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Beautiful Things.net is a family owned distribution company specializing in moderate to high end fine reproductions of antique pewter photo frames, table top items, and vanity, desk accessories and fashion jewelry. Sales are conducted via catalog, the internet, trade shows and gift showrooms, and external sales reps. Each product has been discovered and transformed into a pewter reproduction. In its nearly 20 years of business, Beautiful Things has established a profitable niche in upscale gift shops, boutiques, art galleries and department stores.
In the mid 1980’s, a Baltimore area couple capitalized on their love for Victorian and art deco antiques and formed a company named Beautiful Things. From a dozen antique picture frames, they began to grow their company by reproducing the frames in the finest, lead free pewter available in the United States and selling it to retailers in high end locations.
On July 1, 2004, new owners began operating as Beautiful Things.net. Operations were moved from Baltimore to southern New Jersey, with the same pledge of quality as the previous owners.
As a company specializing in the finest quality, American made, antique pewter reproductions, Beautiful Things is committed to excellence in our service and our reputation as we supply products to art galleries, exclusive gift shops and boutiques to enhance the beauty of homes and offices everywhere.
commit to ethical business principles in all our sales, marketing, advertising and financial practices.
treasure our relationships with our business associates, professional consultants and all who work with and for Beautiful Things.net.
hire committed sales representatives and strive for excellent communication of our business goals and expectations, and will provide appropriate rewards and incentives to stimulate company growth.
embrace a twenty year history of finest quality, stellar merchandise and pledge to continue to search for and provide exquisite items to our retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions All pewter pieces are made of the highest grade of pewter produced anywhere; it has no lead content. The antique gold-toned items are gold-plated pewter that have been lacquered to preserve the heirloom finish. The wood frames are from several unendangered species of tree, and are stained to resemble mahogany, ebony, etc. The bronze finish pieces are each individually finished as are the black enameled touches, hand painted. Without lead, the pieces can be finished to a luster which closely resembles that of sterling silver. In fact, our alloy is often referred to as silver-pewter. Also, lead-free pewter is a harder metal, so that sharper, more intricate detail is possible to achieve.
No. One of the chief selling points of this alloy is that it won't tarnish like silver, silverplate, or leaded pewter. If the finish is slightly dulled by frequent handling, mild soap and water should restore it. There are several metal polishes on the market which can be used if an even brighter finish is desired.
All items are produced in the United States by a network of independent artisans and small craft studios.
We make a mold from an original antique. The rubber mold is mounted on a spin-casting machine, which uses centrifugal force to make the molten pewter flow into the various forms. Then, each piece goes through a deburring process to remove excess metal and smooth rough edges. Afterwards, it is buffed by hand to its "buttery" appearance.
Yes. No matter what the nature of your clientele is, there is always a market for a special frame for that special picture: wedding, new baby, travel, anniversary, etc. This is the cherished photo that goes on the mantle, piano, dresser, or bookshelf and becomes a family treasure for generations. It is important for your store display to convey that these frames are "the special, heirloom ones."
No other company can offer the smooth, shiny finish of Beautiful Things. Some of our frames have large surface areas that may bubble or streak when other manufacturers attempt to produce their products. Our craftsmen pride themselves on offering a superior, exquisite finish. Quality control at each step of the reproduction process is our hallmark.
An opaque background, such as dark wood or dark-colored fabric, creates attractive contrast with the bright metal , and makes each design pop. Such a classic setting also helps establish a vintage feel. If glass fixtures must be used, then cover them with strips of fabric-velvet, lace, or moire-preferably in a dark shade. The worst place for our line is on clear glass shelves. Skirted tables work very nicely. It is often helpful to incorporate various props into the display, either for added romance or to illustrate function: put letters in the letter racks, candles in the candlesticks, silk flowers in the vases, and so on.
Suggested retail for most items is double cost, or a dollar or two more. The jewelry sells best when cost is tripled. At lower prices, the public does not "respect" it.
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