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Post by GitteK on May 20, 2007 5:29:31 GMT -5
The "Foire de Saint Germain" runs from June 7th to July 8th. During this period there is also an antique and "other old stuff" fair on Place St. Sulpice 7th - 18th June, from 11:00-20:00. (quote:) >>> One of the oldest Antique dealers fair in Paris, happening in the most charming area. The Saint-Sulpice square, with its trees and its elegant fountain, bursts with charm at this time of year, which also contributes to the Fair’s vibrant atmosphere<<< There is also a book fair (also on Places St. Sulpice) 27th June-2nd July, from 11:00-20:00 Plus a lot of "spectacles" going on in the area - also open air theatre, poetry etc. Look for yourself: www.foiresaintgermain.org/
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Post by Shoesy on May 20, 2007 23:23:53 GMT -5
I've always wondered a person who's interested in antiques (but not an expert) can know if what he is about to purchase is indeed an antique. I suppose they give you some kind of certificate, but can't that be a fake? I'm quite a jewellery lover, and the idea of owning something antique really appeals to me. Of course if it's a Parisian antique, that would make it even more attractive.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on May 21, 2007 2:07:41 GMT -5
I can't answer your questions about how to tell whether jewelry is a real antique (I also like antique jewelry but don't really know what I'm doing!). But, there is a shop in Paris (I think on rue Jacob) that sells real and reproduction Art Deco and Art Nouveau pieces. If that period interests you, I will see if I can find the name somewhere (I think I still have one of their cards, although where it is might be a difficult question). I've gotten a few things there over the years, and always enjoy looking.
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Post by Shoesy on May 22, 2007 23:22:46 GMT -5
I've just noticed your reply, Becky. (I'm still trying to figure out this board.) I know very little about antiques, but since all my jewelry is more or less modern, I thought that one day I'd like to own something that's different. Of course my dream would be to own the Hope Diamond, but I don't think it's for sale.
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Post by GitteK on May 22, 2007 23:27:24 GMT -5
Shoesy - truffy sells antique jewellery !
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Post by Shoesy on May 22, 2007 23:30:08 GMT -5
I know, Gitte, but he doesn't own Hope.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on May 22, 2007 23:42:45 GMT -5
Gitte, no woman should buy diamonds -- they are meant to be received as gifts! I can't find the name of the shop. It was right off the street that runs along the Seine, on the left bank, upriver from bd St Michel (maybe rue Jacob, or a parallel street one side or the other from rue Jacob. The name is something like (or may actually be) Metamorphose (I think). I could find it in ten minutes if I were there, but can't place it well enough to give directions. If I come across something about it I will let you know, as they did have some fun pieces.
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Post by GitteK on May 23, 2007 3:24:25 GMT -5
shoesy - congrats with your sexy new french mani-/pedicure ! Big diamonds like the Hope are vulgar and nouveau riche ........ too much Paris Hilton or Lizzy Taylor or Arab oilsheik...... Understatement is the hallmark of true class, pedigree and old money. (Said she who owns 1 diamond the size of the head of a pinneedle - and owns absolutely NO old money whatsoever - MY money never gets old, I spend it as quickly as it comes into my bankaccount !! And I would fit into a snobby CountryClub as elegantly as I would fit into the final scene of the Swan Lake !!!)
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Post by Shoesy on May 23, 2007 5:05:27 GMT -5
How sweet of you to have the Bertillon cones as your daily avatar, Gitte ! I don't think of Hope as "nouveau riche"- she was owned by royalty at one time. BTW, she would look good on you because of your blue eyes. Come to think of it, I have blue eyes too!!! Becky - Thanks for the info. regarding the shop. Next time I'm in Paris I'll have to do some wandering to see what interesting shops I come across.
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Post by Truffaut on May 23, 2007 6:14:37 GMT -5
The best way to learn about antique jewelry is to study it carefully. There are many reproductions and the buyer must be careful when buying from unknown sources. Handling it is best, but looking is better than nothing. Visit our site at www.KensingtonHouseAntiques.com to see a few hundred authentic pieces. There are a number of antique jewelry sources in Paris--most of them rather expensive. The best concentration of pieces is at Louvre des Antiquaires just across rue de Rivoli from the Louvre. There is a small handful at le Village Suisse and others scattered around town. St-Ouen and Vanves markets also have some dealers.
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Post by holger on May 23, 2007 6:40:28 GMT -5
I went to the Louvre des Antiquaries (sp?) last June and spent hours looking which was all I could afford to do. It is a great opportunity to see spme wonderful pieces and to learn a lot. There is some furniture and other objects as well. Some of the dealers do display better than others. Will likely go back to vist again this year but with the weak dollar, will buy in the States, if at all. If you haven't visited Truffaut's site, you really should. He has some great pieces there.
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Post by Shoesy on May 23, 2007 9:07:35 GMT -5
I just looked at Truffaut's site, and I really like that ruby ring that comes up in the beginning. I think it would match the pendant I plan to wear to my daughter's wedding.
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Post by sistereurope on May 23, 2007 9:32:11 GMT -5
I just spent WAY too much time looking at Truffaut's site! Really great, interesting stuff. Cool jewelry...and I love vintage bar ware (no, I'm NOT a lush, Happygoin, really!!! ;D )
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on May 23, 2007 10:09:30 GMT -5
All I can say is, thank god Truffaut's collection is on the other side of the country! Those are lovely pieces and I could really hurt myself if they were right in front of me!
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Post by trechic on May 28, 2007 8:17:56 GMT -5
Very nice, Truffaut!! I like the BB&B silver compote! There was also a bracelet I liked very much! Hmmm...my birthday is coming up soon!!
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