For Vintage and Antique Jewellery Head North of the Angel to Newcastle Upon Tyne

Now, though not strictly a market post, I receive requests often for the best places to pick up antique and vintage jewellery in the UK. In answer,  I have already mentioned York, and again I'm driven (further) north for a fabulous selection of stores where a gem or two can be found.  Newcastle apart from being beautiful, friendly and easily accessible boasts some of the best selection and best prices I've found.

It is my first stop with birthday/christmas money, as being a magpie I like to add to my collection of sparkle at least twice a year.  On my last visit I discovered this gorgeous solid silver pear pendant, which yes, does prompt cries of 'nice pair' whenever worn (which I think is half the fun!) but is genuinely retro, expertly carved and was an absolute steel.  I spotted its twin at a London market for four times the price (Smug? Me? Never!).

The above store Newcastle Jewellery Co. is slightly off the beaten track at 36 Pilgrim Street. and has been suppling visitors and locals with a one stop shop since 1983 (nearly as old as me!). They stock a massive range of new jewellery for fantastic prices, but it is their second hand jewels I come to lust over.  Fantasy 8ct Diamond and Sapphire platinum cocktail rings, 24ct gold edged enamel bangles, and every conceivable variation of diamond cut wedding band you can imagine. A working jeweller, they can also alter things for you, usually on the same day, and do an amazing selection of vintage Omega, Rolex and Cartier watches, boxed, serviced and with papers. If you are getting engaged, married or celebrating your anniversary, head here and you will not be disapointed. 

While you are on Pilgrim street, take the next allyway west after the Newcastle Jewellery Co. heading south and stop in for lunch at Panis 61-65 High Bridge. Here you will find the best service, most interesting interior and possibly the best Lasagna in the whole of Tyne and Wear. Now. To walk of those wonderful carbs, head further down the ally to historic Grey Street beside the Theatre Royal (something to do later?) and cross over and continue down High Bridge Street.  This is the best of the independent, vintage stores and designer wear hidden just behind the infamous big market. Attica is always a celebrity favourite for high end vintage clothing and interior pieces and where half of my (enormous) hat collection comes from. Mine and Pete Dougherty's both apparently. There are tons of interesting places to be found down here, alongside one of Newcastle's many independent record shops RPM.

The next place I advise you to visit in your search for jewels is John Lewis. Not what you would expect?  No, it never was for me either. The old (familiar to me) Bainbridge store in Eldon Square, has quite the jewellery selection, (all credit to the buyer) and has been revamped to suit.

I once spotted my dream engagement ring here, never bought it of course. Who buys their own Art Nouveau, 6ct Emerald cut Aquamarine and Baguette Cut diamond platinum ring? Well I wish I had. Even if it meant tempting fate, because it was gone an hour later, and I have still never quite gotten over its' loss.

Gold victorian charms for your clasic style bracelet (or on a chain as a one-off pendant) sit beside gorgeous christening gifts, edwardian garnet and seed pearl brooches and diamond studded tie pins for the gent who has everything. Believe me, it sounds unlikely , but not the case.Have a good look in lovely surroundings!

Once you have left here, head further north up to 142 Nortumberland Street to The Antique Centre (just opposite Sgt. Pepper's). This houses numerous dealers spread accross the 2nd floor such as Time Antiques  who specialise in Art Nouveau and Art Deco. This is the best spot for antique silver gems in my oppinion, and a good few hours can be whiled away inside.  Be warned though you will come away with more than you bargained for, I went in for a silver charm and came out with a rose gold watch! You never see just one thing (or at least I never do!). 

While in town visit the Laing Art Gallery,  have a walk around Blackfriars, China Town and the old City walls (and call in at The Bodega - my favourite City Centre pub), and as you have started do a Real Ale Trail around Ouseburn (my second home) and catch a sensational array of beer, cider and live music along the way.   Stroll along the Sunday Quayside Market for hand printed T-shirts and cards, check in at the Baltic and The Sage (technically Gateshead before you comment!) and head to El Torero for the best Tapas in town. A weekend will never quite be enough in Newcastle, and this post can only cover the smallest amount, but thats ok, because you will be back. So will I. Again and again and again.

Cyprus. Sun, Sea, Churches, Cliffs, Brandy & Bargains

Cape Greco - outside Agia Napa, Cyprus

Just a quick little post as I am off on my travels again, but I'm just back from Cyprus. It's always lovely - especially when this March I got very lucky with the weather (there, but also missing yet another week of snow at home).  

 

An expats haven with the weather, coastine and cuisine we can only dream of, I love a trip to sample the local halloumi, brandy sours and ouzo cocktails, and just a little bit of market shopping thrown in. The Funfair Market (so called as the name suggests as there are fairground rides to be hads for the kids!) is just outside Larnaca, and wont take up too much sunbathing time as it has yet to get too busy. The variety ranges from hand knitted jewellery, cake pops, fabric and books, to mohair jumpers, vintage dresses and shabby chic cake stands! 

Situated by salt flat lakes teaming with birds, its a lovely place to stop for half an hour, and boy is it cheap.

A 1970's dress and a ream beautiful Liberty fabric for less than £10 its well worth a quick stop en route to Nicosia. Aforementioned cakepops are 4 for 90p!

Many of the sellers are English, so you will find great holiday reading as well as UK food brands alongside the handmade, vintage and shabby chic Greek offerings 

There are some fantastic carboots, food and flea markets dotted accross the Greek part of the island, click here for the best listing site I've found to organise your visits around the days you will be there.

Lace and pottery, mosaic and turqoise jewellery are the staple finds and are the best bargains to bring home from your travels.

Enjoy! The weather, fabulous views, friendly people and your many many fabulous finds! Look out for my next post very soon!

Larnaca Marina

La Deuxième Partie - Parisian Skys and Markets

Bienvenu! I hope the previous part to this blog post gave you an idea of why Paris is worth a visit. Not only does it have stunning architecture, breathtaking views, a dramatic history and fabulous food, but it is a creative hub for fashion, design, art, writing (novels, poems and songs), and performance. So with all of that happening arround you, I always advocate a list. To concentrate your attention, when you don't want it to be diverted of course!

This most recent trip was pleasure as well as work (which is always a pleasure of course). A gig at Café de la Danse, (what a venue might I add! Nowhere is too far for Conor Oberst) a museum or two and of course far too much pastry, cheese and wine, were sandwiched between market visits!  To add to my collection is always a great bonus, and boy did I add this time around! 

A Sunday in Paris my favourite haunt (and possibly my favourite Parisian market) is marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves.  A circuit (almost) of temporary stalls stretching (depending on the weather) along a residential street on blankets, barrows and tables. Here you will find genuine antiques and beautiful vintage items, from Lalique and Baccarat, to bottles and bottles of vintage dusty wine, the glasses to match and designer french brands galore. Lancel, Hermes, Chanel, and YSL to name but a few.  Curios such as walking sticks, Photos of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin (why oh why didn't I buy all of them), old wool bobbins stamped with french place names and a fab selection of vintage and antique jewellery.

Some of you may remember from my previous posts a fantastic West German Mondernist Candlestick in Orange (the colour of the glorious future!) I picked up in Berlin . Well didn't I just go and find a French sister piece, a jug in the identical glaze! This is perfect as I never have a vase tall enough for Iris's and purple and orange sit so well together! It is so nice to pick up something unusual that is made wherever you are.

I also have a sneaking love of tat. Tourist tat. Those 'I heart London', magnets and giant pencils with Edinburgh Castle emblazoned all over. A thimble with a dubius moulding of Stone Henge or a spoon with the White Cliffs of Dover on the top. Totally useless - but kind of fabulous.

To satisfy my urge for such things - without turning the flat into a junk shop, I try to pick up brooches.

I have an early victorian tailors dummy in the bedroom, covered in lovely sparkly, antique, retro and vintage brooches from my travels. Some are added just simply because as a magpie I find it hard to pass up the allure of  Aurora Borealis crystal, or a seed pearl and turqoise (classic) combo. Others I buy because they are the tourist tat of the past and this sits much better with my arts and crafts sensibilities, than buying the new mass produced ones of today! I have pottery cloggs from Amsterdam, a black Bohemian Glass Charles Bridge mourning brooch from Prague, and many many more. This little Eiffel Tower brooch was picked up here  at Porte de Vanves on a previous trip, and the 50'S blue crystal one (bought this time) was meant for a friend to complete her wedding dress.

I'm so sorry Michelle, may be it could double as your 'borrowed' and your 'blue', but basically I need it back! A little bit of sparkle makes me smile, and it catches the light so beautifully that I cannot fail to be cheered by it. Many of them I will never wear, but does it matter? It is a sweet souvenir, a little piece of history, a great bedroom design piece and quite simply I love them. ALL of them. You can't have them, however big the occassion! They're MINE!

Paris in Winter, the Markets, the Food & the Sights. Une Part.

Those of you who have been to Paris, will know this view well. Where is your padlock? The Pont de l'Archevêché or the Pont des Arts? Did your love last? Mine did. I still love Paris.

This trip was a market session, however if my feet aren't too sore to walk, I always take in some sights. There are certain views it is impossible to tire of, the one from Sacré-Cœur and indeed of the basilica itself, underneath the centre of the Eiffel Tower, and the vista from Shakespear & Co towards the Notre Dame. 

For sightseers and magpies alike, winter is a great time to visit.  Queues for the Musée d'Orsay aside, it just isn't as busy and who wouldn't want more of this city to themselves?

Porte de Clignancourt or to use its' official title Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is at the end of line 4 on the Metro. It feels a way out, but it is worth it, I promise.  Saturday mornings, for me, before lunch as all the dealers start to open is the perfect time. I skip the new stalls with the blaring music (must be getting old!) trainers and t-shirts, and head straight down to The Flea's (Les Puces). Marché Vernaison, Marché Paul Bert, and Marché Dauphine will be everything you need - however every alley that veers off  Rue des Rosiers will have another market specialising in various things, and you cannot visit them all in one day. Save some for next time!

Some tiny, some large, most spill out and expand filling their pavements and creating a fantastic winding maze of goodies. From 60's kitchenalia, to Louis XVI polished cabinates, Agatha costume jewellery to silver powder compacts, glasses, art, toys, and clothes there is something everyone will want, but budget and your baggage allowance (unless you want to ship it of course) will be your constraint.   This is the perfect place to buy that 1980's limited edition Chanel 2.55 however it will cost you. Lots. To be honest, most things in Paris will cost you lots. But always ask for the best price, most dealers are quite flexible (within reason - this isn't Patpong and these items do have value) so set in your mind what you would pay for a thing like this at home, and stick to it. Unless it is a one of a kind, never to be seen again, irreplaceable desireable it is not worth it. Also the fact I have to haul it round all day, and home on the Eurostar (so much easier than flying) really is the best deterent!  It does however mean I buy lots of little things (because I can carry more of them!) and this is why it is my number one stop for vintage costume and antique jewellery, collectibles and handbag sized paraphanelia  in the French Capital.

 I also like to to grab European style fixtures such at Light Switches for rennovations at home, a great way to bring a touch of  Paris home (but always get a registerd electrician to make sure it will work for you). Thé, café and

sucre pots in mottled glazes are a great continental addition to any kitchen. Just make sure they are well wrapped - there is a shipping shop so you can buy extra bubble wrap which is handy.

A couple of the items I bought here this time, I will have to save for part two of this blog, as they were bought as gifts, and I would like to hand them over before divulging them so stay tuned!

Leave children, pets and men somewhere you can find them (watching football/eating & drinking/record searching - or all of the above), keep low denomination money in two purses (and secure out of site) it looks better when negotiating to only have so much in your purse, you wont get much of a reduction if vendors can see a wedge of Euros, and you can always play the 'but this is all I have left...' card!. Take a light, large waterproof bag to squash lots in ( my Longchamp Le Pliage is perfect) and wear the most comfortable shoes money can buy (worn in prior to the trip of course).Now, you will be ready for a cocktail or three.

 

Le Train Bleu at the Gare de Lyon is perfect Paris. From commuters on their way south, to people fine dining, you will get an extensive list of fabulous (costly) cocktails (worth every penny) and get to absorb the beautiful surroundings, guilding, frescos and antiques gallore. Gain inspiration here for the boudoir of your dreams (in that château in the Loire), which in fact is where you will be heading(not literally), and very soon. I defy anyone who trawls  Les Puces all day,  once relaxed over a couple of eye wateringly expensive and delectable cocktails, to be fit for anything other than a night of uninterrupted slumber. After all, it's Sunday tomorrow and there are more markets to discover!

York: A Vintage, Antique & Beer Lovers Paradise

Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate one of the smallest streets in York  I'll have you know. A City that boasts epithets such as this must be worth a visit right? Right.

Now, before you say, I know.  What I mention below are not technically 'markets' but as the defenition states (Market.Noun: A regular gathering of people for the purchase and sale of provisions, livestock, and other commodities) I think I can just about get away with it .

 

An antique lovers dream with fablous one-stop-shops for all your needs I always pay a visit to York Red House Antique Centre next to the Theatre Royal. 60 dealers housed over two floors. A gem of a place for paintings, silver,  vintage costume and accessories.  I got the perfect crystal and pearl beaded antique collar, edged it in silk ribbon (all by myself!) and created a gorgeous wearable evening tippet, which see's me through every posh evening event or wedding!

 After a good morning spent rummaging there, lunch is generally spent at stunning Yorkshire institution Betty's, the Art Deco ship inspired Belmont room, harks back to a more glamourous age, where taking tea (with all its accoutrements) really was the treat it should be. So, not only can you fill up, on dainty sandwiches, minature jewel coloured cakes and scones with Yorkshire clotted cream, but rest your weary feet and absorb inspiration for your next stop.

This, usually for me is the largest antique store in York, just a short stroll toward the Minster from Betty's. The Antique Centre York is spread over 3 floors and is jam packed with over 100 dealers housed in a Georgian Townhouse on the fabulous Roman Stonegate. This really is the store to come to with a specific item in mind, they will even source things for you, but this is THE place for Antique Jewellery.

1920's Diamond earrings (I've decided at after the Belmont room - these are a must), to a 1960's Lucite brooch, and Victorian mourning jewellery (we are not far from Whitby, the home of quality Jet)and a gorgeous edwardian gold garnet cross. I must warn you though - that it is impossible not to buy something here, I often have the best of intentions and a list of what I need, but I am weak.  This magpie in particular has to have someone a little bit less emotional in tow to rein her in!

Surprisingly, for such a fabulous  jeweller, they are also my first port of call in the U.K. for Door Accessories, similar to those sourced in Lisbon you will remember from my previous post. It is not always possible to fly to Portugal at short notice, and when my interior designers need something quickly, a quick zip up the A1 is necessary. The green glass versions in the picture were the perfect answer for a kitchen with neutral colours, indian slate floors and splash backs. The green really brought out the natural striations in the stone.  This is a great way of updating your kitchen, change the knobs and accessories - it's as easy as that!  If it's a new kitchen you are considering, neutral/ivory doors and natural stone are definately the way to go. You will be able to update it whenever the mood takes you and the colours incorporated in marble or slate will always give you inspiration - test new colour schemes  out with coloured tea towels for a week first!

Finally, as evening draws to a close, and after a mooch around Newgate Market, especially at Easter and Christmas time, I head over to my final stop. My ear's are adorned, my stomach full and check list ticked, so it is time to find me some clothes! The award winning Vintage Emporium York

has everything I could ever want. Tea dresses, 40's suits, shoes, parasols, and even a gladstone bag, to drag home all my wears! Men you are catered for too, Top Hats and Bowlers, waistcoats and cufflinks a fabulous hour spent here and 'byep' you'll be the most dapper Dandy in town.

If I'm staying, I love nothing more than a walk around the city walls as night falls, a pint or two in the Kings Arms on the river Ouse, you can even canoe there when it floods! Well,  it would be rude not to visit a Samuel Smiths or two, 'When in Yorkshire, do as ......'. Bottoms Up!