#Jewelry #Collection #Stories #Part #Heather #SpeakeasyJewels #Gem #Gossip #Jewelry #Blog
At this point, you know Heather for her engaging Instagram Stories. You never know what hot taboo topic she will discuss next – always there to protect buyers, often calling out phony sellers or reproduction scandals, all while making us laugh along the way. I had the privilege to interview her years ago and feature her collection story – which you can read here. This is a somewhat updated version, as in a few years old, but accurate enough! Take it away Heather:
How long have you been collecting?
I’ve been collecting fine antique and vintage for the past 10ish years, but my love for jewelry goes as far back as I can remember. I was (still am) into Native American sterling silver turquoise and had a short bakelite phase too. I think many of us were those kids collecting rocks, right? Now I’m wondering what happened to my toy rock tumbler…
Describe some of your favorite antique motifs that you collect.
Sometimes I feel like a dog who spotted a squirrel! Constantly changing direction and going down a new jewelry rabbit hole. I don’t tend to collect one motif. I love figural (swallows, owls and snakes), celestial and hearts(I’m finally out of my heart jewelry hating phase). Also, this isn’t exactly a motif per say, but if a piece has an inscription I’m sold! Give me all the antique wedding bands with inscriptions (just kidding,but no seriously do you have any?! haha)
Where do you like to find antique jewelry?
There are a few shops and antique malls I love to visit throughout Western New York, but since becoming a mom finding the time to go is trickier so I’m thankful there are many online places to search through. I’ll forever miss the EBay of yesteryear, but there are still some amazing treasures to be found on there and I really love buying from fellow Instagram collectors.
Do you have any pieces that have an interesting story behind it?
Not really, but probably?? I always think about the story behind my pieces that are inscribed with names. I have a vintage Cartier gold band inscribed “Tom Loves Betty ‘53”and wonder what happened to Tom and Betty? Did Tom always love Betty? Did Betty love Tom back? Maybe it was the wild, amazing, one year Fling of ‘53.
Tell me about your jewelry storage:
Ummmmmmmmm…..it’s appalling. Haha that seems drastic, I’m not storing it in a garbage bag or anything (but I support anyone out there who is because we sad storage types need to stick together) I’ve had to keep things out of the reach of my oldest babe who was a rock climber since birth, but I really need to invest in some better storage. I’ve been thinking about a Trove box because they look beautiful and functional.
You can follow Heather over on Instagram –> @Speakeasyjewels
