The Original Miami Beach Antique Show 2015

Since my first trip back in 2012 until now, the world of antique jewelry has evolved so much and so have my tastes, along with the goals of each trip.  Last year was the only year I did not attend, so I was even more excited to go since my Miami hiatus was finally starting to get to me!  This was the first time we decided to stand in the infamous long line before opening day, as we felt like two bargain hunters on the eve of Black Friday. If I could guess, I think this year boasted record-breaking numbers in terms of attendance. As most every year, the Original Miami Beach Antique Show stretched across Halls C & D, as well as a bonus room with even more sparkly things in the “Flamingo Room.”  If you have never been, it truly is hard to fathom how large of a show this is…what may help would be to glance at this Floor Map of the show. It is quite easy to get caught up in the rows upon rows of antiques and get this glazed look usually only seen on teenage boys playing video games all day. We hit the first day hard by standing in line for 45 minutes pre-show opening time and leaving around 7! It may be an understatement to say that we were tired! Looking back though, I think it is the best way to do it and to take advantage of this once a year show. Also as I look back, I am craving those personal pan pizzas that they sell at their consession stands so badly–those are some good pizzas! Our nightly routine consisted of eating dinner and looking at all the jewelry we bought and then sleep!  Day two went about the same as day one, with looking in the morning with fresh eyes only to realize you should have left the day before way earlier to avoid the zombie-buying episodes. Once you pass five hours of being at the show nonstop, you start buying things you normally wouldn’t buy or skip booths that shouldn’t be skipped. It’s ok, it happens to the best of us.  

Some highlights of the trip were meeting OakGem, one half of MetierSF, the women of Rago Auction house roaming the aisles of the show, also meeting The Three Graces, and a few random people that passed me by and were like, “Hey you’re that Gem Gossip girl!”  Enjoyed seeing old friends like Craig Evan Small, Jacob’s Antique & Estate Jewelry, my friends at Excalibur Jewelry, Jewels du Jour, and meeting up with Sunny S. Bond. Of course, I always miss out on connecting with people that I’ve been meaning to, but you can always reach out via email!  

Jewelry highlights of the trip, I tried getting pictures of things that really stood out to me, shown above. I loved Sue Brown’s eclectic taste and it was awesome seeing her inventory in person rather than the smaller selection online. One ring that I fell in love with online was the three colored sapphire ring pictured above–set with the most luscious yellow, pink and blue sapphires.  Such a cool design too!  DK Bressler had some incredible pieces as well–things that deserved to be photographed for an exhibit or basically my dream jewels all in one place! Every ring I tried on there was tiny and could fit my little fingers by the way…so I was like, is this real life?

Every year I try to bring home one ring for my personal collection, which has been tradition (except for my first trip ever, I left empty-handed–which looking back, is just as devastating today as it was back then). This year I brought home an early 1900s star sapphire ring set with single cut diamonds and black enamel from OakGem. It fits right in with my other elongated, geometric rings which have been my ultimate favorites from my collection.  Thanks OakGem!

As always, the trip was too short with not enough sunshine…and as per usual, the bathing suit was an unnecessary suitcase addition.  Can’t wait until next year!!