A friend once told me that she never regretted anything she bought. Only the things she didn't buy and wished she had. I have come to understand that sentiment all too well. Case in point, a Georgian necklace (the Period, nothing to do with dawgs although it was white and red...) of seed pearls and rhodolite garnet briolettes. The memory still haunts me and sometimes I think it prodded me on to create jewelry.
The necklace was in the case of the venerable Skippy Musket in Phipp's Plaza. The year was 1993 and I had no idea at the time that one day I would be hosting the women behind the counter at my own jewelry atelier. Our paths crossed a couple years ago at a trade event that we were both attending. She remembers the necklace too. And though the doors of the eponymous Skippy Musket closed a few years ago, Skippy still keeps her hand in the business. Those of you from Atlanta probably already know her and her unerring eye for fine estate jewelry.
Timeless Design
Estate jewelry, when it is good, gives true meaning to the overused words "timeless design." To give you some historical perspective, this cuff is from the 1940's. It is just as fabulous today as it was then. Maybe even more so.
lwM: I'm in love with the gold diamond buckled cuff...
SM: Me too. It's just very basic and beautiful which makes it the ultimate "go to" piece. It was made in America and just feels as fabulous as it looks.
Interview with Skippy
lwM: What do you look for when you are buying jewelry?
SM: First, it has to be pretty. Secondly, interesting. And by that I mean good design. Quality is always paramount to me and I love a touch of whimsy.
lwM: What is your advice for someone building a collection?
SM: I think you should determine what is interesting to you. Don't buy a Victorian piece just for the sake of buying a Victorian piece. Quality is always important and becoming a bit of a historian and learning about the period is helpful as well as any background information on the piece. Another important factor is as you become more and more knowledgable, upgrade pieces within the same period so that you have the highest quality collection as possible. I also like to look where everyone else ISN'T! This is where you can make good buys.
lwM: Okay, can't wait to spend time with you on the third and fourth. And to see even more of your lovely pieces. XO.
