THE MIND OF A COLLECTOR

“I started collecting jadeite because of my admiration for my mother. She has always been an avid collector of antiques and glassware, and it was she who instilled a love of green, in me, at a very young age,” Melissa Ashley Folino, of Michigan, shares. “When I discovered jadeite and became mesmerized by its milky green color, I knew she’d approve. I remember spotting a stack of jadeite plates at a garage sale, sometime in elementary school, and completely falling in love. From that moment forward, I’d say, ‘When I get married, I don’t hope for gifts of money— just stacks and stacks of those green dishes.’ My collection officially began, years later, the day before my 21st birthday. And just a few months after that, I’d use some of my wedding shower money to purchase my first set of jadeite dinnerware at an antiques store.

“My appreciation for collecting antique and vintage wares can be tied to my upbringing, love of history and the excitement of maturing my style as I go. My maternal grandfather, who was born and raised in Italy, was a collector. He passed on his passions to my mother, who, in turn, instilled her love for the ‘old’ in me. As someone deeply connected to her roots, I find joy in the stories that older pieces tell, the history of their origins, and their nostalgic nature. Antiques are often one of a kind, and curating collections for my home, in a sense, is my way of creating my family’s signature. While I know that my children will grow up to discover their own passions, it is my hope to be able to share this piece of me with them and for them to feel connected to their family for generations to come.”

Learn more on Instagram @jadeitejunkie.