Off to France I go

Even though I have more jewelry to showcase, I thought I'd wait till I got back from France to post. We leave tomorrow and come back the first of May.

I don't know what I'll find; possibly very few. But I'm hopeful and know that it will be a great experience at the very least.

I can't tell you what I'm more excited about: the antiques or croissants!

Au revoir! 

A silver piece

I thought I'd squeeze in one more bauble before Easter break.

Earlier this week, I had a blog post titled "Bauble of the week." I suppose I should have suggested "Bauble of the day" because I've been on a jewelry blog post roll!

I knew this piece was extremely old when I bought it. It's been cleaned, and a chain has been added to make it current. The back shows that this is in fact a pin, but I've added the long, sterling chain and sits well past the collar bone. I don't come across too many silver pieces, so necklaces like this are often sought after. 

The stones are amber even though they appear more red-like in color. 

Fob pieces turned necklace

Here's a necklace that I pieced together. The chain is a gorgeous gold filled watch fob chain and the dangle charm is from a separate fob piece.

It's quite interesting and beautiful. I have a thing for old turquoise. It seems I have a "thing" for old turquoise, coral, gold, silver, opals, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, garnets, filigree...

You get the idea.

Even more!

Since I'm on a roll, I'll post more pics of some of the new-old things I have in store. 

This coral knot necklace has already sold, but I thought I'd showcase it anyway. I have more items similar to this. I have an affinity for coral and knots. 

What hasn't sold yet is this wish bone necklace. I love the hand work on this funky little piece. 

Andrew had a second to photograph these, and I had a second to post. There's more coming, but I regret to tell you that there will be another delay in the coming days. My France trip is coming up. I'm sure you understand. 

Uh oh, it matches

I'm so glad to see so many of you liked the bracelet from yesterday. It really is a beauty. 

Not to be outdone is a similar gold filled necklace. It's obviously from the same era, Victorian. It's also gold filled with seed pearls. I think it would be great as a set. 

It's like when you're shopping and you find the perfect shirt, and you can't leave without that matching scarf that you spot at the checkout counter. Darn, you might just have to explain to your husband that you simply can't get one without the other. Hopefully he understands. 

Bauble of the week

I wanted to kick off the month of April with a bauble of the week.

Here's something pretty for you to look at. This gold filled mesh slide bracelet is from an estate in Georgia. I particularly like the seed pearls and the tassel dangle. I've said it before, I like jewelry that moves.

Happy spring! 

Updates and spring schedule

As you must assume, I am back from my trip. And what a trip it was in terms of jewelry buying! I have some great finds that I can't wait to showcase.

I learned about a new technique of jewelry repair called laser welding. I made a few phone calls and found someone that can help me out here in Baton Rouge.

I also wanted to open the doors for a jewelry show this spring or summer. I will be home from my trip to France on May 1 and my baby's due August 7, so if you'd like to talk schedules and parties, please contact me. There was some interest soon after Christmas, so I'm now able to schedule parties.

On the road

I've decided to dabble in the jewelry business again.

After taking some time to reflect on how and where I'd like to spend money to keeping my endeavors going, I decided that I would join my mom in a trip to the mountains and an antique show following.

So on a road trip we go. I don't know what I'll find, but sometimes that's the most exciting part. Maybe I'll find some treasures or maybe nothing.

I don't exactly know where the road will take me, but I am still committed to the journey.

Let's hope that when this baby comes that he will be committed to agreeability 'cause Mama's got antiques to get. 

Some new inventory and updated Spring calendar

I had some new inventory floating around, so I put some new items in The Queen Bee. 

It's hard to see, but that's a flat, gold filled bangle with black enamel and a safety chain. Many of you ask for just that criteria. 

I got these crown cufflinks converted to earrings. It's quite appropriate that these sit in The Queen Bee. Also shown is a brass brooch/pendant on a long chain with cabochon stones. 

This is a great right hand ring for someone who loves big statement jewelry. It gorgeous on the hand. 

I'm planning out my spring calendar to get substantial new inventory for those of you who are asking. There's a potential trip in March, and my trip to France is confirmed. We fly out on the 17th of April. I'm going for leisure, but I certainly intend to come home with a stash that is up for purchase. You might have to fight me to keep some of it, though. 

Let's just hope I stumble across the right pieces at the right prices. 

My meeting that was invaluable

As I mentioned a few days ago, I was scheduled to meet with someone who is one of the best in the antique jewelry business.

I met with her. Y'all, it was wonderful.

To sit and talk to someone who has 30+ years experience in the field that you want to really dig deep into was incredible. It was invaluable.

Not only does she have the knowledge and wisdom, but she also has kindness. She shared some information with me that's taken her years to develop. We shared a few laughs, a cup of coffee, and talked antique jewelry. It was one of the best days I've had since starting this business.

I was even given a few leads, so I'm meeting with someone else on Saturday. I hope this becomes a trend.

I hope and pray this it's me in 30 years having coffee with some naive young woman who wants to learn more about the antique jewelry business. She'll probably tell me that she's figuring it all out as she goes, pregnant and scared, made some mistakes, but is eager to learn.

I'll tell her that I've been there.

Let someone who admires you treat you to a cup of coffee and just share your knowledge. You just might make their day. Or their year.

New items

Today, I'm showcasing a few items that I have for sale at The Queen Bee in Towne Center. 

And remember this piece that you all died over?

Well, I found these beauties that reminded me of the bracelet. 

Check them out at The Queen Bee! 

A January business update

Okay, I'm ready to give you an update on my business according to what I know of the future myself.

Cherche' inventory is still at The Queen Bee in Towne Center, but I am no longer with Cozi. Please still shop there in the LD Interiors store; great girls, great items.

Recently, The Queen Bee gained new ownership, so my time there may be limited due to their buying new inventory such as jewelry lines, but my future looks secure there through spring. I am okay with this, but I just want to keep you posted. The pieces there are chunky, show-stopping, items like crystals and bangles. If that's your thing, check out The Queen Bee!

I am currently working with the sweetest girl who's helping me update my blog to a new design. I'll be having a .com soon, so I'll let you know when my blog address changes.

I have an Etsy store but need to get it up and running. It's hanging over my head, and I really need to tackle that. I figure not too many folks are buying jewelry in January. But I could be wrong, so I'll add items to my shop to test the waters anyway.

Oh, I'm pregnant. Maybe that's why I haven't gotten around to my Etsy store and blogging?? Nah, that's not a good excuse. I felt great through my first trimester. No excuses there. But I am pregnant, so I'll have to figure how to run a business with a baby. Any suggestions on taking babies to auctions?

I am meeting with one of the best in the business this afternoon: the antique jewelry business, that is. I am so thrilled and honored that she would take some time out to meet with me. I made her some madeleine cakes as a thank you, but my baking skills stink. I don't measure right or perform the steps in the correct order. Baking and math make me angry; it's too precise. So it'll just be little ol' me, trying to charm her to be my mentor, sans madeleine cakes.

I'll keep you posted on that meeting.

One more big piece of news, almost topping the baby news, I'm going to France in April! I can hardly wait. It'll be me, mom, mom's friend, and a sister. We have yet to book our flight, but it should be within the next few weeks. Think of all the antique jewelry there's to be had in France. Oh-la-freaking-la!

2012!

Welcome to 2012! I am thrilled to be embarking on a new year, and I'm excited for the upcoming ventures I plan to pursue. No telling what finds I will come across; I love that about this business.

I wanted to thank everyone for such a successful Christmas season! I am especially grateful to husbands that reached out to me for a nice Christmas present for their wives. It was such a pleasure to actually help people get the perfect gift. I enjoyed that.

I hope to be back soon with a new and improved blog layout. I also hope to photograph some of my newest finds. They are remarkable!

Here's to a wonderful year!

Just a little tip

Alright. I feel as if I hoard all of my secrets of my digging and diving. So, I'll share a secret. And it's free.

I always pick up one of these when I'm out antiquing.

The antiquing magazine. 

It's free, and it gives great info on antique shows coming up and facts about history and antiques in general. 

The main point here is this: always stay curious, interested, and read a lot. Antiques are a subject of never-ending knowledge.

That's another reason why I love antiques! So there ya go. Happy hunting!

Good tidings to you!

Today is your lucky day for jewelry shopping!

My inventory will be in LD, as usual, but today is their Wish List party. Also, starting today, The Queen Bee will be featuring my collection for their Open House Christmas Party.

Tomorrow could be your lucky day again too if you want to see me in Thibodaux at Sugar Boutique. Just sayin.

I hope your Christmas season is off to a fantastic start. The weather is cold, but I like it. It adds to the splendor of the season.

And finally, if you need the reminder, here it is:

Don't stress about gift-giving. Don't spend too much money. It isn't worth it. JESUS is the reason for the season.

But if you can splurge, I'd be happy to oblige and sell you a bauble.

Season's Greetings!