In contrast to the globe-hopping Conway, Nick Robertson and Laurette Cherry rarely leave the Monterey Peninsula to sleuth out the Victorian treasures that fill Robertson’s Antiques & Art at 7th and Dolores. “Our pieces come from all over the world, but most of them have come out of local homes,” Robertson says. “The Peninsula is a rich source of fine antiques.” Robertson’s own penchant is for antique lighting. “I took one lamp home and saw how it made all the difference in the room.” Antique fixtures include a Pairpoint lamp with hand-painted glass shade (circa 1915) for $4,500 and a Vienna-style jeweled lamp (circa 1900) priced at $3,400. Born of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, the lighting and accessories take on a decidedly different tone next door to Robertson’s at Decor’ations, a collection of fixtures, furniture and objets d’art from the Art Deco period and other modern eras. Owner Bill Seaward says the pieces just seem to appear in his life, including a “futuristic” moss-green Philco Predicta TV, a neon-lit Paramount Pictures clock and a 1930’s Ken Webber red vinyl couch.

The beautiful 18th-century Dutch chinoiserie at the door is merely an introduction to the unusual blend of fine 17th- to 19th-century antiques presented by Hildegunn Hawley Antiques on Dolores between Ocean and 7th. Anchored on “carved paws,” the $27,000 piece flanks an early 1800’s Chinese chest priced at $3,500, near a $15,000 fireplace mantel from the same period.

mahogany and beveled-glass floor screen at $5,275, an English Empire wrought-iron, queen-sized bed for $6,000 dressed in $1,500 of pure silk bedding and a Moorish-style 19th-century mirror for $3,200. Singer’s pride is an eclectic array of personally designed heirloom-quality lamps, such as a pair of estate candelabra beneath hand-smocked silk shades.

A bridge between art and antiques is Fourtané Estate Jewelers, in the landmark Pine Inn on Ocean at Lincoln. Owners John and Sandy Bonifas’ 35 years’ experience shows in their selection of fine estate jewelry, vintage watches and heirloom objets d’art. Prices range from $100 for a simple brooch to $50,000 for pieces in the more exquisite collections. Tucked in next door within the Pine Inn complex is Magpie Antiques, which specializes in antique hand-made lace.

Concepts on Ocean is a multimedia art gallery where owner Douglas Steakley’s signature lines set precedence for photography and jewelry as fine art. The gallery features art glass, ceramics, photography and jewelry, including the figurative bone-and-polished metal jewelry of renowned designer Carolyn Morris Bach, whose collection ranges from $400-16,000. The colorful, highly recognizable inlaid jewelry of Jeff and Susan Wise runs between $900-10,000. Arguably the best in the country, Mark Hileman’s inlaid gem-grade Australian opals are priced at $1,000-15,000. George Bucquet incorporates images into sand-cast glassware for $1,200-2,000. Glassblower David Garcia creates vivid sculptural vessels for $800-3,000. “We look for an individual presence in each item—something that identifies the artist’s creativity and uniqueness,” says wife and co-owner Jackie Steakley.