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Do You Have a Hidden Gem in Your Attic?
Uncovering Hidden Treasures: The Fabergé Gold Leaf Cigarette Case Specialist Robin Sinclair recently unearthed a discovery within a client’s family heirlooms – an exquisite gold leaf Fabergé cigarette case. While Fabergé is renowned for its iconic Imperial Easter Eggs, the brand’s legacy extends far beyond these celebrated creations. By 1882, Fabergé had established itself as……
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Jewelry Specialist Virginia Salem Talks Art Deco
by Virginia Salem GIA G.G., owner, Virginia Salem Vintage LLC Jewelry specialist Virginia Salem recently participated as a panel guest speaker at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Virginia shed light on the captivating world of Art Deco Jewelry at the event. The symposium, ‘Fashion at the 1925 Art Deco Exhibition,’ marked its 100th anniversary……
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Why the Stradivari You Found in Grandma’s Attic Isn’t
By Dr Matthew W. Hill Finding your grandma’s violin in the attic with a “Stradivarius” label might spark excitement, but the odds of it being an authentic Stradivari are virtually nonexistent. The vast majority of violins bearing such labels were crafted as copies or tributes to famous makers like Antonio Stradivari, Jacob Stainer, or Nicolo……
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Tips on Collecting Sports Memorabilia: A booming industry that shows no signs of fading
By Carrie Baker, President, Veritas Fine Art Appraisals LLC Whether you prefer baseball cards, stadium seats, or Jordan’s iconic “sweaty flu” sneakers, the sports memorabilia industry is booming and growing at lightning speed. At the close of the 2024 Summer Olympics, America’s athletes made another impressive run, once again topping the total medal count –……
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Connoisseur’s Corner
Spanish Colonial Art The rich and widely varied category of Spanish Colonial Art has grown exponentially in the last 10 years, but how do we define and identify it? What Is It? Spanish Colonial art includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects created in Mexico and South America from 1492 to around 1820. If the year……
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State of the Global Art Market in 2023
According to the latest art market report released by Art Basel and UBS, China’s zero-tolerance Covid policies pushed the UK back to the #2 spot behind the US, with sales growing 3% in 2022. Here are some key takeaways: “Sales in 2022 were greater than before the pandemic and represent the second-highest point achieved in……
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David Webb’s Animal Jewels
Appreciating The Works Of An Iconic Designer by Virginia Salem, Graduate Gemologist, Antiques Roadshow Appraiser David Webb was born in North Carolina in 1925 and had a creative vein in his family. He was influenced by an uncle who was an engraver and made souvenir ashtrays. In his late teens, he moved to New York……
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Have a Taste For Contemporary Art?
Tips On How To Start A Collection by Laura Lester, Principal, Lester Fine Art Jumping into the vast and nuanced contemporary art market as a new collector can be intimidating! I have spent the last 15 years of my career advising art collectors on what to purchase and how to enjoy collecting, in my roles……
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A Story of Hope and Renewal in Chagall’s Last Commissioned Work
The corners of the tapestry tell Marc Chagall’s story of faith. In the lower right is a person reading from the scripture. In the lower left is a rabbi doing the same. In the upper-left corner is a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus. This configuration of Christ represents, for Chagall, the suffering of all……
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Are My Vintage Halloween Decorations Worth Anything?
Halloween is a supernaturally fun holiday for children! Spooky decorations, like ghosts, spider webs, and bat trimming bushes and trees, lend homes a decidedly “haunted house” aura. The anticipation awaiting the hunt for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern with a wacky or scary face. The excitement of donning costumes and being a……