TREASURES that Take You Back in Time
By Courtney Tait Photos Catherine Kew
R
ecently, a family browsing at Beck Antiques & Jewellery discovered an item they knew they had to have: an art deco lipstick decanter from Paris, formerly owned by one of the wealthiest people in America. With decades of history behind it, the antique piece is an example of the unique treasures found at Beck’s Antiques & Jewellery. Clinton Beck, president and founder of the familyrun business, has been hunting antiques for 33 years. Clinton is the antiques appraiser and vice president of Edmonton’s Wild Rose Antique Collectors Society and the Military Collectors’ Club of Canada. Beck Antiques & Jewellery has become one of the city’s favourite tourist shops, and has been featured in several travel magazines in Europe and Asia. It’s also a frequent destination for collectors, art dealers, history buffs and antique jewellery aficionados. Clinton started his career in antiques at the age of 16 at the Vancouver Flea Market. Over the past 25 years he has owned many companies, including three jewellery and antique shops in Vancouver. His current companies include Beck Gold and Diamond Brokers, Iron Cross Antiques, Express Jewellery Repair and Beck Gemmological Laboratory. Clinton visits markets and antique shows around the world in search of items to feature at the store. He says people who step into the 1200 sq. ft. shop for the first time are amazed. “Everywhere you look there is history,” he says. Along with a huge selection of jewellery — which can range from 1920s diamond brooches to art deco engagement rings and antique Rolex and Omega watches — historically significant items such as dinosaur bones, war flags, Asian and African artifacts, antique signs and tools can also be found. “The more interested people are in history, the more they will enjoy the store,” says Clinton. “It’s like a museum, where you can actually buy the things on display.” Have an antique piece of jewellery you want to know the value of? Beck Antiques is home to Beck Gemmological
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FineLifestyles
Edmonton & Area