Are you looking for a special gift of jewelry for Christmas or for your Valentine? Park Avenue Antiques has just what you’re looking for!
When I think of Park Avenue Antique Jewelry located downtown Stillwater, I think of Titantic’s fictional blue diamond necklace (The Heart of the Ocean), a rare piece that everyone sought after in the movie. The necklace was based on the Hope Diamond, a 45.52 carat blue diamond worth about $350 million. Chuck Mozey, one of the owners of Park Avenue Antiques, may not have a large blue diamond pendant but he does have rare and unique stunning pieces of jewelry that may catch your eye!
I have three beautiful vintage rings I purchased from Chuck. I love wearing a piece of artwork on my finger! I often wonder about those who wore the rings before me and how Chuck acquired the pieces that he has in his collection. I finally, decided to be inquisitive and ask Chuck some questions.
Chuck Mozey is from Minneapolis but lives in Bloomington. Bruce and Steve, his brothers, and Chuck started an antique store in 1988 on 50th and Xerxes street in Minneapolis. Chuck sold a lot of antiques to dealers and made some valuable friends along the way. One particular friend, from the antique store, told him you’re starting a jewelry business. Chuck eagerly agreed and has had his jewelry business ever since. His friend moved to Philadelphia but would send him jewelry pieces from estates occasionally and now he lives in New York where he is a successful designer. Chuck’s business has flourished over the years and snowballed into a unique successful business.
Chuck’s business has something for every jewelry lover…silver, gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones. He also sells watches, bracelets and pendants. He has modern, antique and vintage pieces. I learned that an antique is anything over a hundred years old and vintage is anything less than 99 years old.
Chuck’s favorite piece of jewelry he ever sold was twenty years ago. It was a Tiffany and Company, yellow gold, turn of the century 1910 pendant with diamonds surrounding an aquamarine. This was his “Heart of the St. Croix.” Chuck is aware that this Tiffany pendant piece today would be worth much more than what he sold it for; He reminded me that jewelry is a lasting investment! It is one of the top things to collect. It goes up in value! Coins, swords and watches are great collectibles too but antique jewelry adds a peculiar sparkle to your life. Chuck is an amiable, honest, humble guy, who is dedicated to finding the most distinctive jewelry pieces for you. He invites you to stop by his booth in the Antique Mall on Main Street, to see which piece allures you to fall in love with your “Heart of the St. Croix!”
By,
Rachelle Bozzi
In the Photos:
One of a kind piece: (In the Center) A Pendant from the 1850s or 60s. 14k gold. It contains old mine cut diamonds and is at least 165 years old.
Feel like a princess with this Edwardian ring with a center of citrine with original pearls around it (in the Center).
Unique in every way (On the Left) A 1920s 18k gold ring (A navette diamond with sapphires)
Fall in Love again and again: (On the Right) An Edwardian 1915 diamond and platinum ring.
You can go to Chuck’s website or call and make an appointment with him: www.parkaveantiquesmn.com 612-479-0373
