34th Annual Jewelry Camp Huge Success!A whole new venue for Jewelry Camp this summer was a move we were not sure of. But I think we can now say it was definitely worth the move. I cannot remember seeing so many "Happy Campers"!
By: Sandy Lewand Aug. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- When reflecting on the 34th annual Antique Jewelry and Art Conference, it is important to know why it is now called “Jewelry Camp.” The conference was originally held on the campus of the University of Maine where the accommodations were dorm rooms with shared baths. The venue this summer was a far cry from those humble beginnings and was worth the move to Tarrytown House Estate in Tarrytown, New York. We cannot remember so many “Happy Campers.”
Lecture topics ranged from period styles such as Victorian and Edwardian to information about costume jewelry and the Newark jewelry industry. Attendees came from as far away as Japan and Switzerland as well as the West Coast and the tri-state area. A few came for just a day and, ultimately, stayed for the entire conference…it was that good! Dealer's Night was one of the most successful to-date with over twenty dealers and more than 100 pairs of eyes searching for that special piece. Buying and trading, according to Edward Lewand, Director of Jewelry Camp, was enthusiastic. This year was the first time buyers, other than attendees, were allowed to participate in "Dealer’s Night." Personally, I could go on and on about my thoughts on this year's conference but the best testimonials come from the participants as stated below: I just participated in my first Jewelry Camp weekend. Started around 30 years ago by Dr. Joseph Sataloff, Jewelry Camp's goal was to educate and promote knowledge in antique and estate jewelry not only to dealers and collectors, but also to the general public. Over the years, it has grown and flourished, and today is owned by expert appraiser, Edward Lewand, with his wife, Sandy. The Lewands did a terrific job of putting together a diverse line-up of speakers and instructors. People from all over the world came to Tarrytown to take part and to network. I have taken just about every course offered at the GIA in New York, which was a very rewarding experience. However, they do not dwell much on antique, estate, and vintage jewelry. I took some courses at Christie's and Sotheby's, but wanted to immerse myself further into the world of antique and estate jewelry - this is where Jewelry Camp excels. As one striving to make a career in the jewelry industry, I am trying to learn as much as possible about all aspects of the business. I was truly in awe of how many niches and opportunities to specialize there are in the antique and estate jewelry arena. There were speakers on topics ranging from Victorian jewelry to Art Deco jewelry, antique diamonds to vintage costume jewelry, and so much in between. There were also hands-on classes where we could be up close and personal with period pieces. In addition to education, Camp provides a strong networking opportunity. I made many new contacts with whom I believe would be willing and able to answer any questions I may have as I continue on in the vast world of gems and jewelry. I'd like to go back next year! by Becky Burgess THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for organizing such a SPECTACULAR JEWELRY CAMP 2011. You guys did an OUTSTANDING JOB AND I APPLAUD AND SEND BRAVOS/BRAVAS your way. I have been so enthusiastic about my experience this year that I have several friends who want to sign up ASAP for Jewelry Camp 2012. Please let me know how you would like them to follow up with you. Sarah Porter Dear Sandy and Ed, What a wonderful Jewelry camp this year. It was the best location of all and with delicious food and comfortable beds. WOW I loved it. Speakers were great and the hands-on sessions were invaluable. Is it possible to get a list of the attendees and their contact info so that I can stay in touch with some of the wonderful new friends I made as well as the speakers ?? Many thanks for all your hard work; it all paid off big time. Cheers, Scarlett Ober Camp was great and I loved the new location! Caitlyn Wilkinson Renaissance Fine Jewelry Sandy and Ed, you amaze me…Thanking everyone for Jewelry Camp!?!? We all, and I’m sure we are, should be thanking the two of you, and your daughter, of course, for one of the best, if not the best Jewelry Camp EVER! I don’t know when I went to my first… it was up in Maine, many moons ago… I enjoyed it of course, and learned, of course, but I have never had an experience like Tarrytown! The venue, the layout… the presentations and the attendees were just spectacular… All the best… Barry Barry S. Block, G.G., C.S.M.-N.A.J.A., A.S.A. Master Gemologist Appraiser® Registered Master Valuer President, The Jewelry Judge International 320 Old Country Rd., Garden City, New York 11530 www.jewelryjudge.net 516-248-8130 Hi! Thank you so much for a great event! I'll be back next year! Best regards, Marilyn Hi Sandy, Thanks very much for partnering me with Marcia Bansley. We really hit it off & had a great time together. I will certainly refer the camp to my colleagues for next year. Sincerely, Darlene I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed my one day at camp, Saturday July 16, 2011. It was fantastic! The facility, the food, the lectures were terrific! I met the most fantastic people. The dealers were unbelievable. Thanks for all of your efforts. You are both wonderful. Hope next year I can attend for all three days. Regards, Kira Semler Hi Sandy, First off, THANK YOU! You ran an amazing well organized, informational and mostly important fun event this weekend. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be back next year. So, thank you for all your hard work for putting it together and making it such a memorable weekend. Best Regards, jennifer Sandy, I am so thrilled for you and Ed that jewelry camp went beautifully. The person who makes the wedding always knows the behind the scenes problems. We as participants saw none of that. The site was beautiful. I heard no complaints about the $ cost. You, Sandy, are super organized and able. Much love and thanks. Again. You shine. Gloria/Glorious Antique Jewelry Sandy and Ed, I just want to thank you both for all your hard work in making this the BEST JEWELRY CAMP EVER! You’re like fine wine! Everyone I talked to enjoyed it more than most years and definitely look forward to being there next year! Can we get the same place again? Thank you both, Dorothy McTeigue, since 1895 New York, NY 10017 We had a fabulous time! Can’t wait until next year! Roy Rover, Speaker Roy Rover Antiques I enjoyed the classes very much and hope you have them again at the same location. Thank you. Nancy Grogan Hi Sandy, Thank you for the great Jewelry Camp at Tarrytown! The speakers as well as the sessions were excellent, as always. In addition - thanks to the location - people enjoyed staying and eating there, which was a wonderful opportunity to get to know so many more people than at the college venues. And that was a real treat and - to me - what this camp is all about :-) Thank you again and see you next year at Tarrytown! Doris Doris C. Gerber Gemologist G.G. / F.G.A. Edigem Ltd. Switzerland Jewelry Camp 2012 will once again be hosted at Tarrytown House Estate. Registration will begin in November 2011. To receive the "Jewelry Camp" Newsletter please visit our website at http://www.jewelrycamp.org or http://www.jewelrycamp.blogspot.com and subscribe, you may also forward your email address to: JewelryCamp@ See you next summer! Sandy Lewand (631) 377-9766 (631) 471-1922 http://www.jewelrycamp@ http://www.jewelrycamp.org # # # In today’s world we need as much knowledge and information as possible to help us buy sell and collect jewelry. As always, Jewelry Camp is important for networking and meeting people who can help you in everyday tasks. End
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