Becoming a Southern Belle

Free days from work are few and far between, and I have taken advantage of those that seem to suddenly come up by antiquing and treasure hunting.  Can’t forget about a favorite that has become easier, at least for me, to scoop up a deal: eBay!  I’ve been spending nights lately looking for steals in the Fine subcategory of Antique and Vintage Jewelry.  

I came across this ring sold by seller name: jgoldilox and was so surprised that I was the final bidder at the last moment (I always lose!)  What is interesting about  a few of her rings is that they actually used to be antique stick pins.  The seller has turned them into rings by carefully bending the stick portion into a ring.  So clever!  I am wearing the ring on my middle finger in the photo below. Be sure to check out her jewelry she sells, she is great!

As far as antiquing, I’ve narrowed down the top places to find the best antique jewelry in the Nashville area.  Yes, they are ranked in order, #1 being the best.   If you have any suggestions of other places around here, let me know!

1. Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry, 410 Main St., Franklin, TN 

2. Steve’s Pawn Shop  113 E. Side Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

3. Joseph & Company Estate Gold Jewelry featured at the Nashville flea market at the TN State Fairgrounds

4. Arbor Antique & Estate Jewelry, 202 S. Margin St., Franklin, TN

5. Lysbeth Antiques at the Factory in Franklin TN

6. Gas Lamp Antiques, 100 Powell Place, Nashville, TN

A Trip to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Flea Market

Summer is all about antiquing and checking out flea markets–but I was in over my head with the added summer heat. I checked out the flea market at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, in Nashville.  After enduring 95 degree haziness, lots of walking, lots of sweating, I spotted a beautiful antique brooch. The vendor was from Florida and had an amazing assortment of antique and vintage fine jewelry. Luckily his tables were extremely crowded, because when it was finally my turn to ask about the pin, he knocked $100 off of the pricetag!

My knowledge about jewelry led me to believe I got a really good deal, but to make sure I brought it to be thoroughly cleaned and checked out by a local antique jewelry shop. Turns out the brooch is circa 1890 and used to have a watch attached. It also has a folding bail that folds outward so a chain could be strung through, turning it into a necklace. Antique jewelry was often very versatile and came as 3-in-1, or 2-in-1.

A concern of mine before purchasing the brooch was the evident oxidizing of the gold. It almost looked dirty or tarnished. At first I was questioning the hallmark of 14k because I thought real gold never tarnishes. However, the antique jeweler informed me that because of its age, it had oxidized and most of it was removed after the brooch received a deep cleaning. If the brooch were 10k rather than 14k, the entire piece would have been blackened from oxidization.

Some interesting knowledge to pass on to my readers!