ABOUT US

Located in the historic Pike Place Market, Isadora’s has specialized in exquisite antique jewelry for 38 years. Our discriminating collection includes pieces from the early 1800’s through the 1950’s, without a reproduction to be found. Our precious pieces are sent to North American Gem Lab for independent appraisals. We invite you to call our toll free number for applicable discounts. On many of our pieces, we are able to offer between 10-25% off of appraisal value.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Mystic Perfume Bottle's


Isadora's currently has some of the most exquisitely shaped Perfume Bottle's.  And given the inherent feature of perfume, from the conviction it gives its wearer to the indefinable impact it sometimes has on those around the wearer, it’s not surprising that perfume has long been kept in these mystically shaped bottles whose shapes seem to echo the mysterious properties of the fluids inside them. Whether it’s a surprisingly detailed hammered pocket size, slender Art Deco crystal, a robust Czechoslovakian bottle, a tiny lachrymatory, or a fabulously deck-out with paste stones, perfume bottles are designed to contain magic, which is only unleashed when the bottle is opened and a drop or two of the precious liquid is discreetly applied.







These alluring bottles reminded so much of a fantastic novel by Tom Robbins entitled, "Jitterbug Perfume."   The major themes of the book include the striving for immortality, the meaning behind the sense of smell, individual expression, self-reliance, sex, love, and religion. Beets and the god Pan figure prominently. The novel is a self-described epic, with four distinct storylines, one set in 8th century Bohemia and three others in modern day New Orleans, Seattle, and Paris.  If you haven't read this book I highly suggest it.  I imagine the epic perfume described in this novel to be encased in an equally epic bottle.

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Snake Ring: A Victorian Symbol For Eternal Love


In 1840 Prince Albert designed a ring for Queen Victoria.  It depicted two snakes in an eternal circle, an enchanting symbol of eternal love. 
         Over time the snake has had many meanings but one of the most popular is that of eternity.  The "Ouroboros" (the serpent eating its own tale) is a common symbol for both time and eternity.  It, like the circle, represents wholeness and perfection because it has no end.
         It is little surprise then that snakes doubled became a perfect Victorian symbol for eternal love in an era where nature and symbology collided in so many pieces of jewelry. It was also an era that loved to draw inspiration from the past and the snake ring can be found in ancient Greek and Roman times.


         Due to its beauty, and the popularity Queen Victoria bestowed on anything she wore, the snake ring is a true delight for the collector.  There are many fantastic snake rings to be found and every time I think they can't think of a more enchanting way to show two snakes wrapped round the finger another ring appears to surprise and delight.


Monday, June 13, 2011

Isadora's Returns from Buying Trip with Beautiful Silver



Owner Laura Dalesandro and manager Elizabeth Schoenleber just returned from a buying trip with silver silver silver.  Beautiful Taxco Mexican sterling necklaces, earrings and bracelets are a highlight of this fantastic new collection.  Please stop by the store to check it out.  Can’t make it in.  These fantastic vintage pieces will be on the web soon.


On the horizon: Check back next week for new to us, beautiful, antique diamonds, earrings and necklaces.