In a carpeted corner of the store, Michael C. Fina now boasts a custom invitation and stationery boutique stocking everything from Crane & Co. to C'est Papier. 90210 diehards can ogle Jason Priestly's wedding invite; his custom-made Dauphine Press invitations are only available at Michael C. Fina and Dauphine's California store.

Wedding Rings

This Fifth Avenue department store has a wide selection of wedding bands (more than 25 brands) that range from about $65 to upwards of $50,000 and include simple gold and platinum styles, like the Scott Kay platinum semi-mount and a hand-engraved Daniel K diamond band.

Cuff Links

Reasonable prices can be found among styles from Fina’s own cuff link line ($70 to $1,000), and ten brands of watches—including Hublot and Breitling—complement every style and price point. Tissot beauties start at $250.