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Discover Mid-America — March 2005

Antiques that sparkle: jewelry and gems

Jewelry is the family heirloom most often passed down from generation to generation. Daddy’s pocket watches, mother’s diamonds and pearls, grandmother’s lockets and bangles — and even more fun are the rhinestones from the 1950s and early bakelite.

Could your sentimental treasure be a valuable antique?

Knowing the history, function, designer and the value of your cherished heirloom is not only wise monetarily, but an insight into the personality who originally recognized its desirability. For those of you who plan to keep an item forever, there is a thrill and a rush realizing the value of a hidden treasure.

Whether you are an uninformed owner or an antique collector, you may have a valuable jewelry item without realizing it.

To help solve the mystery, the University of Denver and the Treasured Scarab have teamed up again to offer a series of seminars on antique jewelry. They will be held on the following Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 and April 5, from 7 to 9 p.m.

In this seminar, taught by members of Denver’s famous Antique Row, you will learn to identify jewelry from the Georgian era of the 1700s, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and costume.

Jewelry and gem experts, Syrma Sotiriou (that’s me, of course) and Bill Lacert, will exhibit pieces from each era, explain the differences in construction and materials, and the influences that determine style as well as gemstone identification. This is a hands-on experience. Participants also will learn how to weigh the importance of fads and fashions, recognize reproductions, value materials, artistry and design as well as the rarity and beauty of the work. Bill and myself will also give advice on where to shop when wanting to add to your collection.

If your willing to learn more about antique jewelry and gems by enrolling in the seminar, don’t forget to bring in your favorite treasure for “show and tell” — you might just walk away with knowledge to take to the bank.

There are three ways to register for the course: go to www.universitycollege.du.edu.enrichment on the Internet, call 303-871-2291 or drop by University College, 2211 S. Josephine St., Denver, Co. 80210.

Come join us for an in-depth experience with antique jewelry.

Syrma Sotiriou is the proprietor of The Treasured Scarab in Denver, and a regular contributor to Discover Mid-America. Contact her at (303) 777-6884.

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