Conclave 2026

This presentation is a 2-hour lecture and hands-on session limited to 25 attendees.

Decisions, decisions—making an era call can be a tough decision, but it also shows your expertise. Suzanne and Starla have dedicated their professional lives to the forensics of jewelry dating. Part 1 of this 2-hour session covers the critical design elements, construction techniques, and materials available to create a set of factors that determine antique/vintage/reproduction jewelry dating.

Part 2 is a hands-on session that has you using a checklist to "make the call" on a variety of pieces from different eras. Working in small groups with your loupe, you will be able to test your knowledge. Please bring your loupe to this session, if possible. Then we will examine the pieces together in a "do you see what I see" wrap-up, highlighting the key elements.

This Hands-on session will be repeated. Space is limited to 20 participants and is first-come, first-served.

This workshop will offer a systematic approach to grading gems for color, clarity, and cut. Various color systems will be discussed with actual hands-on grading of gemstones that I bring using the World of Color system. A methodology will be taught for assessing colored gemstones for clarity and cut and to gain experience in accurate pricing.

Space for this Hands-on session is limited to 20 participants and is first-come, first-served.

This workshop will offer a systematic approach to grading gems for color, clarity, and cut. Various color systems will be discussed with actual hands-on grading of gemstones that I bring using the World of Color system. A methodology will be taught for assessing colored gemstones for clarity and cut and to gain experience in accurate pricing.