Photo by Tessa Marie Images
After traveling the world playing professional poker, Beth Silverberg settles down in Bryn Mawr to share her love of luxury goods.
From 2004 to 2017, Beth Silverberg toured the professional poker circuit as Beth Shak, winning her way to the final table in the World Series of Poker three times and bankrolling her passion for global shopping. Her latest venture, Exceptional Finds in Bryn Mawr, specializes in vintage, classic and modern jewelry, bags and accessories, all curated by Silverberg.
MLT: It’s said that you own 1,200 pairs of high heels, including 700 by Christian Louboutin. You’re also featured in the documentary God Save My Shoes. When did you first become interested in fashion?
BS: I’d put on my mom’s shoes when I was 3 years old. From there, it was all downhill. As for the 1,200 pairs of shoes, I’ve donated most of them.
MLT: What’s you’re most treasured item?
BS: The one I hold dearest is my grandmother’s charm bracelet, which I remember her wearing when I was little. I had it refashioned using everything original. I wear it all the time.
MLT: Are there any similarities between high-stakes poker and luxury retail?
BS: One hundred percent. Knowing how to read a customer is very important—understanding their likes and dislikes and what they’re comfortable spending without making them feel uncomfortable.
MLT: Tell us a bit about how you find the fabulous pieces you sell.
BS: Traveling around the world playing poker, I searched every nook and cranny for unusual luxury goods and discovered many hidden gems. I discovered obscure auction houses. While in Africa, I found an amazing source for tanzanite, a beautiful blue and violet gemstone. While in France, I stumbled on a flea market in the country. I found a dressing table mirror from the 1930s that I carried back on the plane.
MLT: What is your most exceptional purchase so far?
BS: I scored a super-rare Chanel tortoise bag made of Bakelite.
MLT: Where did you find it?
BS: Sorry, I can’t share the names. Asking me to tell you where I find something is equivalent to showing my hand.
Visit exceptional-finds.com.Â
