The 23rd Annual Jewelry Camp

By Gary Roskin, G.G., FGA, Senior Editor -- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 6/1/2002

Grab your gear and head for Long Island, N.Y., for "Jewelry 2002 ~ A Celebration of Jewelry," the 23rd Antique & Period Jewelry and Gemstone Conference, July 20-25. Organized again this year by Joyce Jonas & Associates, New York, the conference has been formulated around the events of Sept. 11.

Jonas was in Italy when her hometown of New York was attacked. She said that it profoundly influenced her and how she thinks about jewelry. "What does one hold on to during this time?" she asks. "What is it that survives every civilization?"

Her answer: "It's always been a jewel. Something that belonged to someone else, especially from the family." With that in mind, Jewelry Camp's theme was born.

Jonas notes that jewelry survives generations, cultures, and civilizations: "They would stick it in their pocket, hide it from those who would take it. And while everything else seems to disappear, jewelry has survived!"

The list of faculty includes André Chervin, master craftsman and president of Carvin French, New York, who will address the topic of "Love, Lust, and Power." "John Loring, design director at Tiffany's in New York, is going to speak about what it was like to be Paloma Picasso's mentor," notes Jonas. Chris Hartop, formerly with Christie's and Phillips auction houses, will be speaking on fake and pseudo hallmarks. Hartop will be in town for the Antiques Roadshow. Also, says Jonas, "Ute Klein Bernhardt, master gem engraver, is bringing her entire bench and engraving for us."

For more information, call (212) 535-2479 or visit www.jewelrycamp.org.