When people inherit prized family heirlooms, many wonder about the value. When antique hunting, does the purchased Victorian bar pin have worth?
Independent local appraiser Elizabeth (Beth) Turner is a trained gemologist who holds a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Her new appraisal office at 26 Water Street in Damariscotta provides in-office written evaluations of jewelry for insurance and estate purposes. Other services include gem identification, consultation services for buying or selling jewelry, and verbal appraisals.
If unable to get to the office, Turner has a portable gemology laboratory allowing her to make house calls.
In addition to completing the requirements for the Graduate Gemologist Diploma, which includes mastering a range of information and skills, culminating in the quality grading of more than 100 diamonds and identifying 500 colored gemstones, Turner’s training includes working as a specialist in the jewelry department at Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers of Antiques and Fine Art in Boston, Mass., under the tutelage of Gloria Lieberman, a well-known and respected appraiser on the “Antiques Roadshow.”
“For many women and men,” Turner said, “jewelry is more than just adornment – it is a remembrance of our relatives, perhaps with a story passed down from generation to generation. It is a pleasure to help protect these treasures by providing an honest and accurate appraisal for insurance coverage or personal knowledge.”
“Age, stylistic motifs, quality of craftsmanship, signature and the intrinsic value of the mounting are all elements that factor into an evaluation. I am particularly interested in jewelry history and stylistic motifs from the period 1840 to 1960. I hope in the future to gather and display jewelry fashioned by the goldsmiths and silversmiths from our Midcoast area, including Mary Gage of Waldoboro, Madeline Burrage of Wiscasset, Ernest Thompson of Damariscotta, and Clifford Russell of Woolwich.”
Appraisals are by appointment. If interested in learning more please call Beth at 380-2000 or email her at eyt@midcoast.com.
