Jewelry workshop at Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in conjunction with Susan Abeles and Gertraud Hechl of Bonhams Auction House will conduct a hands-on jewelry workshop at the Wilson Library and Research Center, 235 East Beverley St. in Staunton, Virginia, Friday June 27 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. After a light lunch the experts will pass on their firsthand knowledge for the care and valuation of antique jewelry to the participants of Jewelry 101 with Bonhams Auction House.

The value of jewelry is dependent upon many factors, its condition, market trends, and the location where
the jewelry is sold. The value of a particular item may be stated as either wholesale, at auction or retail, for “insurance purposes”. The values given by our panel of Bonhams experts will be “at auction” or retail values and are verbal approximations of value or opinions formed from their knowledge of jewelry, market trends, and other factors. Although the valuations are based on research and experience, opinions can and often do vary among experts.

Bonhams Auction House is a privately owned British auction house and one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art, antiques, and jewelry. The Bonhams name is recognized worldwide throughout all sectors of the fine art, antiques and collectors market, with several of its departments established world leaders within their specialist category. The Jewelry workshop will be conducted by Bonhams Director of US Jewelry, Susan Abeles along with Gertraud Hechl Virginia Representative for Bonhams, Washington D.C. Susan has over 29 years of experience in the auction world and with the private jewelry trade. She continues to lecture widely, conducts charity auctions across the country, and has made appearances on PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow”.

Admission to the workshop is $30.00 per person for non-members and $25.00 for League of Friends members and includes lunch. Individual jewelry appraisals are by appointment before or after the workshop and are $10.00 per item. For more information, a reservation, or an appointment for Jewelry 101 with Bonhams Auction House contact Elizabeth Shortt at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library (540) 885-0897 ext. 105 or e-mail [email protected]. All proceeds to benefit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum.