Where to Learn More About Vintage & Estate Jewelry (Part 2)

 

 

 

 

For individuals just starting out in the jewelry industry, learning the tricks of the trade appropriate to your niche is often the hardest part. Finding this niche (such as your favorite time period, or a particular jewelry type you wish to specialize in) can be particularly difficult. There is a wealth of information available online nowadays, with many websites claiming to be experts on vintage jewelry and estate jewelry. Notwithstanding, the most important thing for nascent jewelry purveyors is the accumulation of high quality information. Readers of this article will learn how to maximize their time by visiting high-quality, vetted sites that meet the industry standard. In this way, young gemologists, collectors, and lovers of period jewelry can learn from the best - and one day be the best!

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

It is said that in order to become the best, one must surround oneself with the best. Members of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers are experts in their field. The association was founded in 1981 on the premise that gem and jewelry appraising was an area that needed professional representation. Appraising jewelry is important especially if one is interested in pursuing a career in jewelry sales, manufacturing, collecting, or trade. This goes double for fine estate jewelry, where fabrications abound and a keen eye is needed. Choose this association if you can hang with an older, experienced crowd and are prepared to travel to their conferences. We believe this association can help a young individual secure a foothold in the jewelry industry by connecting him or her to other like-minded professionals.

The American Society of Jewelry Historians

History buffs look no further! The American Society of Jewelry Historians takes pride in the rich history antique jewelry has to offer. They meld the past with the modern, keeping its visitors up to date with content in the form of scholarly articles, lectures, seminars, and opportunities to network with other jewelry professionals and collectors. The ASJH even hosts auctions! Click here for a list of jewelry related exhibitions and upcoming events, and learn how vintage jewelry is bought, sold, and treasured in the modern era.

Revere Academy

If you’re the type of learner that likes to jump right in and work with their hands, the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts may be right for you. Less of an online resource and more of a workshop, the Revere Academy, established by Alan Revere in 1979, the San Francisco-based jewelry school has master jewelers and experts eager to share their passion with upcoming students. No matter your skill level, the academy has classes on a wide variety of topics including goldsmithing, jewelry repair, jewelry design and more. Students can obtain diplomas and become certified in a wide variety of classes and programs.