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!

CHAIN ISSUES

By Eileen R. Eichhorn

It is an everyday occurrence. The door opens at 9AM and a customer brings in a chain to us either broken, or stretched and not safe to wear. Sometimes it can be repaired. Many times replacing is the only option.

Most have a sentimental pendant dangling from the center that they have not have not had off their person for years. Even though I have never recommended sleeping or showering in any jewelry, it is a common practice by many. Our backlog of repairs is evidence of this!

A few manufacturers will warrant chains by either repairing or replacing. Some customers are unaware that everyday wear and tear can stretch a chain sometimes one to even three inches from its original length!! White and yellow karat gold chains are typically soldered links. But sliding back and forth hundreds of times each day can cause wear on the soldered links. Silver chains are even more susceptible to stretching and eventually breaking.

No style of chain is exempt from wear, although some styles do wear better. Lightweight chains have a tendency to be more prone to a short life, while heavier ones do last longer. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link!

The weight of the pendant is partially to blame. A tug by a child can be another reason for the increase in length. “Fidgeting” with the pendant can also lengthen a chain. Gold is malleable. A quick pull can break some chains but over time each link elongates and will simply weaken the entire chain. Then the chain breaks and the pendant can be lost. It is recommended that prongs on rings be checked every six months yet few people have their chains and pendant bails checked. Note: The bail is the top portion of the pendant where the chain travels through it. It, too, can be repaired if wearing thin!

Stop in today and have your chains cleaned and inspected for weakness. Chain bracelets are also included in this check-up. This is another complimentary service provided by Eichhorn Jewelry. If your chain is in need of repair we can estimate the cost or provide a replacement chain with a trade-in allowance for your worn or damaged chain.

NEW YEAR 2016 RESOLUTIONS

By Eileen R. Eichhorn

After 50+ years in the jewelry business, I thought it was time to help create some New Year resolutions for our customers. Every year we hear many customers tell us on the street, at an event or even in a phone call that they have been ‘thinking’ about remounting a diamond, restoring a favorite heirloom, or purchasing the one carat diamond of their dreams. Some do follow through and stop in at Eichhorn Jewelry. But more often than not we just hear the ‘considering’ stories. We are all procrastinators at some level. But when one of my customers last year finally made the decision to buy the two carat diamond she wanted for more than ten years she announced, “Eileen, I wish you would have made me buy it when I first started looking.” In her case, she would have saved a bundle. Others have found jewelry or watch repairs that they thought would be expensive are very reasonable once given an estimate.

My father always said, “It’s later than you think.” Truer words were never spoken. Why not today? Make today special and act on your dreams. You may have old gold or diamonds to trade-in to help offset the cost? Clean out your drawers. Jewelry that you are not wearing may be more valuable than you ever imagined. This is the year to get it done! This is the year you have been waiting for! This is the year to check off your list the jewelry project(s) you have put off. Treat yourself in the New Year!

A ring you loved for many years may be able to be restored or restyled. Pearls that have lost their style may be cleaned and restrung with fashionable silver beads or chain extenders to combine sentiment and newness. Most clip earrings can be converted to pierced styles. That brooch you inherited from your great aunt that you would never wear can be converted to a fashionable slide-pendant-enhancer. Even some rings can be transformed into a pendant. Bring in your ideas or leave the options to us. You will be surprised how affordable and FUN some of these projects can be for both of us! We have many before/after photos that will spark your imagination.

Pass it on! There is no time like the present to get started on your jewelry bucket list. We are here, ready and waiting at Eichhorn Jewelry. No job is too large or too small for consideration. No appointment needed but recommended. Call us today. 260-724-2621.

 

Famous History

By Eileen R. Eichhorn

Who would have guessed in in the year 2015 two stone rings would be so popular again! Do you know the history of this love gift? The ring style has a famous past: “Toi et Moi” means “You and Me” in French and refers to a ring that showcases two stones.  These were common engagement rings during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, symbolizing two souls that are intertwined.  The ring that is believed to have started the trend was the gorgeous sapphire and diamond engagement ring Napoleon gave to Josephine in 1776.

The engagement ring the young Napoleon “must have broken his wallet” to buy for his fiancée Josephine shattered expectations on March 24, 2013 at the Osenat auction house in France when it sold for close to $1 million according to Osenat’s expert, Jean-Christophe Chataignier.

The winning bidder, who wanted to stay completely anonymous, paid $949,000, almost 50 times the $20,000 Osenat had expected to bring in. Including the buyer’s 25 percent commission to Osenat, the total price for the ring was $1.17 million.

“In my wildest dreams, I did not think we would outsell the estimate by more than 47 times,” said Osenat’s Emily Villane, who led the auction. “We based the estimates in our catalog on the actual market value of the ring, minus Napoleon and Josephine provenance. It is not our job to tell bidders how much they should pay for the historical premium.”

There was intense interest in the ring, she said. In addition to the 300 people in the Fontainebleau auction house, about 50 more international bidders were hooked up by phone.

Osenat, which is in Fontainebleau, outside Paris, also received more than 40 written bids by email from the U.S. alone, she said.

The auction house set up extra phone lines and hired 10 additional people to be prepared for the sale.

“It was 15 minutes of relentless bidding,” Villane said. “We opened at 10,000 euros, I raised it to 50,000 euros. From then on it was going up by 10,000. When the hammer went down at 730,000 euros there was a huge applause.”

The sale was timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Josephine’s birthday.

The golden ring is in an 18th century setting called “toi et moi,” “You and Me,” with opposing tear-shaped jewels — a blue sapphire and a diamond. The carat weight of the two gems is little less than a carat each.

Osenat already had clues that it had a blockbuster on its hands several days before the auction.

Remembering Beginnings: Eileen Eichhorn

By Eileen R. Eichhorn

I started in the jewelry business on August 5, 1965 – shortly before the age of 14 working in my father’s store: Eichhorn Jewelry. However, my real adventure into the world of gems was the day I found myself in need of employment to pay out-of-state tuition to the University of Minnesota. Having a scholarship ‘discounted’ during the days of retrenchment was something I had never considered. It is an amazing thing to discover what one is capable of doing when faced with such a dilemma. I could have returned to Indiana to IU but my decision to get a job at the prestigious J.B. Hudson Jewelers AND go to college in a major metro city was my real education. Looking older than 19 when I applied for a job in sales, I was informed no one at that time would be hired that young. However, I had 5 years’ experience in every aspect of retail jewelry…Call my father. He will tell you I need this job!

I was hired and worked there throughout my college days.

I very recently returned to Minneapolis to visit my former co-worker/boss, Florence Benson. Now 95, she is even more of an inspiration to me than when we worked together. In addition to reminiscing about the glory days of the iconic landmark business, we spoke of her influence and dedication. She always said she was thrilled to have a job! She began working in gift wrap at JBH the age of 20 and worked for 20 years without a vacation. Climbing the corporate ladder and advancing to the position of buyer for a major player in the jewelry industry was something she never envisioned. She worked for 57 and one half years for the company and would have continued if her eyes would have cooperated!

Florence instilled in me a passion for quality, perfection and presentation. Most of all she loved her customers. She was self-educated in all aspects of the jewelry world. Having realized early in life that knowledge was power she remains healthy and active these days testing herself with only one major ‘project’ each day. Her memory is her greatest asset and stays informed on so many levels that she nearly runs circles around me. She encouraged me to challenge myself more and continue learning as much as I can because according to her, “I have a long way to go to catch up to her.”