I guess there are probably twelve or fifteen Seattleites I’d gladly job-swap with, and Laura Dalesandro is high on the list. The owner of Isadora’s Fine Antique Jewelry has spent the last thirty years getting her hands on dazzling Dior ballgowns from days gone by and hanging them near cases studded with of Art Deco earrings, rose gold engagement rings, and 19th century timepieces. Oh, and then between yesteryear-crazed clients, she gets to sketch out bridal party attire inspired by silver screen sirens and Jazz Age bias cuts for the shop’s custom-made line of wedding attire. What a life.

Of course, it’s not all baubles and draping. Sometimes there are, you know, business decisions to be made. Recently, it became clear to Laura and her daughter and business partner Elizabeth that their large storefront on First Ave was sort of dwarfing their fine antique jewels—which had become the cornerstone of their enterprise.

Furthermore, the collectible antique clothing market is more global than local, so it makes good sense to offer 40s-era Chanel online rather than just in Belltown. And those vintage-loving brides. Why not give them private appointments with the shop’s gracious and talented tailor so that they can consult with him about body shape and the hang of creamy silk?

All these factors led Laura and company just down the block to a smaller, more intimate space on the corner of First Ave and Pine, adjacent to the Inn at the Market.

You can find them there now in front of fantastic gold-patterned wallpaper and behind cases of some of the most exquisite and historical jewels in the area. The new shop has been open for about two weeks.

A word about ‘exquisite’ and ‘historical’ while we’re at it: These pieces, and Isadora’s, should not be seen as intimidating or untouchable. Okay, so no one wants to paw at delicate Etruscan Revival bracelets, but you should know that you are welcome to stop in and look, and listen, and learn, and fall in love. Laura, Elizabeth, and Miko are happy to tell you all about the ruby eyes on the amazing 1860s-era critter below, or to chat about the historical symbolism of serpents in wedding jewelry. I put Isadora’s next to shops like the Porcelain Gallery and Michael Maslan’s vintage poster art shop near SAM; there are some rich and fascinating collections in this city, and even if you’re not necessarily in the market to buy, it’s a shame not to be a student and fan of them.