Antiquing in Atlanta

Miami Circle Is a "Must See" for Serious Antiquaries

By iParenting Staff

It began as a design district back in the 1970s. Today, it's grown to more than 70 shops: Miami Circle – an antique collector's dream street in Atlanta, Ga. Situated off Piedmont Road just south of Peachtree, this bygone buyers' haven is not tailored for the casual window shopper. Instead, you'll discover that the European classics, rare imports and top-quality reproductions are hard to turn down.

iParenting spoke with a few store proprietors on Miami Circle: John Tribble of J. Tribble Antiques, Patricia McGuone of The Gables Antiques, Linda Swan of Swan Antiques and Michael Gibson of Michael Gibson Antiques and Design Inc.

J. Tribble Antiques specializes in 19th- and 20th-century fine and decorative arts, antique furniture imported from Europe, reproductions masterfully crafted in England out of the finest materials and miscellaneous accessories to complement the home.

iP: Why is Atlanta such a hot spot for antique shopping?
JT: Having more than 500 showrooms within a two-mile area, Atlanta is a major design center catering to a national audience.

iP: How can consumers tell the difference between authentic antiques and reproductions?
JT: The dealers on Miami Circle will tell a client if an item is old or reproduction. We differentiate by saying "made in Italy" as opposed to "origin Italy."

iP: What do you consider your shop's specialty?
JT: Our business is twofold: Art Deco, Biedermeier and Italian Mirrors, and then we design and manufacture custom sink bases.

iP: What did you learn at Sotheby's that has lead to your success as an antique dealer?

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