"I've tried to narrow my focus to more one-of-a-kind pieces," Mr. Owen said.

This survey of 210 objects spans a little more than two centuries and includes both production work as well as one-of-a-kind pieces.

Moving into a store will allow them to create more one-of-a-kind pieces, he said, which wholesale customers often do not want.

The upside: one-of-a-kind pieces that defy cookie-cutter kiddie fashion and become softer and more beautiful with time.

There are also one-of-a-kind pieces like the wonderfully sprightly little figure of a European spoonbill that came from the royal palace in Thebes.

Many of these were one-of-a-kind pieces: brooches, bracelets, rings, necklaces, tiaras.

Considered a national treasure, the collection boasts many one-of-a-kind pieces and is a valuable resource for churches and religious scholars.

Half are one-of-a-kind European pieces, the other half are American, some from as late as the 1970's.

About a third of the watches it manufactures are one-of-a-kind pieces that are made to order.

The No. 6 minis are all one-of-a-kind pieces, tweaked from vintage dresses ($130 to $245).