FALL 2020 HAS ARRIVED…finally!

My personal favorite time of the year is Fall. This year should be no different than the past 55 years at Eichhorn Jewelry, Inc. in Downtown Decatur. But it will be the BEST FALL EVER! Why? Because at Eichhorn’s our spirit is as hard as Diamonds!! We are so THANKFUL for a time of RENEWAL. We are all inspired by everyone who has been affected by COVID-19, especially our friends and family. The pandemic may have temporarily closed our jewelry store’s physical location for 42 business days but the phones remained open. Our emails were operating 24/7. Our marketing on social media flourished, thanks to Katie Gent! We were given opportunities to reinvigorate business by being more creative. My personal new mascots became Gumby and Pokey: CREATIVELY FLEXIBLE. For days my nephew, Matt Dyer manned the phones reaching out to many customers just to find out how they were doing. My sister Laura Ditto crunched numbers to continue to pay vendors and staff. My other sister, Kate Dyer and Cassie Zaugg helped organize gemstones, findings (parts) and sort diamond melees. It is probable around 100,000 items are in our collection that we’ve amassed. My great nephew, Landon Dyer, contributed by pinch-hitting, too. Other staff members, Mary Ann August, Kim Simon, and Kim McDowell, contributed remotely by prayer and referrals. I believe I was given this bonus time to identify, research and appraise the more challenging items. We are constantly adding to the jewelry assortment preparing for our annual SPOOKTACTULAR ESTATE EVENT. The entire month of October is earmarked for this affair that the community continues to support for many years.

THANK YOU for all your prayers!

“Replication”

Recently a college age couple graced our door with an antique yellow metal ring showing extreme wear in a small antique paper box. They were hoping to have the presumed gemstones removed and reset into an engagement ring. I could see love in their expressions of hope. However, I had to be the bearer of gemological knowledge when I explained the center oval green stone and two colorless side stones were indeed glass from a bygone era set in brass! For a brief moment there was slight disappointment as the ring had been the soon to be fiancée’s family heirloom stored away waiting for the unfolding story. Upon close inspection the design of the ring was a classic never to go out of fashion. If anything, it spoke “replication”. My couple was relieved when I suggested custom making the same style but even better built to obtain the look but in her preference of 14K white gold that would become a true legacy piece for generations to come. Gathering the materials to complete my assignment was simple. After all, I’ve been designing jewelry for 55 years! Measuring and then selecting the gemstones to most resembling those in the great grandmother’s ring were simple: an oval Chatham created emerald and two colorless cubic zirconia side stones. Add the shank, crowns fit the sizes of gemstones and assemble to the bride-to-be’s finger size and the project would be nearly complete. I photographed the completed ring and tucked it in our signature burgundy box protected with bright white inside cotton velveteen fabric.  With the name Eichhorn Jewelry prominently displayed on the satin insert the treasure was ready for the third finger of the left hand! This would make a presentation I would expect if I were getting engaged. I was proud to have been a part of this couples beginning. Now to make the contour shadow wedding ring using 12 natural diamonds from a pendant the finance previously gave his soon to be bride!

EILEEN EICHHORN ATTENDS WINTER APPRAISAL CONFERENCE IN TUCSON, AZ

Eileen Eichhorn, Certified Senior Member of NAJA recently attended The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers 53^RD ACE© IT Annual Winter Education Conference in Tucson, AZ.

The Association, consisting of national and international members, is dedicated to the maintenance of professional standards, professional ethics and education in the field of jewelry appraising. All members must adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Association and all appraisal assignments must be performed under the constraints of this Code.

This year’s conference concentrated on several work areas which confront appraisers on a daily basis to update their knowledge to keep them current. Lectures were given on Whitby jet vs. its many simulants, gemstones that change the world, tourmaline and garnets, screeners for lab grown diamonds, product development, pricing fancy colored diamonds, and emeralds.

Eileen Eichhorn, a Graduate Gemologist, has been appraising gems and jewelry for well over 45 years. She performs a variety of appraisals for individuals, the banking industry, attorneys and others. These assignments included but are not limited to insurance replacement, fair market value, donation, divorce, bankruptcy, comparison, verification, collateral, and qualitative reports.

 

Appraiser Attends NAJA Conference

Eileen Eichhorn Certified Senior Member of NAJA recently attended the 52^nd ACE© IT Mid-Year Conference of The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers in Dallas, Texas August 3-6, 2019.

The Association, consisting of national and international members, is dedicated to the maintenance of professional standards, professional ethics and education in the field of jewelry appraising. All members must adhere to the professional Code of Ethics of the association and all appraisal assignments must be performed under the constraints of this Code and USPAP: Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

This year’s conference focused on several work areas which confront appraisers on a daily basis to update their knowledge and keep them current. The first day was called “Aha!-Appraisers Helping Appraisers” in which topics were covered such as the new upcoming USPAP, Town Hall Meeting, IRS compliant appraisals and research challenges. Lectures were given on appraising spinel, tourmaline and garnet as well as ivory; synthetic diamond detectors, and appraisal software programs. Jewelry history featuring the jewels of William Ruser, the famous Hollywood jeweler to the stars, as well as other popular estate jewelry styles from the 1960’s and 70’s were highlighted. Trends and symbolism in global jewelry were also enjoyed by the members. Lectures on training your eye in order to spot antique jewelry, identifying fakes and anomalies were also given.

Preceding this year’s conference, Ms. Eichhorn enjoyed a two hour private tour of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in the heart of Dallas visiting the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall.

Currently on display is the world’s third largest gold nugget consisting of 92% pure gold weighing in at 23.26 kg/62.33 troy lbs. known as the Ausrox Gold Nugget. It was discovered by three prospectors with a hand-held metal detector in April of 2010 in the Eastern Goldfields of Australia. The nugget is irregular in shape and has a surface that alternates between smooth, crystalline and square.

One of the most fascinating interactive exhibits features a sparkling sliced 5 ft. tall 1.5 ton purple amethyst called the Grape Jelly geode. It has been engineered to open and close with a steering wheel apparatus that even a child can operate!

Eileen Eichhorn, a Graduate Gemologist, has been appraising gems and jewelry for well over 40 years. She performs a variety of appraisals for individuals, the banking industry, attorneys and others. These assignments include but are not limited to insurance replacement, fair market value, donation, divorce, bankruptcy, collateral, comparison, casualty loss, and qualitative reports.

Appraiser Attends National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Conference

Eileen Eichhorn, Certified Senior Member of NAJA recently attended the 51st ACE© It Annual Winter Conference of The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers in Tucson, Arizona February 3-4, 2019.

The Association, consisting of national and international members, is dedicated to the maintenance of professional standards, professional ethics and education in the field of jewelry appraising. All members must adhere to the professional Code of Ethics of the association and all appraisal assignments must be performed under the constraints of this Code and USPAP: Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

This year’s conference focused on several rare and exotic gemstones. Lectures were given on the State of the Jewelry Industry, Lighting for Gems, Alexandrites, Russian and Ethiopian Emeralds, Turquoise, and Diamonds. A presentation on the use of the Polariscope proved to be very helpful, too.

This year’s conference preceded the 65th Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®. As a seasoned buyer, Eichhorn shopped for specific gems and jewelry for special client requests. The “show” actually consists of approximately 48 shows all over Tucson. In addition, she visited the prestigious Gubelin gemological on-site testing laboratory to confirm a client’s gemstone.

Eileen Eichhorn, a Graduate Gemologist, has been appraising jewelry for well over 40 years. She performs a variety of appraisals for individuals, the banking industry, attorneys and others. These assignments include but are not limited to insurance replacement, fair market value, donation, divorce, bankruptcy, collateral, comparison, verification, casualty loss, and qualitative reports.

Eileen R. Eichhorn Maintains Appraisal Qualifications

Eileen R. Eichhorn, ISA AM, GG  has recently completed the process for maintaining her ISA Accredited Member status as an appraiser of personal property by the International Society of Appraisers.  ISA is the nation’s largest organization of personal property appraisers. Requalification for professional appraisal credentials is required of all ISA members every five years. Candidates must pass an examination based on updated knowledge of appraising and report writing, and submit documentation of having earned the required points for professional development activities, such as continuing education in their field. Maintaining proper professional credentials is essential for personal property appraisers who are dedicated to excellence in their field. Attaining the ISA AM designation is a major professional achievement for personal property appraisers. The presence of the ISA logo is an assurance to the general public that they are working with appraisers who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in accuracy, competency, and integrity in their professional endeavors. The International Society of Appraisers (ISA), founded in 1979, provides education, certification, and advocacy to 1000 appraiser members in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Eichhorn has been a member of ISA for 25 years.

Eichhorn a Graduate Gemologist, is also a Certified Senior Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. She performs jewelry appraisals for a wide variety of functions including insurance, divorce, estates, damage reports, estimates to replace, customs evaluation, charitable contributions and other federal related purposes among others.

EICHHORN ATTENDS JEWELRY APPRAISAL CONFERENCE

Eileen Eichhorn a Graduate Gemologist and Senior Certified Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers recently attended their 50th ACE© It Annual Mid-Year Conference in Baltimore MD, August 11-14, 2018.
The Association, consisting of national and international membership is dedicated to the maintenance of professional standards, professional ethics and education in the field of jewelry appraising. All members must adhere to the professional Code of Ethics of the association and all appraisals must be performed under the constraints of this Code.
This year’s conference concentrated on several work areas which confront jewelry appraisers on a daily basis. Lecture topics included the new FTC guidelines, use of comparables, new gemological equipment, appraisal challenges, and discussions on difficult appraisal situations including treatments of ruby, sapphire and diamonds.
Presenters from around the globe spoke on appraising minerals, amber, jade, phenomenal gems and jet. Of special interest were lectures on Tiffany & Co. jewelry and silver, Georgian Jewelry, website development, and how repair/alteration affects the value of jewelry.
Having over 50 years experience in the jewelry business, Eileen performs a variety of jewelry appraisals and appraisal related services. Those include gem identification, determining replacement value for insurance, damage claims, fair market value for estates, collateral, and division of personal property among others. She works primarily by appointment at Eichhorn Jewelry, Inc. 130 N. 2nd St Decatur IN 46733 260-724-2621 or firstingems@netscape.net.

Appraiser Attends National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Conference

Eileen Eichhorn Certified Senior Member of NAJA recently attended the 46th Annual Mid-Year Conference of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers in Newport Beach CA.

The Association, consisting of national and international members, is dedicated to the maintenance of professional standards, professional ethics and education in the field of jewelry appraising. All members must adhere to the professional Code of Ethics of the association and all appraisal assignments must be performed under the constraints of this Code.

This year’s conference concentrated on several work areas which confront appraisers on a daily basis to update their knowledge. Over the course of several days lectures were given on Muzo emeralds, the challenges of creating a new branded gemstone: Emeryl Jewelstone® , counterfeit watches and old cuts of diamonds. A review of treatments and synthetics, digital photomicrography, inside Tiffany, as well as training your eye for antique jewelry were presented. Examples of difficult appraisal situations, 1950s-1960s vintage jewelry, and the identification of French hallmarks proved enlightenment.

Eileen Eichhorn, a Graduate Gemologist, has been appraising jewelry for over 40 years. She performs a variety of appraisals for individuals, the banking industry, attorneys and others. These assignments include but are not limited to insurance replacement, fair market value, donation, divorce, bankruptcy, collateral, comparison, casualty loss, and qualitative reports.

The Story of Fabulous Jewelry, etc.…an Appraiser’s Perspective

There exists forever the story of family heirloom jewelry brought to me for appraising. I was reminded recently of the sentimental journey these valuables take as I helped sort a large assortment of jewels from the lock box of a client’s mother for division of her property. No longer able to handle her affairs for some time now, her only daughter was assigned the task, struggling to lug the items to me for viewing. Sterling silver flatware and holloware was included in the vast assortment as well as a vintage sterling silver lady’s Art Nouveau cigar cutter on a long chain. Since my great grandparents had manufactured cigars at the turn of the last century in the building we currently occupy, I was fascinated to see this little “gem”.

The daughter had paid close attention through the years and was very aware of the best of the jewels. Many of the rings had legacy stories having been accompanied with hand written notes and a few photos in lockets. Other items were mysteries? Perhaps these were purchased at auctions, estate sales, or inherited from other family members long ago? Unless this information is shared with loved ones it is anyone’s best guess…If only the jewels could talk!
One item was especially interesting that it was nestled in a dark blue velvet fitted box reminiscent of the Nouveau riche: a lovely antique filigree brooch with thirty-three old European-cut diamonds totaling nearly 4 carats. Constructed of platinum and 14K white gold it depicts the best of fine lacy wire craftsmanship detailing unbelievable workmanship. One could only imagine the woman who wore this during the Edwardian era – perhaps for her wedding? Who purchased this and where was it made? No trademark exists to suggest a clue.

Another prized possession-an extraordinary family heirloom, an Edwardian ring was gifted to the daughter with a center diamond containing 81-facets. Bearing a registered trademark inside the shank, the platinum mounting is encrusted with 21 old European-cut diamonds plus one more modern-cut diamond melee- perhaps a replacement? Designed by Whitehouse Brothers in Cincinnati – a jewelry company still manufacturing die struck styles today – a featured vendor at Eichhorn Jewelry, it is truly fabulous! This ring is perhaps one of the most beautiful I have ever seen in 50 years! For its day, it would have been considered an ‘important’ piece of truly fine jewelry.

Many years from now someone will still appreciate these phenomenal works of art and enjoy their stories. A thing of beauty is a joy forever!

Treasured Gift Ideas…for Babies

By Eileen R. Eichhorn

These days’ shoppers for baby gifts are parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles. All are searching for special gifts that the baby will have as a keepsake. Many times this is a shopping challenge with the number of relatives wishing to shop for something meaningful.

Girls are easiest to buy for with baby rings with or without gemstones the classic choice. Orienta® cultured pearl necklaces are the #1 legacy present with additional pearls able to be purchased individually or by the inch. Available with gold or silver chains, prices start under $30. Cross pendants hand engraved or high polished in either gold or silver are also a favorite. Bangle bracelets, mini sterling silver bracelets with a heart charm are much appreciated especially when engraved with a personal message. Starting a diamond Add-A-Link bracelet is one of the newer options for the baby girl. A loose gemstone of her birth month would be a creative choice.

“Baby’s First Dollar” – the American Eagle is the current most popular item for baby boys. First minted by the United States Treasury in 1986, it is guaranteed to contain one troy ounce .999 silver. The silver eagle has been produced at three mints: the Philadelphia Mint, the San Francisco Mint, and the West Point Mint. Pricing is based on the daily silver price fluctuating with the precious metals market.

Engravable identification bracelets or dog tags in sterling silver as well as classic gold band rings are a popular choice, too.  Novelty banks are available in dozens of designs: football, soccer ball, motorcycle, fire truck, frog, elephant, bear, owl, whale and many more.

We have a variety of gifts for every budget.  Some are suitable for all babies such as birth record frames, rattles, and traditional baby cups. The cups are priced depending on the quality of the metal from sterling silver, silver plate or stainless steel. Personalizing with engraving adds to the remembrances.

These loving tokens to welcome the little one will be cherished for a lifetime!