Northwest Jewelry Conference

www.nwjcon.com

Conference tuition $795 – Includes daytime meals at the Cedarbrook Lodge

Conference tuition $795 – Includes daytime meals at the Cedarbrook Lodge

Friday, August 10 – Evening Northwest Reception

(Available as stand-alone ticket - $125)

Tales of the Cheapside Hoard

HAZEL FORSYTH brings to life jewelry of the Elizabethan era with this time capsule unearthed from beneath the streets of London’s fabled jewelry district. Tudor and Jacobean pieces as well as much older articles have been meticulously studied and cataloged by Hazel and presented under her curation at the London Museum.  She wrote “London’s Lost Jewels: The Cheapside Hoard” associated with the exhibition of this remarkable find.  While Hazel is an unquestioned authority on the Hoard, she will be open to yours all weekend.     

Saturday, August 11

Another Time and Place – The Grand Victorian Era

ULYSSES GRANT DIETZ will chronical this year’s wrinkle in time, starting in the 1860’s and carrying through a transitional period where fashion and discoveries of gems and materials ushered in a new era.  This is our yearly 360˚ look at the societies, trends and politics that helped shape the jewelry worn by the aristocrats and the commoners. Ulysses is the immediate past Chief Curator for the Newark Museum, taught at last year’s NWJC and yes, is a descendant of someone who figures into the time period of this presentation.

Earrings: From Antiquity to Present

AMANDA TRIOSSI says it all with the title of a book she wrote with Daniela Mascetti.  An adornment that has made simple to opulent statements, earrings will be examined as their own category, part of an ensemble and when they were abandoned from fashion all together. Materials and design through a 5000 year old history will bring a better appreciation to this vital fashion accessory.  Amanda, Rome, Italy is a recognized jewelry historian, FGA and educator. She was an auctioneer and instructor with Sotheby’s, and created the first comprehensive course on Western jewelry design.

Jewelry of the Rich, Famous… and Infamous

DIANA SINGER reveals the stories behind the jewels worn by our Hollywood stars, royalty, business tycoons and maybe a nefarious character or two.  The works of Bulgari, Tiffany, Cartier, VCA and many others will be in display along with the trials and tribulations that went into dealing with these most special clients.  Diana, New York, NY is owner of D & E Singer, estate jewelry dealer, President of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, G.G., founding faculty member of the NWJC and has presented on jewelers, jewelry history and design at numerous industry conferences.

Recognizing Metal Fabrication Techniques

PETER SHEMONSKY presents an extensive workshop to help us identify jewelry-making techniques and whether what we observe is true to a given period in history.  Recognizing method is important in dating jewelry manufacture and spotting inconsistencies helps reveal the fakes - saving our money and reputation.  Peter, San Francisco, CA is an accomplished bench jeweler, G.G. and Director of Heritage Auctions Fine Jewelry, San Francisco.  He is a founding faculty member of NWJC, wrote the Antique Jewelry course of the International Society of Appraisers and taught period jewelry courses for Northwest Gemological Institute.

The Jewelry of Mary Lee Hu

MARY LEE HU shares the inspirations and metallurgical techniques that created her impressive catalog of unique jewelry art heralded worldwide. Understand such creativity through the eyes of the artist and see up close the flowing textile-like qualities of her work.  Mary Lee, Seattle, WA has been exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Renwick Gallery, The American Arts and Crafts Museum and Art Institute of Chicago and Newark Museum, to name a few, won numerous awards and grants and is Professor Emeritus, University of Washington.

Sunday, August 12
Featured Jeweler - Bvlgari

AMANDA TRIOSSI brings a first-hand history of this iconic jeweler, having worked with the family in curating its works and in writing multiple volumes and essays.   From the designer’s Greek origins to the bold expressions instantly recognized, Amanda will bring unique depth to the subject as well as discuss the many impostors flooding the market from her Snakes to Fakes exposé.

Inside the Cheapside Hoard

HAZEL FORSTYH will take a deeper look at the metallurgy and enameling techniques of the Hoard’s contents, revealed through advanced scientific means.  Hazel will share the ongoing forensics of the Hoard and what her historical research has revealed in chasing down answers on gold fineness, trade routes and the society of the time.

 

Going, going, gone….!

PETER SHEMONSKY looks at today’s auction market – what’s hot, what’s not and how to participate in this arena.  Learn tricks in researching to build comparables for an appraisal or to search for the perfect collectible.   Peter will share his decades-long experience in the field with insights and examples of why some pieces go high and some go home.

Collector’s After-Party

After the sessions end (around 2pm) you may continue networking and sharing collections over tasty treats.

The Cedarbrook Lodge is a boutique hotel with a northwest woodsy feel on 18 acres of restored wetlands, minutes from Sea-Tac Airport.  Award-winning farm to table cuisine is served at our Northwest Reception, breakfasts, lunches and snacks.

Room rates of $179/night are extended three days before and after the conference dates.

Visit www.nwjcon.com or call 425.455.0985 to register.

Conference attendance is limited to the first 48 registrants.  The Friday evening reception is available alone to a larger audience and included with full conference tuition.

Conference director: Ted Irwin   tirwin@nwgem.com