Louisiana native Gretchen Pettis has loved antique jewelry for decades, but it wasn’t until recently that she decided to turn that passion into a business. With a surplus of time during COVID-19 and her twin sons now in college, she reimagined her hobby, collecting old watch chains, crosses and engraved gold-filled bracelets, into a profitable venture. (Not that profits are her priority.) When I spoke to her earlier this week, she was effusive in her enthusiasm to aid others with their personal style. In a delightful North Louisiana drawl she said, “I want women to be able to tell a story through their jewelry. To curate their own style with something unique.”
What’s unique about Interlude Antiques is the pieces that come already hand engraved with names. If you find your own name, that’s a win, but Gretchen insists it doesn’t stop her from stacking her arm with a few names that have nothing to do with her. You see, Interlude Antiques was partially born of her love of individual style but also of saving heirlooms from oblivion. “I love the idea that someone was loved so much that they were given an heirloom – and regardless of whether you share their name or initials, you can carry that love forward.” Otherwise, she noted, most personalized items wind up discarded or melted down.
Gretchen gravitates towards gold-filled pieces that date from the early 20th century. She prefers gold filled as it keeps the cost down enough to allow stacking your neck or wrist with multiple pieces, but the pieces will still endure the wear and tear of time. All those preferences considered, she says if she falls in love with something, regardless of provenance, she buys it. Citing, “Maybe that’s someone’s grandmother’s bracelet and she made her special potato salad wearing it every summer. I can’t let that go.”
You can view her inventory in person at a pop-up at Angelique Boutique on April 29 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sale & Event Picks:
Final Days of Baker Furniture Spring Sale, Villa Vici
April 25 at 10 a.m.: Spring Decorative Arts Auction, Crescent City Auction (online only)
April 29 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.): Interlude Antiques Pop Up, Angelique Boutique
