Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is traditionally a day for families and friends primarily in the United States and Canada to get together for a special meal. This occasion has been an annual holiday since 1863 to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.

On this important day, with loved ones around the Thanksgiving table, it's necessary for the host to have their best tableware laid out. At Alfies, there is no shortage of exquisite tableware on offer. Below is a selection of items that would make your table the best dressed of them all!

Early 20th century Sheffield silver dessert cutlery boxed set with pearl handles and silver bands, in original case. 1902.
Offered by Goldsmith & Perris

1893 Fruit set, Sheffield silver plate with pearl handles by Charles James, offered by Goldsmith & Perris

French St. Louis Amber white wine glasses, offered by Nadine Okker

Vintage silver plate leaf dish, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

French decanter and two glasses, c1895, offered by Beth

Cake / sandwich double wooden centre piece, offered by W & L Antiques

9" Linthorpe bowl in green by Christopher Dresser. Offered by Janes Antiques

Selection of  American 1950s cocktail shakers & ice bowls, offered by Robinson Antiques

Animals in Jewellery: A Selection at Alfies

Animals have been an inspiration to artists and craftsmen for hundreds of years, and this is no different in the world of jewellery design. Animals are not only admired from an aesthetic point of view, but can also be symbolic: the butterfly and dragonfly symbolise a quiet or late blooming beauty, the lion stands for strength; the elephant wisdom and, in Ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle offered hope for rebirth.
 
The importance of the animal as a theme in jewellery has varied throughout the ages. In Victorian times, animals were particularly fashionable in jewellery and were often used as love tokens. Women would use jewelled animals and insects such as snakes, lizards, butterflies and dragonflies to adorn the lace on a hat or veil. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, on the other hand, the frog was a popular love token as it was an emblem for great fecundity.
More than anything else, when used in jewellery the animal has become a way of expressing personality and was the precursor for modern costume jewellery.
 
At Alfies many of our dealers have a fantastic selection of animal jewellery. Here are our top picks:

Selection of monkey brooches, all 1920s, silver with marcasite or paste. Zeeba Jewels - Sormeh Ouji at Alfies.

Trio of 1960s silver charms: rhino, moveable crocodile, lucky pig. All from Good Time Antiques at Alfies

1960s silver charms: 9ct penguin charm, horse family, Shi-Tzu dog. Good Time Antiques at Alfies.

1900-1930s silver and gold brooches, parrot with paste stone and goose with enamel detail. Zeeba Jewels - Sormeh Ouji at Alfies.

 

1900-1920s silver and paste lizard brooches. Zeeba Jewels - Sormeh Ouji at Alfies.

 

Party In Vintage Style

The festive season is fast approaching and it's time to decide on that special outfit for the Christmas party. Think glamour, sparkle and a touch of razzle-dazzle. At Alfies you will find a glittering selection of vintage chic evening wear that will ensure you look the belle of the ball!

A beautiful 1920s gold hand beaded evening dress. Offered by Velvet Atelier.

A gorgeous matching 1960s American gold mesh bag. Offered by Tony Durante

 

A beautifully detailed 1950s midnight blue full circle prom dress with beaded skirt. Offered by Carole Collier

An elegant 1950s diamante evening bag. Offered by Tin Tin Collectables

To complete any party outfit you need to add some sparkle, with either a statement piece of jewellery or a dazzling clutch bag. Here is just a small selection of what Alfies has to offer.

Gorgeous 1960s German pair of paste earrings. Offered by Tony Durante

Stunning 1960s Austrian silver and pink evening bag. Offered by Tony Durante

A 1950s crystal pink amethyst paste evening bag/compact case with golden interior containing a lipstick holder, mirror and card case. Offered by Tony Durante

Golden interior of the 1950s crystal pink amethyst evening compact bag

A trio of 1940s - 1950s brooches. Offered by Tony Durante

 

A stunning 1940s signed Miriam Haskell necklace and bracelet set with pearls and gilded metal. Offered by Tony Durante

 A pair of beautiful beaded and crystal 1950s Austrian evening bags with hand embroidered tapestry and limoge plaques. Offered by Carole Collier

Sneak Peek

On the first floor of Alfies at the top of the wooden staircase you will discover an exciting new shop freshly painted in cheerful yellow and brilliant white with beautiful contrasting furniture and homewares. This stand will be taken over by Nadine Okker.
  
Nadine Okker will move from unit F015 over to this bright space where she will display her luxurious collection of 18th - 20th century lighting, bronze, glass, porcelain, chairs and mirrors.

Although Nadine is currently in the process of moving, we are anticipating the final outcome. We can already see it's coming together rather nicely......  

Watch this space!

Nadine Okker
Stand F040 - 45

Contact:  
Nadine Okker
Tel: 07740 367 072 Email: nadine.dobrik@wanadoo.fr