Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show: Tips For Planning Your Visit

By DARRELL HOFHEINZ
Home & Loggia Editor
Friday, February 05, 2010

With more than 180 exhibitors filling the Palm Beach County Convention Center, next week's Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show promises plenty of rare and collectible merchandise in a wide range of prices. Celebrating its seventh anniversary, the show and sale will offer a larger and broader field of exhibitors — many from the United States rather than abroad — than this week's higher-end American International Fine Art Fair, which concludes its own run Monday at the convention center. From its inception, the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show has aimed to offer more accessible price points than the show that precedes it. As event co-founder Scott Diament describes it, there's something for everyone. Even so, faced with aisle after aisle of merchandise, you might still feel a bit overwhelmed, especially if you're making your first visit to the event. Whether you're "just browsing" or doing some serious shopping, here are 10 tips to make a visit to the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show — which opens with a VIP preview Feb. 12 and continues through Feb. 16 — more productive and enjoyable.

1. If you can, do a little homework before you go. The show's Web site, www.palmbeachshow.com, has a list of the exhibitors with links to their Web sites and is expected to offer a printable map of the exhibit hall. If you already have a list of "must-see" vendors, it will save you some steps in the convention center if you mark down the location of their booths beforehand. Also, returning vendors often reserve the same space from year to year so finding them is easier.

2. Buy what you love. Antiques and art may prove to be good investments, but experts never recommend buying an item unless you truly love it. You, after all, are going to live with it. If you're already a collector, carefully inspect the object for condition, age and rarity. If you're not a collector, spend time with the vendor to learn as much as you can about the object before you decide to buy it.

3. Bring along your interior designer, antiques adviser or art consultant. If you're in the middle of, say, a design project where antiques will be used, ask your interior decorator or designer to accompany you to the show. Better yet, many designers and consultants prefer to go alone on "scouting missions" to identify things that might interest their clients. If that's the case, when you accompany your own professional, he or she will already have a tour mapped out. Don't be afraid, however, to add an unexpected stop to the itinerary if something catches your eye.

4. Go with a friend, significant other or spouse — or go alone. It's your choice. Just bear in mind that the same things aren't likely to interest everyone in your party, so you might want to include time in your schedule to explore on your own. Agree on a rendezvous point and a time to meet back up — and then compare notes about what you've seen.

5. Know how much you want to spend. Unless money is truly no object — and aren't you the lucky one, these days, if it isn't? — have at least an idea of how much you want to spend before you embark. That way, when something gorgeous catches your eye, you won't be so infatuated that you lose all sense of reason when it comes to paying for it. But remember: By design, the show is a temporary thing, and by its nature, the merchandise is limited. Once the show closes and the vendors return home, you may never have another chance to buy a piece that captured your heart. And after all, the show does take place on Valentine's Day weekend, the perfect time to fall in love!

6. Don't be afraid to ask for a deal. Prices may be set, but they're not always set in alabaster. It never hurts to ask a vendor — gently, of course — whether a price is negotiable, especially if you're buying multiple items, paying cash or shopping late on the last day of the show.

7. Ask about shipping. Most antiques vendors can arrange to have items shipped to you. But be sure you understand the costs involved in such transactions, including any unusual packing, shipping or insurance fees. Your goal is not to be surprised when that perfect piece arrives at your home.

8. Make a point to learn something new at the show. Even if you don't have a particular interest in, say, American art, historical documents, vintage textiles or Tiffany lamps, you'll find vendors with a vast knowledge of these and other items — and they're more than willing to share it by answering your questions. Take time to stop by a booth or two filled with merchandise you know little about, and start a conversation with the vendor. This is not the time for tunnel vision, for who knows? You might just discover that you do have an as-yet-untapped interest in vintage nautical equipment, Steuben glass or Art Deco tea sets. Remember: Collectors are not born — they're made.

9. Don't wear yourself out walking. There are seating areas scattered along the show aisles for quick breaks. You can also relax with a snack or a drink in the show's two main cafes, the new sushi bar and the drink bars. You'll also find two lectures scheduled each day, offering another chance to learn something new from experts in their fields. Plan your visit to include at least one lecture, free with admission to the show. Your feet will thank you — and so will your mind. One last note for women: You might want to trade those 5-inch heels for something a little more comfortable. This is a shopping excursion, after all.

10. Don't fret if you don't see it all in one day. A show of this size can be dazzling, but there's no reason to try to view everything in one visit. Daily tickets are $15, while a four-day pass is just $10 more. Visiting over multiple days can ensure that you'll have plenty of time to see what you want to see — and take home the perfect piece.