Jewellery construction and history

This information takes some time to acquire, but can be gleaned in many ways. Those of you with a background in design and manufacturing already possess a great deal of this knowledge. This education is available piecemeal through various schools and organizations. I suggest you look into the following for classes held close to you:

• “¨Jewellery programs offered at Canadian post-secondary schools like Toronto’s George Brown College;
• Master Valuer professional jewellery appraisal program assists professionals in attaining the accredited level of the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) Accredited Appraiser Program (www.mastervaluer.com/);
• “¨Association for the Study of Jewelry and Related Arts (www.asjra.net);
• Antique Jewelry and Art Conference (www.jewelry”¨camp.org);
• American Society of Jewelry Historians (www.jewelry”¨historians.org); and
• Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts (www.revereacademy.com/”¨classes-diplomas/).

You can also consider attending workshops and lectures presented at conferences throughout the year, such as Original Miami Beach Antique Show’s ‘Jewelry History Series (www.originalmiamibeachantiqueshow.com/show/jewelry-series).

Compiling a comprehensive library on antique and period jewellery is essential. Even if you have limited funds, there are basic references with which you can start. Here are three must-haves:

• Warman’s Jewelry: Identification & Price Guide (5th edition) by Christie Romero;
• Answers to Questions about Old Jewelry (8th edition) by C. Jeanenne Bell; and
• Understanding Jewelry (3rd edition) by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti.