Mercer County - Princeton - Expert Eye: Jewelry

Tuesday, February 19 – Mercer County Expert Eye: Jewelry at 12 noon at the Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road    The Historical Society of Princeton presents a third installment of its “Expert Eye” series on Tuesday, February 19 at noon. This series enlightens participants on topics relating to antiques and material culture. With Valentine’s Day just a few days earlier, the focus on February 19 will be jewelry.    Rago’s Director of Jewelry, Katherine Van Dell, who also appears as an expert appraiser for the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow, will share why “Knowledge is a Collector’s Best Friend.” In addition to teaching how to operate as an educated consumer when buying and selling jewelry, topics include: the difference between fair market value, retail value and insurance value; the information that should appear on all receipts when buying jewelry; the right questions to ask before buying or selling; and how to use a loupe.    Audience interaction is welcomed and can lead the discussion to include proper repair and/or tricks of the trade, including the safest way to clean one’s jewelry. Guests are invited to bring their own pieces (or photographs) for identification and valuation following the talk.     Registration is free for HSP Members, and $5 for nonmembers. Click here to register online. Appointments are required for appraisals; please call Eve Mandel at (609) 921-6748 x102.