A special collection of jewelry, some of European descent, from a New York Estate, has recently been offered to the public for sale. Quite a few extroadinary pieces, especially for collectors and researchers of the time frame are available. Body Copy: Recently "Ice Originals II", a collectibles and antique website, had the pleasure of acquiring a portion of a large New York Estate that includes jewelry items from the 1800's through the mid 1900's. Quite a few of the earlier pieces are of definite European manufacture, as they feature the European style clasps and hinges and definite European designs. There are some very interesting pieces, that appear as if they could have historic and research value, as well as the normal interest related to collectors.
Several of the pieces feature hand chasing and enamel, inlaid into the gold. Several are watch pins, as well as sash pins, brooches, and some very nice cut steel and gold earrings. The art deco and art nouveau movements are clearly represented as well as some transition pieces. These jewelry items, each very well designed and crafted, are true representations of the jewelry of these early decades. The collection can be viewed at "Ice Originals II" which is located at:
http://www.tias.com/stores/iceorig/
Anyone who is a serious collector, as well as anyone researching this period of jewelry in encouraged to visit this website and view these beautiful pieces. Along with all the items described, there is also a collection of hand carved shell and hard stone cameos, as well as cameo rings. Some of these pieces pre-date the 1860's, and have been so carefully protected and stored that they appear to be in nearly new condition! As said previously, these items are part of a New York Estate, passed down though a family, and only a portion of this beautiful collection has recently been placed up for sale to the public. Other pieces not for sale include an entire suite of mourning jewelry, made of jet, that is just phenomenal, as well as several pre-1860 pieces that are just perfect, in gold, and containing precious stones such as diamonds and rubies. Many appear to be custom made pieces and contain strong European influences, most likely originating in the UK or surrounding areas. The owner of the collection is not completely sure of all lineage of the family, so any viewers of the pieces up for sale are welcomed to email any input they may have on the items and their origins to the owner of the website, as the collection owner is eager to learn more about the items before they are sold. These pieces are offered on consignment basis to the seller, so therefore, prices are firm, although most are moderately priced, well within the serious collectors price range.
Whether looking for that special gift for a special lady,interested in Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Edwardian design, or doing research of the time frames indicated this is definitely a visit worth your time!
The “Hot” New Collectibles
A few months ago I wrote an article named “Signed vs. Unsigned - Buying Art, Pottery and Collectibles”. The basic premise of the article was my own opinion about “Should you pay the price for signed jewelry, art and collectibles, as opposed to buying what you love, whether signed or unsigned?”. Since writing that article, I have read in one of my many collectible newsletters and magazines that the “hot” new collectible trend is buying unsigned and unknown artist and artisan items. I personally think this is great! Not only does it help the collectibles market, in several different areas such as unsigned jewelry, studio art pottery and original artworks, who is to say what that “unknown artist” or unsigned item will someday be worth? Picasso received hardly any recognition while alive, but after his death, we all know where the prices went on his works, straight through the roof!
So You're Afraid of the Big, Bad Internet Seller?
So, you are afraid of the big, bad, scary internet seller.............May I ask "Why?". Most of the people that I have talked to about this problem say that they are afraid of being scammed, identity theft, getting thier bank accounts drained, rampant charges on their credit cards, etc. Well, all of you who are so scared of the internet seller are also the same group that think nothing of giving a waiter or waitress your credit card to carry up to the front in that fancy leather folder to charge your meal in that restaurant! Who is to say that the person you just gave your card to is honest? Ever thought about that? Hmmm... Kinda makes you stop and think doesn't it?
