Ever since my trip to Hong Kong almost four years ago, I've been hooked on collecting Chinese snuff bottles. These small, decorative (and, in another era, useful!) bottles can be made of materials such as bone, ivory, semi-precious stone (jade, tigereye, coral, lapis) and painted glass.
It seemed that San Francisco's Chinatown would be a good place to look for a piece to add to my collection. Eventually I wandered into the China Gem Company, and fell in love with a beautifully carved amethyst snuff bottle. As the proprietor pointed out, it is an unusual piece, as one rarely finds large pieces of amethyst made into something other than jewelry.
After a bit of haggling, we agreed on a price, and the amethyst snuff bottle now sits proudly on my shelf.
Unlike many other shops I'd been in that day and shops elsewhere, the proprietor did not promise me all sorts of fantastic discounts if I bought more than one item. I wasn't encouraged to buy something I didn't want just to get a good price on the amethyst piece. He negotiated a bit, and then left the decision to me, as to whether I felt it was a good price. I felt I was dealing with a honest merchant, which, when buying antiques and collectibles, I generally have concerns about.
If you are in San Francisco, and in the market for jewelry or oriental art, I'd recommend a stop at the China Gem Company. (415) 397-5070; Henry Bong, owner.