Oct
28
Filed Under Education | Comments Off
Peter Green asked:
Knowledgeable antique dealers are frequently asked “How did you learn all the things you know about antiques?” The simple answer given by most is, “Many, many years of experience and constant never-ending study, study, study.”
During the 1960s antiques began to emerge from the part-time, side-door curio shop, to a more mainstream full-time business, incorporating dealers, pickers, and some franchised stores.
Today antiques represent a multi-billion dollar industry supported by a variety of enterprises from the small one-owner shop to the largest metropolitan auction homes, including the latest marketing concept - the online antique mall.
Today’s collector finds himself with more leisure time to search for, and more “spendable” income to pay for, antiques and collectibles. This combination of more time and extra money naturally makes the collector want to know more about either his particular field of interest or, as is the case with most antique enthusiasts, more about antiques in general.
Far-sighted entrepreneurs are never far behind when a need arises, and the desire for more knowledge about antiques and collectibles was no exception. Some 35 years ago correspondence courses began to appear, and offered for those fostering the dream of one day being a part of the antique marketplace, an opportunity to study antiques in a proper comprehensive manner.
As with any other area of correspondence study, one must be self-disciplined enough to follow through and complete the prescribed home study in a timely manner for it to be effective.
And, like all education, the information and knowledge gained must be applied in the “real world” and used on a regular basis. To read about Georgian furniture for example but never to go to a museum or other exhibit and personally examine the exquisite craftsmanship cannot possibly make one an expert on the subject.
Today’s business world actually offers many opportunities undreamed of a generation ago. Not only well-paid jobs with long-established firms, but also interesting professions away from the normal routine, and antiques is one of those professions.
For those wishing to pursue home-study training in antiques for either professional or personal use there are courses available from various sources. Individuals considering the
possibility of home-study should investigate the material offered by the company and satisfy themselves that it will meet their needs.
One such company offering a complete and thorough home-study training program in antiques is the Asheford Institute of Antiques. For a free information package concerning their course, you can write to them at 131 Bloor St. W., Suite 200, Dept. 124, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1RS, or if you wish to write them in the U.S. they can be reached at 981 Harbor Blvd. Ste. 3, Dept. 275, Destin, Florida 32541. (Tel. 877 444-4508) www.asheford.com
I have included with this article a condensed outline of subjects covered in the Asheford Institute of Antiques course. Some of the titles include:
Furniture Periods, Types of Classical Styles, Care and Restoration of Antiques, Tools and Materials, Finishing Materials, How the Antique Business Works, Houses and Restorations, Victorian Furniture and Early American Furniture, History of Styles, How to Sell Antiques, Rough and Smooth Styles, Pricing, Catalogues, Consignment Pricing, Hardware, How to Remove Old Paint and Varnish, Decorating with Stencils, Repairing Springs and Recovering Furniture, Curtain Styles and Fabrics, Rugs and Wallpapers, How to Create New Finishes (this is only a very partial list).
I think it is worth mentioning in closing that upon the successful completion of the training program the student is awarded a diploma and a full certification in professional appraising. So, if you have the necessary interest and time, it might be worth a try.
See you next week.
NELSON
Knowledgeable antique dealers are frequently asked “How did you learn all the things you know about antiques?” The simple answer given by most is, “Many, many years of experience and constant never-ending study, study, study.”
During the 1960s antiques began to emerge from the part-time, side-door curio shop, to a more mainstream full-time business, incorporating dealers, pickers, and some franchised stores.
Today antiques represent a multi-billion dollar industry supported by a variety of enterprises from the small one-owner shop to the largest metropolitan auction homes, including the latest marketing concept - the online antique mall.
Today’s collector finds himself with more leisure time to search for, and more “spendable” income to pay for, antiques and collectibles. This combination of more time and extra money naturally makes the collector want to know more about either his particular field of interest or, as is the case with most antique enthusiasts, more about antiques in general.
Far-sighted entrepreneurs are never far behind when a need arises, and the desire for more knowledge about antiques and collectibles was no exception. Some 35 years ago correspondence courses began to appear, and offered for those fostering the dream of one day being a part of the antique marketplace, an opportunity to study antiques in a proper comprehensive manner.
As with any other area of correspondence study, one must be self-disciplined enough to follow through and complete the prescribed home study in a timely manner for it to be effective.
And, like all education, the information and knowledge gained must be applied in the “real world” and used on a regular basis. To read about Georgian furniture for example but never to go to a museum or other exhibit and personally examine the exquisite craftsmanship cannot possibly make one an expert on the subject.
Today’s business world actually offers many opportunities undreamed of a generation ago. Not only well-paid jobs with long-established firms, but also interesting professions away from the normal routine, and antiques is one of those professions.
For those wishing to pursue home-study training in antiques for either professional or personal use there are courses available from various sources. Individuals considering the
possibility of home-study should investigate the material offered by the company and satisfy themselves that it will meet their needs.
One such company offering a complete and thorough home-study training program in antiques is the Asheford Institute of Antiques. For a free information package concerning their course, you can write to them at 131 Bloor St. W., Suite 200, Dept. 124, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1RS, or if you wish to write them in the U.S. they can be reached at 981 Harbor Blvd. Ste. 3, Dept. 275, Destin, Florida 32541. (Tel. 877 444-4508) www.asheford.com
I have included with this article a condensed outline of subjects covered in the Asheford Institute of Antiques course. Some of the titles include:
Furniture Periods, Types of Classical Styles, Care and Restoration of Antiques, Tools and Materials, Finishing Materials, How the Antique Business Works, Houses and Restorations, Victorian Furniture and Early American Furniture, History of Styles, How to Sell Antiques, Rough and Smooth Styles, Pricing, Catalogues, Consignment Pricing, Hardware, How to Remove Old Paint and Varnish, Decorating with Stencils, Repairing Springs and Recovering Furniture, Curtain Styles and Fabrics, Rugs and Wallpapers, How to Create New Finishes (this is only a very partial list).
I think it is worth mentioning in closing that upon the successful completion of the training program the student is awarded a diploma and a full certification in professional appraising. So, if you have the necessary interest and time, it might be worth a try.
See you next week.
NELSON
Feb
22
Mithun Rao asked:
a large difference between the overall affect that an antique cut diamond has as compared to the brilliance of modern cut diamonds. While antique cut diamonds exude a certain subtle panache, the modern cuts provide a brilliance that is unparalleled in its own intense way.
Many jewelry designers have been attracted by the subtlety of the antique cut and have adopted it in their jewelry designs to enhance the overall look of the setting. Another aspect that makes the antique cut so appealing and mesmerizing is the fact that each antique cut diamond looks different and reflects the shape of the rough diamond. The subtlety of the piece also ensures that the attention of the onlooker is directed towards the overall design and setting and not only on the glittering diamonds.
The antique diamond cuts that are being patronized these days are
Briolette - The round teardrop shape finds use in earrings and necklaces and other designs of jewelry where a dangling piece can enhance the look. A simple diamond drop can add to the look of earring piece and multiple such pieces are fit to adorn the neck of a princess. The briolette has triangular facets and no girdle. The size that they are most popular in is between 0.50 carats to 1.00 carats.
Rose - The rose antique cut has a flat base and a triangular facet that makes a peak. The flat base can have a round, triangular or pear shape and therefore lends itself to being used in various kinds of settings and designs. This antique cut was the most popular prior to the discovery and development of the round one. Most rose cuts are available in the range of 3mm to 6mm.
Bead - This completely faceted diamond is like a bead, as the name suggest. It can be drilled longitudinally through the center to be used in a string. A string of diamond beads like a pearl string can make many heads turn. These diamond beads are also a favorite among the designers when they want to space pearl necklaces and other jewels. The average range of diamond beads found in the market range from 2mm to 4mm.
Rondelle - Rondelle is a diamond disk and has faceted edges. Due to the nature of the cut, it is generally cut from rough diamonds that are extremely flat to begin with. These are mostly used as spacers between colored stones, jewels, gold beads or pearls. The range that the rondelle is found in is larger and these flattened disks come in the range of 2mm to 6mm.
Among these antique cuts, the round brilliant is considered the most superior. The nature of the cut allows for a higher and more efficient light return. Though modern designers consider brilliance and light return efficiency as important, they lay a far higher emphasis on design layout, setting and the sculptural artwork. The emphasis on these elements makes the antique cut diamond a more attractive option.
Given the high demand for antique cut diamonds, these started to be produced in bulk. The orchestrated unevenness in shape and design is not appreciated by many designers since it is against the ethos of antique cuts. But the benefits of using these antique cut diamonds far outweigh the negatives associated with mass production. The fact that the antique cuts are subtle, bring out the best in the setting and design and draw attention to the shape of the face up are reasons enough for the jewelry designers to choose antique cut diamonds over regular ones. And with the ever increasing demand for designer jewelry, antique cut diamonds are set to take the industry with their grace, elegance and panache.
JUSTIN
a large difference between the overall affect that an antique cut diamond has as compared to the brilliance of modern cut diamonds. While antique cut diamonds exude a certain subtle panache, the modern cuts provide a brilliance that is unparalleled in its own intense way.
Many jewelry designers have been attracted by the subtlety of the antique cut and have adopted it in their jewelry designs to enhance the overall look of the setting. Another aspect that makes the antique cut so appealing and mesmerizing is the fact that each antique cut diamond looks different and reflects the shape of the rough diamond. The subtlety of the piece also ensures that the attention of the onlooker is directed towards the overall design and setting and not only on the glittering diamonds.
The antique diamond cuts that are being patronized these days are
Briolette - The round teardrop shape finds use in earrings and necklaces and other designs of jewelry where a dangling piece can enhance the look. A simple diamond drop can add to the look of earring piece and multiple such pieces are fit to adorn the neck of a princess. The briolette has triangular facets and no girdle. The size that they are most popular in is between 0.50 carats to 1.00 carats.
Rose - The rose antique cut has a flat base and a triangular facet that makes a peak. The flat base can have a round, triangular or pear shape and therefore lends itself to being used in various kinds of settings and designs. This antique cut was the most popular prior to the discovery and development of the round one. Most rose cuts are available in the range of 3mm to 6mm.
Bead - This completely faceted diamond is like a bead, as the name suggest. It can be drilled longitudinally through the center to be used in a string. A string of diamond beads like a pearl string can make many heads turn. These diamond beads are also a favorite among the designers when they want to space pearl necklaces and other jewels. The average range of diamond beads found in the market range from 2mm to 4mm.
Rondelle - Rondelle is a diamond disk and has faceted edges. Due to the nature of the cut, it is generally cut from rough diamonds that are extremely flat to begin with. These are mostly used as spacers between colored stones, jewels, gold beads or pearls. The range that the rondelle is found in is larger and these flattened disks come in the range of 2mm to 6mm.
Among these antique cuts, the round brilliant is considered the most superior. The nature of the cut allows for a higher and more efficient light return. Though modern designers consider brilliance and light return efficiency as important, they lay a far higher emphasis on design layout, setting and the sculptural artwork. The emphasis on these elements makes the antique cut diamond a more attractive option.
Given the high demand for antique cut diamonds, these started to be produced in bulk. The orchestrated unevenness in shape and design is not appreciated by many designers since it is against the ethos of antique cuts. But the benefits of using these antique cut diamonds far outweigh the negatives associated with mass production. The fact that the antique cuts are subtle, bring out the best in the setting and design and draw attention to the shape of the face up are reasons enough for the jewelry designers to choose antique cut diamonds over regular ones. And with the ever increasing demand for designer jewelry, antique cut diamonds are set to take the industry with their grace, elegance and panache.
JUSTIN