A retail expansion is underway in Bellevue, as fine jewelry store Gin & The Banker prepares to grow its footprint along Main Street.
The boutique, founded in 2018 by Rachael Nov, recently shared that construction has begun on a neighboring space as part of an upcoming expansion. In a message posted to social media, the business described the project as an opportunity to “welcome you into an even larger world beyond fine jewelry.”
The additional space is located next door to its current space and was previously occupied by Lorelei Optical, an eyewear boutique that closed prior to the start of construction. The former shop offered optical services and carried handcrafted frames sourced from Europe and Japan.
Gin & The Banker specializes in curated fine jewelry, with a focus on modern heirloom pieces and independent designers. The store carries collections from designers such as Andrea Fohrman, Carolina Bucci, and Selim Mouzannar, offering items including rings, necklaces, and charms.
The boutique is known for its intimate retail environment in Old Bellevue, often described as having a “jewel box” feel, with rotating collections tailored to a range of styles, from bold statement pieces to more sentimental designs. In addition to ready-to-wear collections, the store also offers custom jewelry services.
The store’s name is a reference to Nov’s grandparents, Virginia, known as “Gin,” and Jessie Jr., referred to as “The Banker.”
The expansion comes several months after Nov closed her sister business, La Ree Boutique, which had operated in Old Bellevue for two decades before shutting its doors in September 2025.
No timeline for completion of the expansion has been publicly announced.
