The A.T. Stewart Consignment and Gift Shop

What is the fascination with jade? It has many wide-ranging mystical properties and is often worn throughout the Chinese New Year to ward off bad luck and to promote good health and fortune. Jade is the embodiment of the Confucian virtues of courage, wisdom, modesty, justice and compassion. Jade is also revered for its healing properties balancing the body’s processes.

There are two types of minerals that are called jade – nephrite (soft jade) and jadeite (hard jade). China only had soft jade until it was imported from Burma. For most of us, when we think “jade,” we think of a green stone, but it also comes in red, white, brown, lavender, purple, and orange. If you scratch with your fingernail, it won’t leave a mark. Real jade also has imperfections. And, like many other semi-precious stones, it is cool to the touch. Touch it to the side of your face.

The Chinese affinity with jade goes back thousands of years when it was initially used to make tools, and weapons and cooking implements.  Because jade was rare in China, it became prized for its hardness, beauty and magical qualities. In fact, jade came to be known as the “imperial stone,” a status symbol for rulers. At its height, jade was used to make burial suits for some rulers. The widespread belief was that jade didn’t just look good; it would ward off decay and disease.

Though the mystical beliefs are rooted in ancient Chinese culture, jade still holds a deep symbolic meaning. Many people, especially boys or young men, wear jade pendants to protect them and give good health.  While gold is the most coveted of metals, the Chinese revere and hold jade to a higher standard. According to an ancient Chinese proverb, “gold has a value, jade is invaluable.”

Even a jade plant has innate value. Conforming to feng shui, it should be placed in the southeast corner of your hall or living room for balance in your life and home. While we don’t have jade plants at the Exchange, we often get jade items, mostly bracelets and pendants, and jadeite plates and bowls.

About Us:

• The Exchange Consignment Shop is housed in The Garden City Historical Society (TGCHS) Museum on 109 Eleventh Street (in the basement of the building).
• All the proceeds from the Shop sales directly benefit TGCHS.
• Shop 24/7 online at atstewartexchange.org and pick up your purchases at the Exchange.
• Follow and Like Us on the AT Stewart Exchange Facebook and on the AT Stewart Exchange Instagram pages. We sure do get around!

Consigning:

• Our best sellers – jewelry (costume and fine), lamps, mirrors, and crystal (Waterford, Baccarat, Tiffany)
• We take/accept silver, pocketbooks, china, furniture, artwork, and collectibles. All items are in new or nearly new condition.
• Sorry – no clothing, except for furs during the cold months, or shoes. And no appliances.
• Consignments are done Wednesday through Friday 11:00am – 2:00pm by appointment ONLY. Appointments keep down the numbers of people in the Shop and reduce wait-times to consign.
• Please call (516)746-8900 to set up an appointment.
• Unsure if your items are appropriate to consign? Email photos to store@atstewartexchange.org and be sure to include sizing info. You will generally receive a response the same day.

Can I donate?  YES! We love donations!  PLEASE don’t leave donated items outside the shop when we are closed. We want your items, but we don’t want them to get ruined, especially during inclement weather.  Email me at store@atstewartexchange.org and I will work with you to arrange a drop-off time.  I check the email every day, even when we’re closed.

Remember:  Shop 24/7 online at www.atstewartexchange.org and pick up your purchases at the Exchange. Follow and Like Us on the AT Stewart Exchange Facebook and on the AT Stewart Exchange Instagram pages. We sure do get around!

Check out our new paint job! Thanks to your generous support, Old World Quality is working to repair and re-paint the back of the Museum and will soon start working on the last side of the house! We remain open throughout this process and precautions are taken to protect customers entering the Shop.

The Shop is located at 109 Eleventh Street. Shop hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm; Wednesday til 6 pm; Saturday  noon – 4 pm. For more information please call (516) 746-8900.