Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes from Andrea of @LaPlusCharmanteShop – I’ve followed her for awhile now and actually got to meet her in person when she did the vintage show that comes to Nashville every February. Her pieces that she was selling at the show were immaculate and SO unique, so I can’t imagine what her personal collection looks like. That’s when I realized she’d be perfect to feature here. Let’s sit back and intently admire Andrea’s collection and listen to her story:
“I’ve loved jewelry my entire life. My mom is passionate about Native American rights and sold jewelry by Native American makers when I was growing up. My dad collects gemstones. As long as I can remember, I have had a jewelry box and loved gemstones and jewelry.”
“Some motifs I collect: Lover’s Eyes. Hands. French baby brooches that were given to children to protect them from evil…and also to fasten their bibs.
I look for fine details, materials, and craftsmanship most of all. Things that couldn’t or wouldn’t be produced now because they’d be prohibitively expensive to make.”
“Jewelry is beautiful. It is meaningful. It is history you can hold in your hand and wear. My favorite place to treasure hunt is Paris! Astounding variety, knowledgeable dealers. Plus, in the rare event you don’t find anything you like…you’re in Paris.”
“Almost all of the pieces in my collection have an interesting story behind them. Antique jewelry and the stories around it help me feel connected to previous generations in a way that other forms of art don’t. That’s why my tagline on IG is “finding new guardians for old treasures.””
“Storage is my bête noire. I have changed it up throughout the years and now keep most of my collection at the bank. I have a small amount of “every day” jewelry in an elegant jewel box at home — an engagement present from some of my best girlfriends. Whenever I look at it, it reminds me of how much I love them.”
“My most sentimental piece – an antique signet ring with a hand-carved hardstone intaglio that says “Forget Me Not” in German script. The condition is perfect. And the ring itself is so unusual.
It appealed to me because I worked for a German company – Bertelsmann – at the beginning of my career. Whenever I wear it, I get major happy nostalgia for my 20s!
My every day wear: my wedding set. I never take it off. I even wore it surfing! Don’t worry – I had the prongs checked before I got in the water 😃”
