One of the key perks of working on the U.S. Antique Show team is that we get to be surrounded by beautiful things. While ogling our dealer’s cases and stands is just a fraction of what we do all year, everyone on the team feels rewarded when we finally get on show site and we get to wander the aisles of our shows and see items sourced from across the globe. Though there are, admittedly, varying levels of knowledge among the team, as you can see from this Holiday Wish List we’ve compiled, there is no shortage of taste and style! From barware for entertaining to a girl’s best friend, this aspirational wish list is illustrative of the unique lifestyles, style sensibilities and personalities of this dedicated team. Just in time for the holidays, each member of the team was tasked with selecting just one item from one of our renown dealers and explain why it would be a dream to receive.
Emma Pastore, Marketing Manager:
This year I’m begging Santa to bring me the Bulgari Diamond Serpenti Gold Necklace! Let me be corny for second, diamonds are a girl’s best friend – 75.50 carats to be exact! When I tried this necklace on at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, I was absolutely mesmerized by its brilliance. I love that this piece is a symbol of timeless elegance and stands not only as a piece of jewelry but as a work of art.
Images courtesy of Eileen Kirkwood
Genevra Rao, Operations Director:
I love antique jewelry, I love the beauty of its craftsmanship, the history it conveys, and I love finding unique ways to pair antique jewelry with contemporary pieces. My current jewelry box is a mix of old and new, heirlooms, gifts and self-purchases, it all has a story. I’m putting this ring from Eileen Kirkwood on my wish list because it is a unique statement piece that is beautifully crafted. And with the holidays coming up, of course I’m thinking that this piece would perfectly complement any holiday outfit.
Maliah Vivanco, Operations Manager:
I love the elegant feeling of vintage lockets, they always give off a warmer, well-loved vibe that you just don’t see in contemporary lockets. Maybe it’s that I can imagine the stories they hold, the people who have loved them before. As a new mom, I can’t think of a better gift than being able to wear my family close to my heart, to give new stories to a piece that I can then pass down to my 6 month old daughter, Sofia, when she’s older.
Andrea Canady, Senior Account Manager:
I love entertaining and I have so much fun finding special pieces to add to my bar and wine collection. I have long been an admirer of Georg Jensen Silver and I was thrilled to discover this lovely, crystal decanter from Greg Pepin Silver. I’m putting it at the top of my wish list!
Erin O’Donnell, Vice President, Marketing:
I have always loved serpent jewelry, and I feel like every piece of serpent jewelry that I have collected over the years has been leading me up to this Bulgari Serpenti watch! And while, at first glance, it may not seem it, it’s actually incredibly practical. It’s both jewelry and a watch so I’d consider it a bargain! In all seriousness, I would wear this all day every day, it would work perfectly with my existing wardrobe and would look fabulous with anything.
Katie Day, Account Executive:
These ruby and diamond earrings, circa 1920, put me in a festive mood! They’d be the perfect, elegant touch to any fancy holiday event so I’m putting them at the top of my holiday wish list. They’re so beautifully made and have such unique details, in particular I love the milgrain bezel set diamonds and the rubies add a subtle flash of color that make them really special.
Michelle Orman, Press & Communications:
I am in love with this Conch pearl with amethyst and peridot ring by Rene Boivin. When I saw it at Pat Saling’s booth at the Original Miami Beach Antique Show last year, I think I might have passed out! The Conch pearl is really rare and special, and while you can’t see it in this shot, it is adorned with both amethyst and peridot pave. I love the bold, unexpected color combination of one of my favorite gemstones (amethyst) with my birthstone (peridot) pared with this exquisite pastel-hued pearl. Talk about a showstopper!
Laura Marsden-Kish, Creative Director:
I love the timeless beauty and elegance of this Cartier Etincelle diamond pave bracelet; it has a classic simplicity that will never go out of style. While it’s understated enough that you could wear it with almost anything, it’s also so intricately detailed. The quality of its craftsmanship is impeccable, I can see myself wearing this forever and then passing it down to my child!
London Klauer, Operations Coordinator:
I love baroque pearls in general, I’m really drawn to big, bold shapes. In this particular David Webb piece, I love how the diamonds perfectly frame the pearl’s unique shape and enhance its beauty. I also find the juxtaposition of the icy white pearl with the warm, chunky gold chain absolutely captivating.
Daniella Engelbert, Social Media Manager:
As a proud Colombian, I am always drawn to emeralds, and this Victorian engagement ring is no exception. I love the glowy green of the emerald, the rose-cut diamond accents and the overall shape of the piece. I also think that jewelry from the Victorian period is so romantic, which makes this perfect for an engagement ring. While I’m already married, I would love to wear this on my right hand. Fingers crossed that Santa reads this wish list!
Gannon Brousseau, Executive Vice President, Luxury:
What’s not to love about this classic bag from Hermès? For a frequent traveler like myself, this bag really checks all the boxes and this vintage example from Mantiques Modern here in NYC hits all the right notes- it’s the right size the right color and has the perfect patina. Yes please.