Marcia Harmon, Cottage Jewel

Marcia Harmon's shop Cottage Jewel is not your typical antique store.

Although it's true she has 200-year-old Georgian pieces and antique furniture in her store, she also has brand-new orange earrings that you might see Danville Patch editor Liz Shemaria wearing around town.

You'll notice that the pieces at Cottage Jewel all have a strong sense of design and color and are coordinated in the store according to that theme.

Harmon has been living in Danville since 1992 with her husband Ken and their 13-year old son Ben.

With 13 years experience selling antiques in Danville, Harmon officially opened Cottage Jewel four years ago. She has been in her current location on Prospect Avenue for about one year.

Through the Discover Danville association that she is currently the president of, Harmon organized the Antique and Art Faire that will be along Railroad Avenue on Sept. 6. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I spent some time with Harmon at her store this week to talk about the upcoming event and what she enjoys about running Cottage Jewel.

Danville Patch: What is your favorite aspect of running Cottage Jewel?

Harmon: There's always a story about everything here. That's what I love about it.

Danville Patch: How is your store different from other shops in town or elsewhere that sell antiques and how does that fit with the shopping scene in Danville?

Harmon: I am in the heart and center of downtown. There is still a stigma that antiques are old and dirty so I've tried to present them in a fresh way. It's an antique boutique and vintage is really in fashion right now.

Danville Patch: Where do you get the inspiration for what you sell in the store and how do you arrange items in the store?

Harmon: My personal passion and background is design and wearing jewelry as wearable art. Since my background is jewelry design, I have a good eye for color and texture. I think I have a talent for mixing old and new items. It's a treasure trove here. I have 200-year-old Georgian pieces and then I have little tchochkes, antique buttons and bits that artists can use.

Danville Patch: Where do you get the pieces you sell at Cottage Jewel?

Harmon: I go to a lot of estate sales and auctions. I sometimes buy entire collections from antique dealers.  All the consignment stores in town offer me items.

Danville Patch: Tell me more about the Antiques and Art Faire coming up on Labor Day.

Harmon: In an effort to promote small businesses on Railroad Avenue, I organized the Antiques and Art Faire. There will be 70 booths and vendors with a blend of locals and specialists from the greater Bay Area. It's pretty homespun but quality.We're trying to put Danville on the map as a destination.

Danville Patch: What do you love about living in Danville?

Harmon: This community has everything that we love. We have immediate access to hiking trails and both salt and freshwater. There are great schools, there is great food and a strong sense of community. There is a lot of variety in terms of people and activities.

Details about the Fair:

When: Monday, September 6th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Railroad Avenue between Prospect Avenue and Church Street.

What: Over 70 vendors selling baby items, pillows, purses, paintings, items for Christmas and Halloween, garden decor and much more.

Don't miss:

• A mini "Antiques Roadshow" inside the Museum of the San Ramon Valley from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The event is a fund raiser for the museum where a $10 donation per item gets you an informal verbal approximation of the value for your item.
• A five-piece bluegrass band playing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.