M.S. Rau, New Orleans' Amazing, Celeb-Beloved Antique Shop
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ABOUT.COM, Updated August 30, 2016--
About M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans' French Quarter:
Founded in 1912, M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans is now in its third generation of Rau family ownership. Its gallery-like showroom occupies a massive 30,000 square feet in the French Quarter. M.S. Rau's merchandise is exquisitely high-end, and the range is enormous. The store is best known for museum-quality 18th and 19th century paintings and furniture; decorative treasures by the likes of Tiffany and Fabergé; and estate jewelry flaunting major diamonds and other gems.
M.S. Rau Antiques' Unique 125%-Back Return Policy:
Beyond its eye-popping array of superlative antiques, M.S. Rau offers a one-of-a-kind return policy. Any purchase can be brought back for a 125% store credit, or a quarter more than you paid. (Certain conditions apply.)
Celebrity Customers of M.S. Rau Antiques:
The store is catnip to antiques collectors famous and not. Those who are include Martha Stewart, Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, and Whoopi Goldberg (who loves browsing the store's 2,000-item website). Loyal customer Nicolas Cage called M.S. Rau "...nothing less than the finest antiques gallery in the world, where every piece is a masterful work of art and in flawless/museum quality condition."
Big-Name Artists Sold at M.S. Rau Antiques:
The store has dealt in nearly priceless works by Vincent van Gogh and Impressionist masters Monet, Renoir, and Gauguin.
Big Diamonds Sold at M.S. Rau Antiques:
The store has a specialty in estate jewelry and gems. Some incomparable stones that have passed through M.S. Rau's hands:
•The 4.71-carat "Cassel Pink Diamond"
•The 3.02-karat, pear-shaped Golconda, the world's whitest diamond
•The massive cushion-cut diamond earrings that Angelina Jolie borrowed for the New Orleans premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a Nawlins tale starring husband Brad Pitt
Where to Find M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans and Online:
630 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70139 • (800)544-9440