What’s the Difference Between a Mine Cut Diamond and a Brilliant Cut Diamond?
Dr. Elizabeth Stewart explains the difference between a brilliant cut diamond and a mine cut diamond. She also answers the question “What is an assay mark?”
Arts and Crafts lamp likely designed by Handel
This Arts and Crafts lamp is likely designed by Handel. COURTESY PHOTO D.G. has a leaded glass table lamp in the Arts and Crafts style from the first quarter of …
“State of the Art Gallery”
Artist Patrick Melroy talks about the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture’s “State of the Art Gallery” displayed in eight locations throughout State Street from April-June, 2018.
Determining Value
PJ from Carpinteria says, during the tragedies of the last few months, she “lost control” of her household. “I’m now feeling like I need a check list on how to …
Illegible Signature on a Possible Valuable Painting
J.S. writes that she found an original oil on hardboard at a vintage shop: she asks if I might help identify its near-illegible signature. What follows is how I narrow …
Phyllis Diller and the coat
R.E. has a glamorous kangaroo fur coat once owned by famous comedian Phyllis Diller. R.E. has wonderful provenance on this coat: Her sister was once a personal assistant to Miss …
Late 19th Century Toy Dog
ML from the Midwest sends me photos of this little flocked papier-mâché mechanical “noddy” dog, late 19th century. This is a life-sized model of a spotted black on white dog …
Regency-era fan hot seller in niche market
J.P. has a framed embroidered silk-on-paper lady’s fan depicting an elegant couple seated in a horse-drawn Regency-era cabriolet, circa 1820. I couldn’t find any similar fans so I resorted to …
Stanley McCormick and Riven Rock
Interview with Frank McGinity, MBA, CPA about his film Stanley McCormick and Riven Rock. Mr McGinity converted the former theater used by the McCormick’s as part of their massive 87 …
Rembrandt makes mark in Santa Barbara
J.S. has a Rembrandt etching of a windmill, 8 inches by 6 inches. The print is signed in the plate (the artist etched his name into the copper before it …