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member takes over for another recognizable, highly desired, and highly
or a company was bought out symbolic. When they became popular,
particularly among the rich and famous,
by another company.
Interpreting the information the forgeries started showing up.
on signed jewelry also requires In the 1970s, when Aldo Cipullo
delving into signatures used started creating these bracelets, they were
over the years to quickly popular and chic, but weren’t stamped
authenticate pieces. For exam- with serial numbers. Counterfeiters
ple, modern Tiffany pieces typ- seized this absence of i.d. as an opportu-
ically have signatures with the nity to start churning out fake Cartier
“T” and the “C” larger than the bracelets at a rapid rate. A simple Google
other letters in the signature. query of “Cartier Love bracelet fake vs The Cartier Love bangle bracelet
However, older pieces often real?” will show you several sites with the
used the same font for all of the answers, as it is thought that over half of these bracelets are, in fact, fake.
letters. That information can
not just help you date an Final Tips for Collecting or Authenticating Signed Jewelry
authentic piece, but also help If you want to collect signed jewelry, or even just authenticate a sin-
you identify a fake one. Look gle piece you like, by all means, start with the signature and related
for the general appearance of engravings you see. Make sure you examine them closely under magni-
A vintage ad for Coro jewelry signatures, with those marks on fication but do not stop there – look at the piece itself as well. Inspect
older pieces showing some it for anything that seems suspicious such as repairs, missing gemstones
wear. They should also be carefully engraved and not seem out of or even gemstones that seem to be scratched, off-color, or as if they
were added to the piece after initial production. Even if a piece is by a
alignment or generally out of place.
When it comes to names on vintage Jewelry, seeing “Vendome” or desirable maker and has an authentic signature, the value added by hav-
“Coro” can make a collector’s heart beat a little faster. Trifari, Sarah ing the signature might be negated by such issues as obvious damage or
Coventry, Coco Chanel, Miriam Haskell, and Weiss are just a few of repairs. Look for a piece that is wearable and worth showing off.
the other highly coveted makers of jewelry in the early to late 1900s. antique champagne glass set available for sale online. Verifying it actu-
Typically the designer’s name says it all, as these makers seldom used ally is truly an antique, is a complete set, and in top condition can be
valuable metals or precious stones to adorn their designs but instead difficult. Having such fragile glassware shipped can also be risky, even
turned to semiprecious stones and metals to give those who could not if the listing is accurate.
afford the Cartier collections an elegance of their own at a lower price. By contrast, hunting for antique champagne glasses locally gives you
the chance to make sure each glass is not chipped or damaged and is
The Cartier Love Bangles: Fakery En Masse exactly as expected. Visiting local flea markets and antique shops allows
According to Raymond Lee Jewelers, Cartier Love bangles are one you to experience the thrill of the hunt and the ability to socialize and
of the most singularly iconic pieces of jewelry in history. They’re highly sometimes to haggle for the best deal.

National Association of Jewellery Appraisers Updated Profile

and New Online Appraisal Studies Course

ONLINE – National Association of Appraisal Studies Course (ASC). The
Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) founded online course makes the curriculum
in 1981 on the premise that the more accessible while offering more
specialized field of gem and jewelry varied learning experiences.
appraising was an area that was long The ASC material presents over
overdue for representation on a the course of individual lessons an
professional basis. There was a need encompassing a wide range of topics
for an appraisal organization focused from appraisal theory and methodology
solely on gems and jewelry, which to jewelry history, with a quiz at the
would not be subject to the confusion end of each lesson. There are also brief
of diverse appraisal disciplines such as interactive sections within each lesson,
real estate, machinery and equipment, as well as supplemental videos and
art, household contents, etc. The external links to enhance understanding.
NAJA was formed as a response to this Students are able to view and save
need and has been privately owned their progress at every step along the
since 1981. The leadership starts at way. They may go back to review
the top with the Executive Director previously completed sections as
followed by Associate Directors. They frequently as necessary.
pride themselves in being highly An online studies platform allows
responsive and nimble to the needs of their membership and to the updated content for all students in real time. Students are alerted when
jewelry industry. such content has been added or altered. Students will receive instant
The Association’s primary purpose is to recognize, and make available, results on all quizzes and exams, including feedback as to the correct
the services of highly qualified, informed, experienced, and professional answers and the locations where those answers may be found in the text.
gemologist appraisers of gems and jewelry to the public requiring such The Appraisal Studies Course is available to both NAJA members
expertise. In addition, NAJA seeks to promote the trademark and and non-members. To enroll, please go to naja.licenseschool.com/
professional designations earned by NAJA members and to make available The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers is the largest member-
continuing educational materials in order to ensure that they are among ship association specializing exclusively in gem and jewelry appraising, and
the best informed appraisers in the gem and jewelry industry. related appraisal issues. For further information, contact Gail Brett Levine,
NAJA recently announced the updated and expanded online GG, Executive Director, NAJA, 718-896-1536.

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