FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2/20/2003- Ginny Butler

Jewelry Appraisal Workshop Offered at SFA

            A three-day workshop on recognizing and understanding jewelry and gems will be offered by the Stephen F. Austin Division of Continuing Education from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 and 27 and March 4 in Room 421 of the Vera Dugas Liberal Arts North Building on the SFA campus.

Charlene Rees, owner and operator of Rees Jewelry in Nacogdoches, will teach the workshop. Rees received her graduate degree in gemology from the Gemological Institute of America in 1982. She began appraising jewelry from her home where she worked with her husband who has been making jewelry for the past 50 years.

The workshop will cover a variety of topics dealing with all types of jewelry and gems, as well as how to choose an appraiser and what to look for when having jewelry appraised. Attendees also will learn how to choose a good diamond, how to tell the difference between platinum, gold, and gold plating, and how to identify different gems and stones, according to Kelly Floyd, program coordinator.

            People who like to shop estate sales, who have family jewelry that has been passed down and who just want to know more about buying and selling quality jewelry are encouraged to attend.

            The cost is $45 per person and includes all materials needed for the three class days.

            To register, call (936) 468-2369 or on the Web at www.ce.sfasu.edu.

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