My Darling Bittersweets,

You gave the world maggots, earthworms, and unicorn horns encased in sterling silver. No bigger than a penny, your tough-girl pendants touched skin and lured us in.

Classics like baby vampire teeth and cocktail sword necklaces rocked low-cut dresses. Women let three-inch rapiers — solid 14-karat gold — dangle dangerously close to their assets. Men bragged about their heart-with-dagger charms. Strangers were intrigued.

And now look at you. Your very first store opening. We’re about ready to dive into the East River to get to you first.

Wet, shivering, no matter. We’ll get pampered at the beauty bar with Nina homemade body products and daily masks made with bananas, honey, and rosewater. We’ll fawn over ladyfinger charms, golden dagger bracelet-ring confections, and Pretty Monkey skull necklaces with perfume hidden inside.

These fatalistic notions are sad yet somehow sweet. Like you.

Yours,
Until the Sixth Borough

Bittersweets New York, 37 Broadway, between Kent and Wythe Avenues, Williamsburg (718-218-8595 or bittersweetsny.com).