A trip to South Beach at the end of January is always a good idea, and with the Original Miami Beach Antique Show (OMBAS) happening Jan. 26–29 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, there’s no question: This is exactly where a lot of us long to be right now. Sunshine and jewelry—there’s no better wintertime tonic, is there? (We should know.)
Whether it’s the prospect of finding signed pieces by everyone from Belperron to Buccellati, a jewel with an intriguing provenance, or an exceptionally rare stone untouched by the modern supply chain, the event looks to be open season for discerning retailers, dealers, and collectors.
Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers will be on-site on both Sunday, Jan. 27, and Monday, Jan. 28, to provide free verbal valuations on any item of ticket holders’ choosing. Another highlight: Jewelry author and historian Beth Bernstein will be conducting tours of the show to acquaint a select group of jewelry enthusiasts with a variety of vendors specializing in eras ranging from Georgian to Art Deco.
This edition of the show is further marked by a special Jewelry History Series, a two-day educational conference that kicks off a day before the show floor opens. With talks on the agenda devoted to such topics as the jewels of imperial Russia, the fascinating backstory of Adele Bloch-Bauer (whose portrait was made famous by Gustav Klimt), and a lecture titled “How to Spot a Georgian Fake,” this is definitely not a gathering for lightweights.
And neither are the jewels and treasures. A little preview is offered below, but be sure to save room for dessert.
Top: Art Deco–era brushed-yellow gold cuff featuring a Ceylon no-heat sapphire, Jewels by Grace, Booth 1404
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