YLANG YLANG: A Signature Bloom

This St. Louis retailer finds its roots in family and fine design.
Like its namesake — the exotic flowering tree native to the Philippines — Ylang Ylang has flourished into the signature bloom of St. Louis: deeply rooted, elegantly timeless, and ever radiant. Inspired by the original Ylang Ylang boutique in Bal Harbour, Florida, Ray and Lois Morganstern founded the store in 1985, bringing a world of curated jewelry to the heart of the Midwest. Their enduring mission: to introduce St. Louis to the finest expressions of international design, imbued with warmth, sophistication, and a touch of magic.

Today, their daughter Julie Ettinger is carrying that legacy into its next era. Having taken over the business 11 years ago, Ettinger has transformed Ylang Ylang from a beloved mall boutique into a freestanding jewelry destination. The move marked a new chapter — one that perfectly reflects her vision for a welcoming, elegant, and family-focused space.