Antique opal pendant in Bulgari fitted case...ring any bells?

[widget]

Hi, everybody....I know this is a REAL long shot...but I''m trying to figure out how to find the NYC dealer who was selling the above mentioned opal at an antique jewelry show in Miami Beach last weekend.

I saw it there, and was so blown away by the opal (about 10cts, freeform shape) that I forgot to take note of the dealer''s name. Actually I didn''t take note of it because I thought it was beyond my budget.

I''ve been obsessing about it ever since, and am now thinking I need to reassess my budget restrictions!

I somehow remember the dealers were from NYC...probably in the diamond district. I do remember them saying that they do NOT have a website. They seemed to carry mostly really high end estate stuff...many featuring fine gemstones. They had a big alexandrite ring, and very nice pad, and I believe a Kasmir saph, too...

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to find these guys....short of getting a phonebook and letting my fingers do the walking? Does anyone have names of dealers who might be likely to carry such merchandise?

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions...

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[Richard Sherwood]

Tough call, Widget. There's hundreds of those guys in Manhattan.

Were they Jewish? Indian? Gentiles?

Manning Opal was the first firm that came to my mind, but they specialize in opals. It sounds like these guys are more estate dealers than specialists.

Do you remember any names?

 

[Art Nouveau]

Does the Antique Show have a web site? Usually, if there is a one, there will be a link for exhibitors. Otherwise it''s going to be very difficult. I know of one high end estate jewelry dealer in NY, J. & S. S. De Young, but they are wholesale only and has no web site. Does the name ring a bell?

 

[valeria101]

Well, you know where the show was... Do you think the organizers (=management of the venue) may still have a list of the dealers who attended ?

 

[widget]

Thanks for your thoughts, everybody...

I guess I was hoping that the dealer, or perhaps someone who works for them was a PS lurker!

Richard: They were definitely Americans...probably Jewish...but that doesn't narrow it down much!

Valeria: I found an exhibitor list for the show...there were hundreds and hundreds of them! (including J&SS DeYoung, Art Nouveau) It is so ironic that I have zero recollection of their name. Durring the day I collected cards from quite a few dealers...but for some reason, not this one! I guess my brain turned to mush when I saw this particular piece.

Well, I have the list now, and a vague idea of their numerical booth "address"...so I can call a few if I can get their phone numbers...

Thanks again for your thoughts...
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[widget]

I thought I''d revive this to add the latest, and I guess, last development. I was browsing M.S. Rau Antiques'' website and almost fainted when I came across this piece. I swear, this HAS to be the same necklace....same weight/ shape opal, mounting. The only weird thing is is that if this is the same piece, they photographed the "ugly" side of the two-sided opal.

I immediately emailed and called them, and the salesman wasn''t very helpful...finally said it might be out for consideration, said he''d get back to me, and didn''t. I emailed him again, and I never heard back.

Does anyone know anything about MS Rau Antiques in New Orleans? I sort of get the impression that they do not actually own all of the pieces they show. This necklace was priced TWICE as much as the one I saw in Florida...and it wasn''t cheap there!

Here''s a pic:

 

[valeria101]

Date: 2/20/2005 2:28:1 PM
Author: widget

I was browsing M.S. Rau Antiques'' website and almost fainted when I came across this piece

I would have too! That''s one wonderful piece...

If this is sold by any chance, would you try to have something similar done ? Freeform carved opal is not unobtainable after all - even the very best.

 

[widget]

"Would you try to have anything similar done?"

...No...it was this particular opal that absolutely knocked me out...I''ve never even seen a photograph of one as beautiful! The flip side was all the colors of the rainbow...but mostly RED!!!!!!

As I mentioned before..it''s curious to me, if this is the same piece, (I think it has to be..) that they didn''t photograph the more spectacular side...

Sigh...I still dream about that stone!

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[widget]

Hi all...

Sorry to keep bumping this thread...but this piece still haunts me!

I just noticed that Rau is still carrying this piece, but now they have a picture of it "Pretty Side Up".

Had to share....can you believe this opal???

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[valeria101]

Date: 3/31/2005 10:51:10 AM
Author: widget


Had to share....can you believe this opal???

Sure

It is very beautiful, but not the only one of the bright & colorful kind.

 

[belle]

the colors in that stone are unbelievable!!

(my poor opals all look so ''blah'' now

)

 

[Art Nouveau]

Widget,

I am going to the antique show in Las Vegas next weekend. If I happen to see this lovely opal pendant, would you like me to get the dealer''s contact info?

 

[belle]

Date: 5/28/2005 3:37:36 AM
Author: Art Nouveau
Widget,

I am going to the antique show in Las Vegas next weekend. If I happen to see this lovely opal pendant, would you like me to get the dealer''s contact info?

this pendant is for you widget! i hope the dealer can be found.

 

[widget]

Thanks, AN! I PM''ed you earlier...I''d be thrilled if you found the vendor!

And Belle...wouldn''t be incredible if AN saw it? I obsessed about that pendant for months..

I''m away from home for a week or so, and won''t be checking in on PS as often as usual...but I will check in occasionally...

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[Kaleigh]

widget,
No wonder you are obsessed, that pendant is drop dead gorgeous. I hope you find the dealer. I adore opals and that is one beautiful opal!!! Good luck!!!

 

[belle]

Date: 5/28/2005 1:31:22 PM
Author: widget
Thanks, AN! I PM''ed you earlier...I''d be thrilled if you found the vendor!

And Belle...wouldn''t be incredible if AN saw it? I obsessed about that pendant for months..

I''m away from home for a week or so, and won''t be checking in on PS as often as usual...but I will check in occasionally...

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yes widget, if AN sees it, it is meant to be! i can''t wait to see what happens! that opal is truly amazing