Ruby Lane's Past Times Newsletter for June 2003

Past Times
The monthly newsletter from Ruby Lane Antiques, Collectibles,
Fine Art, and Artisans
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Welcome to Past Times!

IN THIS ISSUE:
o June HOT SHOP: Welcome Barkus Farm!
o Micro Mosaic Jewelry by Lisa Stockhammer of The Three Graces
o Share Past Times with A Friend

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JUNE HOT SHOP: WELCOME BARKUS FARM!

Miriam Barkus of Barkus Farm specializes in a wide variety of
items from Europe, Asia, Africa and America. In her shop you'll
find figurines of porcelain and bone china as well as art glass
and crystal as part of her extensive collection of Cybis,
Ispanky and Boehm. Also included are very select pieces of
Lalique, Meissen, Limoge, Herend, Cordey, Hummel, Szolnay and
Goebel. She also offers varied pieces from Franklin Mint, as
well as German Shepherd collectibles of all types; wildlife
figurines; sculpture of various media; art treasures; carved
cameos; ivories; some semi-precious and precious stones; snuff
bottles; old watches; vintage jewelry; dolls; bells; plates; and
more.

Barkus Farm gladly accepts payment via PayPal using Visa,
Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, as well as Bank Wire, Personal Check
and Money Order.

We invite you to visit Barkus Farm.

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MICRO MOSAIC JEWELRY BY LISA STOCKHAMMER OF THE
THREE GRACES

The origins of micro mosaics date back centuries to Roman times
and portable mosaics began as early as Ceasar's reign. Micro
mosaics are made of heated glass that is pulled into small
strands and cut into tiny pieces called tesserae. Metal oxides
are added to the glass to achieve color. The tesserae are then
placed and glued to form an image, The mosaic is placed within a
surround of stone or glass and then placed in a frame. Micro
mosaics were either set in jewelry or occasionally framed as a
miniature painting would be. Even in the early 18th century,
micro mosaics were sold to visitors in Italy and the art form
reached great popularity in the mid to late 19th century. Micro
mosaic jewelry has today once again found favor and is highly
prized for its intricacy, charming depictions and delicacy of
work.

When collecting, inspect each piece carefully or ask detailed
questions. Use a loupe or good magnifying glass to see if any of
the tiles are missing. Also, be aware of gaps within tiles. The
vignette should be tight, clean and ideally have no tiles
missing. A few missing may be acceptable depending on price and
other factors. Also, check the immediate surround in which it is
placed. There should be no cracks visible as micro mosaics can
be delicate and any break in the integrity of the ground in
which it is placed can compromise the life of the mosaic. Most
mosaics are commonly set within brooches, but also can be found
as accents to bracelets, earrings, rings and pendants. Suites,
or parures, can also be a real find.

The value is determined by a number of factors. Condition of
course, as always is one of the most important factors. But the
size and delicacy of the work in a micro mosaic should be
considered. Many 20th century jewelry for tourists used
relatively large tiles and is quite crude compared to earlier
pieces. Some go from fine work, to extremely fine tesserae no
larger than a needle tip which resemble paintings. The shading,
variety of color, delicacy and rendering of a scene can be near
magic. Also, subject matter is important. Most common are
flowers, architectural scenes in Italy or Europe, or religious
themes. However, some contain bug images, animals, highly
realistic landscapes, birds, flowers, dogs, or other more
unusual subjects. These can command higher prices. Beginning
collectors can expect to pay several hundred dollars for a good
condition brooch with a more usual subject matter. For pieces
set of delicate gold work with unusual subjects, prices can
easily range over $1000 and higher, with suites of jewelry or
very fine work can go well upwards of $5000. But take heart,
there are many lovely pieces out there for under $1000 and less.
Pick up subject matter you like and have fun searching.

We invite you to visit Lisa at The Three Graces.