In an effort to do marketing for my favorite Antique Show that starts in May in Chicago, I took a 10 hour round trip from Detroit to Lansing to hit all of the Antiques Malls with flyers and cards for the upcoming spring events. In each shop I stopped to talk to those behind the counter and I heardquite a few interesting things and also observed some things in the shopsthemselves.

St. Patrick’s Day and spring always coincide closely, and have some common traits. Ireland, land of St. Patrick’s missionary work, is also known as the Emerald Isle, famed for its verdant greenery. And Green is the color of Spring.

Do you remember the song “The Great Pretender”? Well, that song title is apropos for Henry Bogoff! Henry’s years of experience in the European fine jewelry firms, using precious metals (gold, platinum and silver) and the highest quality gemstones (diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires) set the stage for him to make the finest costume jewelry that so closely resembled the real thing.

Glass Dog Figurine... just those three keywords that aren't going to have many buyers flocking to your listing. Although that simple description IS going to attract someone like me hoping to scoop up a bargain, it does not help to ensure that you, as a seller, are getting the attention of your target audience and, in the process, maximizing your potential return.

I have pondered that question from time to time. I see the things that we consider 'everyday' items and wonder if they have any future value as collectibles. I'm sure that our relatives not so long ago didn't think that the things they used, either everyday or for special occasions, would have any future value as collectibles, or that people would actually having bidding wars on those items at auction houses or online.

Isn't it just amazing how you suddenly discover a passion you never even knew you had? Money may be the bottom line in our business but you can't be in it in the first place unless you a have love, respect and understanding for these timeless treaures. Vintage sellers unconsciously see what others won't look at twice. It's in our blood and can't be helped. Why else would a Haskell, Sherman, Limoges or a Roseville jump out at us and sing when we had never even heard of their names?

Below are pictures of a Buddha statue I have in my possession. It belonged to my paternal Grandmother, was given to my parents, and has now come to me.

Thinking about this milestone brings back wonderful memories of receiving my very first Barbie. The titian bubble cut doll took on a persona of her own and kept me enthralled many a day.

This multifaceted crystal necklace was made by the R. F. Simmons Company. The same R. F. Simmons who made the gold pocket watch chains. These crystal beads are strung on a fine gold chain.

Have you heard about that lady in Dallas, Texas, who kept her hair teased up in a dense, old-fashioned hairdo? She had no idea there was a black widow spider nesting up in her hair…until, one day……
Ok, you may not have heard it was a lady in Dallas, but that this really did happen to a woman living in California or Florida - or just down the street. “Lady attacked by spiders living in her hair” is an ‘Urban Myth,’ a frightening tale of the hidden dangers of vanity regularly recounted to new listeners in each generation since at least the 1950’s.