This week we ask 10 questions to -
Tera, one half of Hound and Eagle who are based in Los Angeles and have over 55 years of
experience in the estate and antique trade.
1. How did you get started in the antiques trade?
I got started when I was 24 when I started working for Brian [the other half of Hound and
Eagle] in a gold buying store he had at the time. Here, I learned the basics of how to test
metal, and I also got to handle jewelry, art and artifacts that I never would have dreamed of
holding in my hands. After a couple of months, I started going on the road with Brian, going
into countless pawn shops and jewelry stores. I realized that Brian had immense knowledge
and that I could learn so much from him. It was over after that… I didn’t look back and
treasure hunting became my full-time job.
2. What is the most memorable piece you’ve ever sold?
The most memorable piece I’ve ever sold was a Tiffany & Co ring that was exhibited at the
1892 World’s Fair in Chicago. It was one of about 144 jewelry pieces that were shown. It had
gorgeous hessonite garnets, old mine cut diamonds and lavender enamel. I have a strong
suspicion that it was designed by Paulding Farnham.
3. What is the piece that got away?
There were two pieces that got away. One was a 5ct Kashmir no heat sapphire and old
European cut diamond ring. That was about 8-9 years ago and it still stings. The other one we
actually owned, but I really wish we never sold it! It was a French Victorian Egyptian revival
necklace with carved emerald, sapphire and tourmaline scarabs, rose cut diamonds and
natural pearls. It also came with the original receipt, dated 1906, from a store in Florence,
Italy.
4. Have you a dream piece to own?
I would love to own an original 16 th century Memento Mori piece, like the one from the
Victoria & Albert Museum, and also a piece made from the three year partnership between
Georges Fouquet and Alphonse Mucha, like the pendant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
(a girl can dream, right?).
Memento Mori from The V & A
Georges Fouquet and Alphonse Mucha Pendant from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
5. What is the most significant piece to you in your personal collection?
We don’t have a personal collection, per se. We are more pickers and flippers who try not to
hold inventory and quickly get the best pieces, at phenomenal prices, into the hands of people
that will treasure them. The most significant pieces in my personal collection are more
sentimental than anything. I have a lime green Paraiba tourmaline ring that I adore and a
small collection of Victorian heart padlock bracelets that were given to me by Brian.
6. Have you a favourite era of antiques/vintage?
I love anything Victorian. The Victorian era was very sentimental with mourning jewelry,
hairwork, painted portrait pendants, lovers’ eyes and lover knots coming to the forefront of
popularity. The culture of the era was interested in the supernatural and spiritualism, which
can be seen in many different types of antiques during that period. I believe that jewelry is
such a personal thing to begin with, but when you infuse elements of love, loss, grief,
friendship, faith and joy into jewelry it takes on a whole new meaning and feeling.
7. What piece of advice would you give to dealers just starting out?
To those just starting out, I would advise them to get out to as many stores as possible to be
able to see and touch a wide variety of pieces. Study auction catalogs to see how fine pieces
are made to get familiar with the styles of different eras, and also to get a sense of the style of
individual jewelry houses. Search through recent past auctions to get a feel for the current
market prices. Also, the book “Gemstones of the World” by Walter Schuman is an essential.
8. Do you have a piece of advice to collectors looking to add to their collection?
Buy what you like, buy what speaks to you. Buy the finest pieces you can within your budget.
And also, don’t be afraid to ask dealers any questions you might have.
9. How has the trade changed since you started your business?
I've been in the business since 2010 and it has changed a lot in 13 years. The business has largely moved online and lots of stores have closed due to the Pandemic. Dealer to dealer business isn't as brisk. However because a lot has switched over to social media I think there is a tighter worldwide community of jewelry lovers who get to connect. And what is better than talking to someone about what you love or seeing post after post of extraordinary jewelry?!
10. And finally, what do you love most about your work?
The thing I love most is that a lot of the time I am holding of wearing something that is a one-
of-a-kind, three dimensional, wearable piece of art that is at least a century old. A piece of art
that uses gifts from Mother Nature, whether it’s gemstones or metals, and something that is
the product of human ingenuity, creativity and meticulous craftmanship.
Thanks so much to Tera of Hound and Eagle for the interview!
If any of our other lovely dealers would like the spotlight on them in the same way, please message or email
The Antique Collector team
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