Shop of the Week- Midwest Attic Treasure

This week’s Shop of the Week is MidwestAtticTreasure, owned by Kerstin.

What is the meaning behind your shop name?

Well, I grew up in the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin. When I go out treasure hunting (estate sales, thrift shops and flea markets), I stay in the Midwest. When I came up with the name, I envisioned someone’s attic filled to the brim with treasures. I love the idea finding treasures that someone once loved, but no longer needed or wanted. The jewelry items that have been loved are special. I like to honor that and acknowledge the beauty of it.

How did you get your start selling vintage?

I’ve always been interested in vintage and antique items. I worked at an antique store in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin when I was younger. I remember walking up and down the 3 floors of antiques and picking out my future living room decor (lol. Then life happened and my attention turned elsewhere.
About 5 years ago, I was looking at some of my grandmother’s jewelry that was passed down to me after she passed away. There was a gold ring with a clear stone. At this point, I tried reading the hallmark, but couldn’t find any info. The letters looked like OR…about a month into researching, I realized that the letters were OB, not OR. OB is the hallmark for Ostby and Barton, he was the famous jeweler that perished on the Titanic. The family business continued with his daughter and other family. His pieces are extremely sought after and collected, plus who doesn’t love a titanic story/connection. Soon after, my aunt passed along some of her jewelry to me. I ran to the library and checked out many library books on vintage jewelry, antique jewelry, vintage purses, compacts, you name it. I became well versed in mid-century jewelry designers that summer.

What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?

Sweetheart bracelets are my favorite items to find. One in particular is my absolute favorite. Someone had etched one initial into each of the hearts on the front. This was someone’s actual love token. I love that! I love that someone was loved so much that initials were engraved and this bracelet was worn by the recipient. Sweetheart bracelets have the history of being gifted by servicemen during World War II to their girlfriends or wives back home. I love love stories! I love hearing personal accounts of true love, puppy love, unrequited love, lost loves, and forever love. This bracelet is the epitome is love.

Sweetheart Bracelet

What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?

The most unusual and amazing thing I sold was this snake coil bracelet I found at a flea market for about $8. This was during the first few months after I opened Midwest Attic Treasure. I did some research and found that they are extremely sought after. I listed it right away, probably underpriced. An antique store in England bought it within an hour. It was the most interesting piece of jewelry I have ever seen. Now that I’ve acquired more books and read more information, I’m kind of kicking myself for selling it so quickly. I have a feeling I will never see anything like it again in person. It had these amazing turquoise stones trailing down the back and red ruby eyes. It truly was one of a kind.

SOLD!