February 29, 2012 by Simone
I’ve spent a good portion of this week scouring the world for all things globe. This type of treasure hunt is one of my favorites; it kicks up the mysteries of lands that no longer exist and bygone eras. The necessity of these stately treasures has slipped into oblivion. At one point we stood above these hand-painted orbs that displayed boundaries and territories from our great world. We had the world in our hands, let’s say. Now, we click in to the internet and see what awaits us inside of this very screen you’re reading – not quite as romantic. But I digress.
The purpose of this whole search is to find a piece that resonates with a particular client. We’re looking for a gestural gift that says thank you, from one gentleman to another. We’ve landed and stuck on this idea of a globe; but not just any globe – one that was created on the home continent of the recipient (it’s in Europe) and was made in the year he was born (that’s a secret). Much to my chagrin, he wasn’t born in the 16th Century, as that is the era of my favorite globes. Hand painted celestial orbs depicting the constellations of the day, you say? Yes, please! Mint condition globes standing proud in their stately armatures, worthy of a gentleman’s library? Mais Oui!
I wanted to share with you some of the more simplified pieces I’ve been coming across. They are all special for different reasons, each of these antiquated pieces are unique on their own. Honestly, I’ve developed a crush on all things globe!
The Paul McCobb pieces from the 1960′s are a favorite of mine..so chic. I love the minimal brass frame it stands on…
Another Paul McCobb from the 60′s. A tabletop beauty I’d say.
Now this piece is a gem. I’m stretching here a bit as this is a Planetarium, not a globe. Made in the 1830′s in France (of course), the gold gilt sun rests in the center with manually rotating planets surrounding it.
Oh an this is another fun piece. Fun in the sense that it’s just, oh, an hand carved and painted clock in the form of a globe, circa 1790 from Italy. These are the objects that fill my days with glory. What do you think? Are you having a globe – crush?
inquire here
Tags: antique, gentleman's gifts, globe, Paul McCobb, rare gifts
Categories: gift ideas, home+decor, our projects, treasures •
February 17, 2012 by Simone
I’m so excited to share this gem of a find with you that I can’t quite stand it. I’m in the midst of planning an extraordinary gift for a significant birthday for a client, a project that has led me deep into the treasure chests and hidden rooms looking for details that inspire -unexpected mixing of materials, objects with functions reminiscent of years’ past. Exciting indeed. I came across this treasure and had to share.
This piece is a Russian silver-gilt, jeweled, enameled and beaded Aid-de Memoire/Card-Case and pencil from the late 19th C. It is signed Antip Kuzmichev, signed and dated 1894, who created for Tiffany and Company at that time.
The rectangular-shaped case has a lapis lazuli clasp and is inset with a south-sea pearl. Now what would the lovely keeper have jotted down for her memory? You will see the interior of the case has the original watered-silk covered note-pad.
The reverse monogram is beautiful, with letters that are reminiscent of the exquisite scroll work down below. Smart phones, be gone….!
contact for inquiries
Tags: Antip Kuzmichev, antiques, collectibles, our work, Tiffany & Co
Categories: gift ideas, our projects, treasures •
February 14, 2012 by Simone
Happy Valentine’s Day! These last few days have been quite busy; between a jewelry pull here and a galentine’s party planned there the days have been moving quite fast. I do want to take a minute to share with you the history of an object that is so meant for lovers that I can’t resist a post about it today. You may have seen a bit about it here but in case you missed it, listen up!
This little antique gold and agate étui was made in France in the 1700′s. It was once used to hold messages exchanged between lovers. Yes, that’s right…secret love messages. The gold caps (in all of their Rococo glory) highlight the enamel bands which have a hand painted inscription: “Nul Plaisir Sans Vous,” or “No pleasure without you.” Can you imagine secretly being passed one of these? Often carried by affluent members of society, étuis such as this carried the confidential notes which would be tucked inside, and the box then would have been sealed with wax for added security. To find such a delicate object still in such beautiful condition is extremely rare. If only we could see some of those letters. once hidden inside. Quite an expression of passion, wouldn’t you say?
if you’re interested in this unique piece,
contact me for information
Tags: antiques, etui, rare objects, treasures, valentines day
Categories: a little bit of history, gift ideas, treasures •
February 3, 2012 by Simone
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while (thank you, by the way!) you know by now that I have a serious love for teapots. They are such diverse, decorative and useful little objects. I am stuck on this rare 1800s Wedgwood basalt teapot. Basalt, you may know, is a fine grained blackened stoneware that has a dense, uniform surface, requires no glaze, and gets polished to a dull gloss. Hence the fabulous, chalky feel. The ornament on the Wedgewood basalt pieces are usually intricate and well-defined, often in complex geometric patterns reminiscent of Neoclassical or Greek design. Stunning, right? I would also say these colors work quite perfectly for that little Holiday of Love that’s upon us!
inquire here
Tags: antiques, ceramics, tea pot, treasures, wedgewood
Categories: treasures •
January 23, 2012 by Simone
I’ve been a bit obsessed with rugs lately and recently stumbled upon the Australian company, Loom. Have you seen their work? Owner Doan Bilgis grew up in Turkey and comes from a bit of a nomadic background. He recalls his family and relatives always making rugs, as a result he found himself fascinated by the colors and patterns. His admiration later turned into an appreciation of the history and stories behind each rug. Get this – Loom over-dyes vintage kilims, how wonderful is that?
Below is a vintage Kilim rug to lust over…..
The piece below is crafted from a variety of old yarns; which means it is literally made from yarn unraveled from antique kilims. Talk about labors of love…
The two lovelies below are new wool pile rigs crafted in Loom’s studio. I love the abstract, painterly look of them. 
Take a peek at all of the rugs they have to offer; you are sure to fall in love…… 
here
Tags: Doan Bilgis, kilm rug, loom, vintage rugs
Categories: home+decor, treasures •
December 2, 2011 by Simone
I came across this pair of true treasures while searching for pottery for a certain special someone. What do you think of these? I am in love, true love. Made by the Italian ceramicist Elio Schiavon in the 1970′s, these sculptural vases are something special.
I wasn’t familiar with his work, so I dug a little deeper and discovered that I find pretty much all of his painted ceramics are swoonworthy.
What do you think? Do these make you want to shut the door to the world, climb into a studio and start making a creative mess with paints and pottery? How about that for a lovely weekend plan? Yes, please.
here , here
Tags: 1970, antique, Elio Schiavon, Vases
Categories: art+artists, inspiration, treasures •
November 18, 2011 by Simone
Happy Friday, sweet readers.Grab yourself a cozy cup of morning tea for this one. Check out these amazing tea caddies which are made from rolled paper. Yep, rolled paper. Constructed from paper and inlaid wood in 1780 (!!), the exterior is covered with hundreds of rolled strips to create stunning motifs. Decorating objects with rolled paper was once a pastime for young ladies in the late 18th century. Undecorated wooden frames & boxes were sold for just this purpose. Just what crafting fantasies are made of, right?
Do the details get any better than this?
What do you think, will this be on any of your craft night lists soon ?
inquiries here
Tags: antique, tea caddy, william word antiques
Categories: treasures •
November 11, 2011 by Simone
Happy Friday, friends. Lately I realized that there are certain objects that becomes themes in my life. Does this happen to you? For the past couple of months, it’s been pocket-watches for me. First, my sweetheart bestowed upon me his great Grandfather’s treasured pocket watch. Soon afterward, a favorite client and I developed a gift concept which involves not one, but 40 of these old timey beauties. You can see where this is going…no? As I’ve dug into the archives of available pocket watches countrywide, a couple of gems have stood out to me. There are certain designs that stand the test of time, manage to feel modern in a perfectly antiquated, and would be suitable for a variety of different owners. This stunning 1920s Cartier beauty falls into that category. Crafted from fine rock crystal, platinum and diamonds, with black Arabic numerals, it is exquisite in all of its simplicity, wouldn’t you say? The bezel that holds the golden Roman numerals is delicately enameled. Oh, and how about that skeleton backside?
inquiries here
Tags: 1920, antique, CARTIER, clock, diamond, gold, platinum, pocket watch, rock crystal
Categories: treasures •
November 4, 2011 by Simone
It’s Friday once again, sweet readers, and what a week it has been over here. How has yours been going? Since it’s a rare rainy & grey morning over here in Los Angeles, I thought we could escape into a world of gorgeous enamel and cloisonne colors. Below is a stunning little gilt cup from late 1800′s Moscow. The body is enameled with gorgeous white and green flowers. I love how every detail is considered… What I want to know is what did the lucky owner drink out of this cup? And what was she wearing?
And how sweet is this little lovely cloisonné enamel circular box from 1908? Decorated with floral and foliate motifs against a cream ground and topped off with a turquoise border – amazing. That’s Tiffany box-blue, wouldn’t you say?
And to think this little beauty is just under 2″ in size, that’s real craftsmanship. What do you thin the lucky owner held in this little box? I’m thinking a delicately folded secret love letter…
inquiries here
Tags: cloisonné, enamel, Fabergé, russia
Categories: treasures •
October 28, 2011 by Simone
Okay, I’m really getting stuck on this treasure I dug up today. How incredibly stunning is this simple, vintage Bulgari lunar cycle bracelet? I’m not sure of the year it was made, but I do know it’s crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and diamonds and it has my heart going pitter-patter. This cuff celebrates the various waxing and waning phases of the lunar cycle using pave diamond details on each moon. That’s right – beautiful little crescents phases are represented all the way to the full moon. It feels so modern, and wearable, don’t you think? That is, if you’re stars are aligned and you’re in the market for a vintage Bulgari cuff…
here
Tags: bracelet, Bulgari, cuff, diamonds, gold, waxing waning
Categories: fashion+style, treasures •
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