This is where my store really begins. In my case, it was opening up a small antique store in Santa Monica dealing in turn-of-the-century Americana collected in Lancaster, PA. My ultimate ambition was to build a successful antique business, as well as continue collecting for my personal pleasure. My knowledge of antiques grew over the years, fostered by noted antique aficionados and expert antique restorers, i.e., Nate Wine, Robert Burger, and S. Andre from whom I learned every aspect of antique restoration. I was mentored by them until they retired in their eighties.
For the past 53 years, I accomplished my goal on both fronts, expanding my business ultimately having ten showrooms from West Hollywood to Beverly Hills and then on to the prestigious antique street MELROSE PLACE. From there I added showrooms in the Pacific Design Center and in Palm Beach, Florida and finally on La Cienega Blvd. with a 6,000 sq. ft. showroom. Along the way, I built one of the largest and finest collections of the BEST OF THE BEST of 17th, 18th, and 19th-century European antiques.
By this time, I had a world-caliber clientele who had private collections, well-known designers, architects, and prominent hotels. Add to this a few museums. Over time, I built a vast antique library of over one thousand books on every aspect of antiques, design, and architecture. Over many years my personal collection grew with rare antiques acquired from private collections, chateaux, prominent dealers, and prestigious antique shows. I always aspire to find one-of-a-kind pieces and have a love for 18th-century antiques, especially Lyonnaise furniture.
The most valued and cherished person in my life has been my wife of 50 years, Karen. She has been my partner in life and business, as well as a passionate collector of fine estate and vintage jewelry. She is a Graduate Gemologist and heads our jewelry division. Her knowledge of jewelry has been a huge asset to Connoisseur.
So as I said in the beginning, our story has not had an end but only a new beginning. WELCOME TO CONNOISSEUR'S NEXT CHAPTER. We are now an online business offering the finest antique acquisitions acquired over many years which is mixed with Mid-Century furniture. You will not find a finer collection of period furniture, chandeliers, mirrors, sculptures, decorative accessories, and objets d'art.
Find us on social media by clicking on the link in the footer of the website. We will be posting informative articles during the year and adding new acquisitions.
We will always provide the best of the best. We are just a click away.
Jeffrey and Karen Klawans
Connoisseur Antiques
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