Jewellery Lecture at Shao Design

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We attended an educational evening at Shao Design hosted by Cheryl Fraser, a loyal customer of Toronto Antiques on King & The Cynthia Findlay Collection.  Cheryl delivered her first ever lecture and we found it both entertaining and informative. She discussed western jewellery from the Victorian era to Art Deco at Shao-Pin Chu’s delightful studio space in Toronto’s Distillery District.  Shao-Pin’s own metal works, jewellery and furniture were displayed throughout the space and helped set an eclectic ambiance for the evening.

Some of the highlights from Cheryl’s presentation included discussion of Victorian hairwork and jet jewellery, the intricate designs of Berlin iron works, and a showcase of Rene Lalique’s incredibly imaginative and organic designs. Is it true that “Lalique’s creations were inspired by his use of narcotics?” Cheryl also provided fascinating insight into earrings, explaining why everyone from pirates to Victorian ladies wore them and why. We would like to praise Cheryl on a job well done! We could hardly believe this was her first lecture.

Cheryl’s group of eager learners were able to view exceptional pieces of Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewellery on display, which helped to visually enhance her lecture.  Many of the pieces Cheryl has acquired from The Cynthia Findlay Collection!  Cheryl is a long time jewellery collector and has been a customer of Cynthia’s for 20 years.

We also had a scrumptious and quick dinner at the Distillery District’s Cafe Uno; great service, and even greater portions. Thank you to our bright and attentive young waitress who ran out into the cold to return our forgotten gloves!

We were so enthralled by Cheryl’s project, that we can’t help thinking Toronto Antiques on King & The Cynthia Findlay Collection would be a lovely place to host these types of educational events in the future!  Even though Cheryl has many of our beautiful pieces, our shop still has a wide selection of treasures from every era to peak your interest and imagination.