Monthly Archives: March 2011

The Tiffany Lamp, a handcrafted, stained-glass shade created by Louis Tiffany back in the late 1800s, surges in popularity from time to time.  It did so in the 1950’s and seems to be again in 2011. We’ve been seeing a lot of replicas come through The Depot lately so figured it would make a timely topic.

Based on some Internet research and dealer input, here are some tips on how to know if a Tiffany lamp is real or a replica:

1. Quality and Craftsmanship – Tiffany used only the best materials and was known for his expert craft, so if you see sloppy soldering, inexpensive glass or applied antiquing to make the lamp look aged, it’s probably a fake.

2. Damage/Cracks – Authentic Tiffany lamps will be about 100 years old, so it’s very rare to find an original without cracks or loose glass.

3. Company Mark/Label – Not all Tiffany lamps were marked, but most were. So, when you see a mark (which will be found on the base of the lamp) look for these three things to determine authenticity:

• Both the TGDCO logo and TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK
• All numbers and letters are the same font, size and in a single line
• All uppercase letters

Can you tell the original from the replica found at The Depot?

If you’re in the market for a Tiffany lamp, The Depot has quite a few ranging in price from $55 to $200. Come use your new-found knowledge to see if they’re real!

Sources:

http://tiffanylampinfo.blogspot.com/

http://www.ehow.com/how_2078687_know-genuine-tiffany-lamp.html

http://www.arcadianlighting.com/tiffany-lamps-history.html

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You’ve probably experienced the 460+ booths full of antiques and collectibles on the retail side of The Depot but did you know there are commercial vendors in the Depot’s Design Center?

We want to introduce you to some of them:

3D Landscapes prides itself on high quality work that stands out. They offer services in irrigation systems, hardscapes, estate maintenance, mowing and edging, aerating, seeding, fertilization and chemicals, bedding and pruning.

Michael Wetter – Owner
704.720.7736
www.qualitystandsout.com

Closet Solutions offers the John Louis Home line of wooden closet organizers with options from ‘closet-in-a-box’ to custom closet organization systems in three levels, Premiere, Deluxe and Standard.

Lisa Harris – Owner
980.581.1383
www.woodclosetsystem.com






DP Contracting & Consulting is a fully licensed, bonded and insured general building contractor company specializing in renovation and additions. DP’s team boasts a combined 75 years of  construction experience. Check out their model showroom at the Design Center that showcases kitchen, bathroom and outdoor design ideas.

Dennis Pless – Owner
704.970.7268
www.dpcontracting.net




Quality 1st Construction has 25 years experience in the construction business specializing in remodeling, custom pergolas and screened porches, a southern necessity.

Rodney Jones – Owner
704.363.7562

Painted Rock Custom Countertops and More manufactures decorative concrete products and systems for interior and exterior spaces. From replicated natural stone countertops to commercial and residential flooring systems, Painted Rock can help with any remodel or makeover need.

Paula Smith – Owner
704.607.2953
www.paintedrocknc.com

We want to hear from you. Before reading this, did you know the Design Center has commercial vendors?

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Just in time for the NCAA Tournament, The Depot is opening a man-cave like Media Lounge for our male visitors who want to watch the big game while their better half shops.

Located in The Design Center, visitors can enjoy some of the comforts of home including leather chairs, flat screen and cable TV.  Food and beer are available from The Depot’s new restaurant, TJ’s Diner, featuring homemade specials.

Ladies, take your man shopping this weekend at The Depot and surprise him with the Media Lounge.  Guys, suggest a shopping trip and watch her faint!

Keep the Media Lounge in mind for all future televised events from May race to Fall football.

Next week…meet the diverse tenants of The Design Center and learn about upcoming events there.

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Depot Yard Sale returns this Saturday, March 12 at 8am. Many of our vendors will be clearing out merchandise to make room for new items.

2011 Antique Trends

We’ve had a lot of questions about antique trends for 2011 so we scoured the Internet and surveyed Depot vendors for some answers. Three trends we’ve read about consistently and/or experienced live at The Depot…

Fine china is readily available and priced at historic lows, perhaps because fancy entertaining with ‘the good dishes’ just doesn’t happen much anymore. The Depot sees a lot of China traffic with 10 and 12 piece sets of fine porcelain with serving pieces sometimes going for a few hundred dollars.

On the other end of the spectrum, gold and silver prices are out of control largely due to the melt or scrap value it offers. The Depot has seen a recent surge in silver coins and flatware.

According to The Depot’s General Manager, Janna Baker, painted furniture, from white to vibrant hues, is all the rage right now with all the shabby chic decorators out there.

Tell us what trends you’re seeing by commenting below.

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The Depot has officially been open for one year now and what a fun year it has been!  We are so grateful to our 400+ vendors and thousands of customers from all over for helping make us the largest antique and designer mall in the South.

Home to the Cabarrus Art Guild

The Depot’s Design Center is now home to The Cabarrus Art Guild (CAG) which means art exhibits, workshops and original art for sale on site.  The ‘Fabulous Fakes’ exhibit and annual fundraiser, featuring local artist versions of famous paintings, opens this Sunday, March 6 and runs through April.  Join us for a reception next Sunday, March 13, from 2 – 5 pm.  Tell them you heard about it in our blog!

New Concord Eatery: TJ’s Diner

Our restaurant located in The Design Center, TJ’s Diner, becomes official on March 15 at 11am with a ribbon cutting and scheduled visit from the Mayor of Concord, Scott Padgett. This event is open to the public so stop by to show your support and have lunch while you’re here.  Save the date for a grand opening celebration on March 26 from 4-7pm to sample home-cooked items from the menu for free!

Tweet Tweet

The Depot is now on Twitter and we want more followers.  Please join us at twitter.com/depotgibsonmill.  And, if you have a Twitter following of your own, please consider re-tweeting the link to this blog post to help us increase our fan base.

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