vintage jewelry and fine jewelry

My Plan of Attack

I start on Thursday and look through the classified ads and emails I have received from autioneers. If their are previews of the sale online I check them out. Sometimes there is a phone number so I call and ask about any vintage jewelry that may be available.

If I am lucky I may get a few good prospects in the same area. I live on the Outer Banks of North Carolina; a beautiful place that I love, but it is at the ends of the earth, so I usually have to travel at least two hours to get to an estate sale.

On Friday I map out my plan, print out directions to where I am going. I gather my supplies: bubble wrap, jewelers loupe, cash, checks, credit cards, a sturdy box, drinks and snacks, my map and a reference book or two.

The Big Day

I wake early before the sun is up, pack the car with my supplies and I am on the road.

I get to the sale early so I can preview any jewelry in person. If I find some good ” junk jewelry “, I scope out the competition, repeating to myself ” act casual ” while trying to keep the competition at bay with my infamous glare. Sorry but I need my fix.

Now I start holding individual pieces of jewelry in my hand and casually but carefully examining them. I find a beautiful vintage brooch in great condition and it is signed by one of my favorite designers. Beads of sweat break out on my upper lip; “STOP, never let them see you sweat.”

I wind up getting some beautiful jewelry at a fair price and I head home with my days haul.

Back Home

Back at home I spread out my new treasures, look at the beauty of them; the luster of the faux pearls, the sparkle of the rhinestones . . . I hold each and every brooch, necklace, pair of earrings and bracelet in my hand, feeling the weight of each piece of jewelry and the cold of the metal. I carefully examine each and every one, research some of them and wonder about the history of each treasure. Now I am at peace I have fed the addition, for a little while.

Now I can hardly wait to show off my new treasures, I can’t keep all of the jewelry. I have to decide which to keep and which to sell and share.

Until next time,

Sally

Evie Jewelry