Jewels of the DC Big Flea.

Good morning, my dears!

I mentioned in my post on Trademark Antiques that I had a lovely visit to the DC Big Flea not too long ago, and I promised to show you the treasures I found there.

I’d never been to the Big Flea before, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It’s rather like Scott Antique Market in layout: it features vendors offering all sorts of wares, from homemade cookies to meticulously restored Victrolas. And, of course, fabulous vintage and antique jewelry. It’s very much worth a visit if you enjoy browsing; admission is only $8 and the selection is very large.

This was the first piece I saw at the Flea and my overall favorite by far. It’s a convertible Victorian ring/bracelet, an antique of incredible design in basically perfect condition. You see how the ring shank is many rows? That’s because it folds out into a bracelet.

Mind-blowing, right? It helps to see it in action. I posted some videos on my Instagram.

How great is this micromosiac stickpin? That gold and turquoise setting is just wonderful. I loved its antique case, too.

Watch fobs aren’t something that normally get me swooning, but I thought this golden duck was wonderful. Just look at those details!

This vendor – Maxine Wolf Shapiro Antiques – also had a fabulous collection of antique and vintage gold charms. Charms are something I’ve only recently discovered as a source of endless delight, and oh my, how delightful they are. The bathing beauty above is apparently modeled after a ride that used to run at Coney Island.

Here’s the back. Isn’t she amazing? Positively Rubanesque.

This obviously is where the voluptuous beauty in the shell goes to get a drink after she’s done at the amusement park. Teeeeeny tiny bartender.

And of course, the world’s tiniest circus wagon, complete with functioning golden wheels and an itty bitty tiger inside.

The convertible ring/bracelet, micromosaic pin, and fantastic gold charms were all for sale by the lovely Maxine Wolf Shapiro Antiques. I had the most wonderful time talking to Maxine and her husband and admiring their beautiful pieces (and adorable canine assistant). I dearly wish that I had something else to tell you, but the tragic truth is that Maxine and her lovely husband were robbed after the DC Big Flea and their entire stock was stolen. They had the charms with them in the hotel room, but I believe the glorious convertible ring/bracelet and everything else was taken.

It’s a terrible shame and I dearly hope that whoever was responsible will be caught. I’m still thinking of you, Maxine, and wishing you well.

This beauty is a Victorian bracelet carved from lava. Lava!

Because of he material, it’s incredibly light for its size; I was shocked when I held it in my hand. It’s in such beautiful condition, isn’t it? I love the gold and turquoise bracelets on the hand. Jessica of Trademark Antiques spotted this bracelet before I did and made sure to bring me over to see it – thanks again, Jessica!

Could this antique opal and diamond navette be any more of a jaw-dropper? I drooled all over it. Not literally – I would never do that to an opal. But I did freak out while in its presence. I wish I had gotten a better shot of the opal’s fire, it’s much more colorful than it looks here.

This beauty – like the lava bracelet above – was for sale by the marvelous Renata Ramsburg Antiques.

Here’s a pretty little mourning brooch in gold with braided hair. I’m not sure exactly what it was that appealed to me about this piece, but it just felt like something special. A tiny, lovely testament to someone who was loved and lost long ago. I saw it at Trinkets and Treasures.

This double opal heart ring stopped me in my tracks as I was on my way to somewhere else. It’s antique, although I don’t remember what I was told about the era (I’d guess Georgian or early Victorian, based on style). I just love the gold shank and the crowning detail of sapphire and diamonds.

I tend to show you a lot of rings, because they’re fun and the easiest to photograph, but I knew I needed to show you this necklace somehow. I didn’t manage to get a decent photo that included its diamond-studded chain, but at least here you can see its magnificent white gold filigree and diamond pendant.

Another killer antique ring from Susan Van der Veer Antiques, which is also where I saw the double opal heart ring and the white gold filigree necklace. How great are these triple sapphire and diamond snakes??

Here’s what came home with me at the end of the day: a Victorian opal and turquoise bypass ring from Trinkets and Treasures and a ruby and diamond ring in gold (spotted by Trademark Antiques!) and a white gold antique signet baby ring from Once Upon a Time Antiques.

One last peek of my superfavorite to say goodbye.

All in all, I had a great time at the Flea. I’ll definitely be back.

Thanks to The DC Big Flea for beings so wonderful, and to all of the vendors who allowed me to admire and photograph their pieces. If you fall for any on these beauties, let me know – I have all of the vendors’ contact info.