Monday, January 21, 2019

More Secret Treasure Found

Oh yes, there's more...

The only thing that's missing from Antique Jewelry University, as dynamic as it is, are any mention of current values. That's where Lang Antiques (the mother ship) might be of interest. Here's a link or you can go directly from the Antique Jewelry University. High-end gorgeous pictures of gorgeous items for sale can be found on this simply elegant website. User-friendly and well-organized makes it a stress-free place to visit on the Internet. No pop-ups to ask for your e-mail, remind you to sign in or force you to buy/donate (same thing really). And no survey to take either. Take a peek. Looks like it's unanimous. This ostrich? pretty sure. Funny to me! And this doggy such a sweetie! Always Love Me Kitties! Picture number 2 is freaking me out. Funny? Yes or no, leave in a comment, please.


You really should take a peek. Wow! is all I'm saying. Just one more, Wow! I got inspired to create something on my own. There are many slide shows available to view for FREE.  Lang Antiques is an all-around class act. Need I say more.
*TECH TIP*
Use the arrows, top right of the page to view full screen for maximum entertainment of the slide shows. Would you rather read the book or go see the movie in a theater? You can toggle back and forth if your answer to the previous question was both.

*FYI*
The Antique Roadshow has a data base of every appraisal done on their show.  Just picking a category works but there's an option to narrow it down to specifics about your search.

This valuable resource is often overlooked. Magazines are packed with inspiration, websites, links, ideas, motivation, pictures, supply, opportunity, designers, fashion, trends and more like contests, letters, advice and more. 
It's not all about jewelry. There are a lot of jewelry posts and just about any other subject you can think of posts. with what could be the ONE. I can't  remember how exactly I found this site, other than my usual jumping from link to link like I do. I struck gold on this one and so will you. Bookmark it I got another one to tell you about.
Another great site with numerous categories. Lots of good advice, referrals, etc. .

Questions are asked and answered by the community. The layout is quick and easy to read. It has so much more depth of information than the menu implies. Dig in! Here's a link to the contests page. Win 50 bucks by submitting a tip, or answering a few questions Excellent resource for links that would not get discovered with a simple google search.

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An update to my sidebar link list is long over due, don't you agree? I will be returning to all of them, posting any worthwhile info I find. I want to know how to find them again.


Tag, your it.     Leave a comment letting me know your favorite site.  

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Secret Treasures Found!

The wealth of information I found at these websites can only be described as treasures.

There are some sites that I use frequently for research. The main focus is retail and I have completed many sales myself. Trusting in a description listed means you are trusting that the creator did proper research or already had the knowledge on that particular item. What's the chances they could be wrong, right? I am sure you've heard of these popular sites. If you are only using them to shop or sell, you're missing out on the useful knowledge they provide. I'll show you where the real treasures are located.


Morning Glory Antiques  What a stunning site! Structured for maximum efficiency. I must confess, the link will open with pictures of purses. So cool, right? But seriously, here is a kick butt (my words not theirs)  reference library link, home page. A professional style that demonstrates a committed love dedicated to jewelry.

Illusion Jewels Another good one to shop and Researching Costume Jewelry is a "widely recognized resource for jewelry history, designers and companies, jewelry marks/signatures, galleries and in depth articles. Renaissance Jewelry by Dorthea are modern creations of medieval times style of jewelry. This style is a personal favorite of mine.

*PLUS*
You won't have to dig too deep. You just hit the mother lode of "resource links.." Check it out!


EBay This site is still super popular. Use this site to help with values. Check the "completed listings" box located on the left side of the page to get a more accurate view of what items actually sold for. and when.
*INSIDER TIP*
Scroll all the way down to the bottom of just about any page on eBay. Click on "community." A treasure trove of information awaits your discovery.
and
Another area of eBay that might get overlooked is "buying guides." Some resident experts post detailed articles pertaining to their genre. The details shared are priceless.


*HOT TIP*
Search engines are not the only way to discover new sites to see. Look for a list of links on any website. Sometimes a great hook up will be included in the resource listing. A direct referral linked in a post is another way to venture out. Some folks swear by the links left in comments from readers.


Antique Jewelry University is a GREAT resource for learning all things jewelry. The website is super easy to navigate. Accurately described as a "dynamic online encyclopedia." A solid go-to for anyone responsible for writing descriptions of jewelry. You'll find in-depth articles too.. A gallery of fine examples awaits. An extensive list of jewelry designers throughout history. Helpful time lines note popular events to give a proper perspective. After one visit you will be convinced.

*FAST FACT*
Size does matter. At least when it comes to distinguishing whether you have a brooch or a pin. A measurement of  2" or less in the length, depth or width, classifies as a pin.



To be continued...