Antique Emporium is dealer showcase Antique Emporium is dealer showcase (January 11, 2006)

Antique Emporium occupies the former site of Wessex Books.

The Antique Emporium, a Palo Alto fixture since 1977, is settling into its new home at 558 Santa Cruz Ave. in Menlo Park, former site of Wessex Books.

Menlo Park's only antique collective, the Antique Emporium specializes in a wide range of collectibles, jewelry, American and French furniture, art, lighting, silver, Oriental rugs, art glass and mirrors.

The store boasts 10 dealers, with room for a few more, says owner Michael Stempihar. The 2,500-square-foot space is open and inviting. It seems much larger than the former Wessex store.

"My idea of a good antique store is to have something for everybody," says Mr. Stempihar, who became interested in antiques in his 20s. "At first, I went to flea markets, looking for pieces to furnish my place."

Basically self-taught, he worked in two collectives before going to the Antique Emporium, then located at Hyatt Rickeys. He and his wife, Rowena, became owners of the collective three years ago. They moved to Menlo Park after losing their lease.

For a lover of fine things, visiting an antique collective is like being a kid in a candy store. Goodies abound. You may fancy a silver ring with a turquoise stone for $45, or covet an Italian hand-carved 10-foot dining table with 12 chairs for $23,950.

If you decide you must have the table, a matching sideboard is also available, says Mr. Stempihar.

The collective is laid out in a series of rooms or groupings. As you enter, the collection of art dealers Sonja and Misha Ovchinnikov catches your eye. Along with 19th and early 20th century oil paintings, there are handsome furniture pieces, such as an ebonized French Belle Epoque-era cabinet with gilded bronze time. A French secretaire (writing desk) features marquety (inlaid wood) and gilded bronze trim.

Mr. Ovchinnikov is not only a dealer; he also does art restoration.

Wandering to the rear of the store, you pass tempting displays from several eras, including an Asian collection that is elegant in its simplicity.

Mr. Stempihar's personal selections include American furniture from the 19th century. He points out two dining chairs (his and hers) of highly carved Renaissance-style quarter-sawn oak. His sells for $1,595; hers for $1,295. Mr. Stempihar is also proud of a free-standing full-length mirror. "Notice the bronze ball and claw feet," he says. It can be yours for $5,900.

The Stempihars, who live in the East Bay, work at the Antique Emporium on Saturdays. During the week, the store is managed by Parisian-born Brigitte Mornand. A resident of Menlo Park, Ms. Mornand says she grew up with antiques in Paris. For many years she worked for well-known antique dealer Evelyn Conquaret in the San Francisco Design Center.

Ms. Mornand says an important service of the emporium is its customer request file. If you have a certain item you are looking for, the store will pass this information on to its dealers who will search for the item. There is no charge for the service.

The store also has a layaway plan, 24-hour approval, and a restoration studio that does "museum quality" repairs, says Mr. Stempihar.

Jewelry dealer Edward Shakhnovsky also does jewelry and craft repair work.

Antique Emporium is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The telephone is 853-1149. For information, go online to theantiqueemporium.com.

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