It`s a new dimension in mall shops and one of only 16 independent businesses among Woodfield Mall`s 220 stores. It`s the Estate, a gem of a gift shop specializing in antiques, old jewelry and collectibles.
Opened in April by Dolores Matousek and daughter Tracy, the Estate has an Art Nouveau feel with its Alphonse Mucha mural, swirling ceiling panels and Art Deco chandeliers. It`s quite a contrast to the country motif of Grandma`s Attic, the family`s antique shop in Long Grove.
”We specialize in affordable antiques, collectibles and original pieces,” Matousek, 52, said, ”but some pieces, like the $12,000 Royal Vienna vase (circa 1900), will take a true collector.”
In the center of the spacious, uncluttered shop (which Matousek designed for wheel chair and stroller convenience) is a four-sided jewelry counter. You name it-new and old cameos, filigree, garnets, Russian amber, marquisette, jade, coral, ivory, amethyst-colored glass, Persian turquoise, black onyx, Venetian beads, French paste, as well as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds-it`s all there.
The mother-daughter team and son John are certified gemologists.
Encased in glass around the shop is a collector`s dream of steins, clocks, Hummels, bronzes, books, vases, lamps, plates and silver. A men`s case displays cuff links, wire-rimmed spectacles, and pocket and Art Deco wristwatches, all of which don`t stay long, Matousek said.
By featuring affordable artifacts, the owners hope to encourage young people to browse and buy. ”We have to start with the basics to educate our young to good art so we can keep some of it in our country,” Matousek said.
”They`ve been brought up on plastic and laminate.”
Two boys, she said, have been coming in for weeks to visit an 1884 illustrated copy of Edgar Allen Poe`s poem ”The Raven.” ”It`s like they have visitation rights,” Matousek, said, laughing. ”One of these times, they`ll buy it.”
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The Estate is in the Lord & Taylor wing of Woodfield Mall, located at Golf Road and Ill. Hwy. 53 in Schaumburg. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Phone 708-517-7750.
