
Showcasing fab finds from the favorite flea markets of Europe – meet Lisa Finkelman-van der Plas of EL & L Finery!
Born in Chicago and living in Europe for the last 20 years, the Finkelman name has been associated with the best wholesale jewelry in Chicago for almost 100 years beginning with Lisa’s grandfather, the legendary M.Y. Finkelman.
As a young man her grandfather M.Y. as he was known in the trade, began his career selling fountain pens door to door while working in the ticket box at the Chicago Theater on State Street. Growing up during the great depression he took off for the wild west with his friend Will Rogers seeking fame and fortune. Returning to Chicago he opened the doors of his wholesale diamond business in 1923. It was right here in his own back yard where he found the riches he had been searching for.
Lisa’s father, Marshall C. Finkelman, grew the family business into an internationally renowned wholesale and retail establishment putting Chicago on the world’s radar as an international jewelry center. He opened the first Chicago jewelry exchange, attracting buyers, sellers, collectors and fine craftsmen from all over the world. Ask anyone in the jewelry business if they knew about M.Y. Finkelman & Co. and you’re guaranteed to hear a story or two!
Lisa made a special trip to Chicago to participate in this weekend’s Randolph Street Antique Market and she’s looking forward to greeting many new as well as old familiar faces. She’s brought a selection of unique treasures especially for this event. If you’re searching for one-of-a-kind fabulous European collectables, she’s your “Go To” woman for:
- Signed pieces from Hermes, Gucci, Tiffany & Cartier
- Antiques from the late 1800 to the early 1900’s
- 40s & 50s funky, fun retro
- 60s, 70s, & 80s vintage
- An affordable collection of hand made designer fashion pieces
- Vintage sterling silver and marcasite;
- And some outrageous costume jewelry
There is something for everyone from $3.00 to $3000.00.
At EL & L Finery the past, present and future are all rolled up together. I travel the world over finding affordable treasures of history, making them the joys of the present, to become heirlooms of the future. Goodies are shipped worldwide and layaways are available upon request, through her Etsy store.