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Discover Mid-America — February 2005

Antique spirits

Recently, I spotted an article in a magazine called Haunted Antiques. The article was mostly a “tongue-in-cheek” approach to the subject, but it certainly pulled my chain!

I have often been asked by my customers about the background information of the pieces of jewelry they are considering purchasing. I have also been told some pretty wild stories by people who are trying to sell jewelry to me. Jewelry is a very unique category of antiques in that it is almost always purchased for happy occasions, both originally and down through the ages. Good Vibes Galore! (However, I did sell a divorce ring once!)

I do have two regular customers who are acknowledged psychics. One in particular will describe to me who previously owned a piece of jewelry —what they looked like, hair color, how tall they were, etc. Once, I did know who had previously owned a piece of jewelry. The psychic was right on! He also told me not to sell a particular item in my shop, that it would protect me. I still have it!

Another psychic who visits often and buys well will immediately tell me how I'm feeling. Sometimes, I am not always consciously aware of those feelings at the moment. She chooses very carefully and often rejects a piece because it doesn't feel right.

I have often considered myself the ultimate skeptic, but there might just be an element of truth to all this. Could the previous owners of any antiques influence the future purchasers? Do antiques need to find a happy home? I think all dealers could very easily do a “profile” on our antique buyers.

Early on in my career, I purchased a diamond ring from a very reputable wholesaler. I decided to wear it awhile. While I was wearing that ring, no matter what I touched, said or felt, disaster followed. I finally took the ring off and set it aside.

In about a week, my wholesaler called me to tell me that the ring had been stolen and had been sold five times from the original thief to him. I was only too happy to sell it back to him.

Bad Spirits? Perhaps! Whether you consider the possibility of “antique spirits” or not, people in the antique business have to admit to being intrigued, historically curious and certainly entertained by what past is attached to an item.

Syrma Sotiriou is the proprietor of The Treasured Scarab in Denver, and a regular contributor to Discover Mid-America. Contact her at (303) 777-6884.

> Antiquing in Colorado Archive — past columns