Glorious Gucci Necklace

This simple yet exquisite cross necklace is from the famed Italian fashion house of Gucci.  The cross is of rich dark wood, trimmed in sliver, hanging from a substantial sterling chain.

In addition to the Gucci hang tag, the clasp is also marked with the company's name, as well as "Ag 925," the assay mark for sterling silver, meaning that the metal is 92.5 percent pure silver.

One of the best known high-end fashion houses in the world, Gucci was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. While working in hotels in Paris and London, Gucci studied the high-quality luggage used by the hotels' patrons. Upon returning his native Florence, Gucci established a shop offering finely made and classically designed leather luggage and handbags created in his atelier. With the help of his three sons, Gucci added shops in Milan and Rome and expanded the inventory to include footwear, silks, and knitwear. By the 1950s, Gucci had stores worldwide. Wealthy jet-setters and movie stars flaunted Gucci's iconic leather goods and clothing, making Gucci an international status symbol. In fact, "Gucci" has become an adjective to indicate that something is expensive and high-quality (on the other hand, the term "Gucci gulch" describes the cluster of highly-paid lobbyists waiting outside of a legislative hearing room). Later Gucci added jewelry, watches, and eyewear to its growing fashion lines. It is highest-selling Italian brand and is considered one of the most recognizable and valuable brands worldwide.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

15062-45

Captivating Conchos

This beautiful belt is stamped from sterling silver, studded with sky-blue turquoise stones.  It is by renown Navajo silversmith Marcella James.

The oval pieces are referred to as conchos.  The word derives from the Spanish "concha," which refers to a conch or seashell.  Conchos were used by the Spanish to adorn saddles and bridles, as well on clothing and as jewelry.   Concho belts have become a tradition among the Navajo Indians, who began making conchos around the 1860s, at first hammering them out of silver coins.  Originally, the conchos were strung on leather woven through center slots in each piece, but later Navajo silversmiths began to solder loops on the back for a belt to slide through, allowing the center of the concho to decorated.  There are two basic types of concho belts, with either the conchos strung on leather or connected by links.  A link concho belt can be fastened with a hook almost anywhere on the belt, so that it can be adjusted to fit many waist sizes.  This breathtaking belt could accessorize any outfit, from casual denim to elegant evening wear.

Often the conchos alternate with decorative spacers.  The most traditional form is called a butterfly, and looking at the spacers on this belt, it is easy to see why.

The belt is signed by Marcella James and is marked "Sterling."

A Gorgeous Guidotti

Next-to-New is proud to present this big and brilliant painting by listed artist Giovanni Guidotti. Born in Rome in 1917, he studied at Liceo Artistico of Rome. Guidotti is known for his impressive impressionistic landscapes and market scenes, rendered bold strokes and bright colors. 

This is his rendering of a bustling market in Haiti on a luminous sunlit day.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

15168-217

Retro and Riveting Roseville Pottery

One of America's best beloved art potteries, the world renown Roseville Pottery was founded in 1890 in Roseville, Ohio. It first produced utilitarian household stoneware, such as flower pots. In 1900, Roseville introduced its first art pottery line called Rozane.  Over the years, Roseville created a series of art pottery lines reflecting a number of influences, such as art deco, modernist, and nature, using a variety of colors and glazes.  Once one of the largest pottery companies in the United States, the company closed its doors  in 1954.

Next-to-New currently has a small but select collection of this desirable collectible art pottery.  The clean streamlined lines and subtle coloring of Roseville Pottery fit into any decor.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

15181-3, 15181-2, 15181-13