|
About Us
|
BIO
Ms. Utley’s career in the jewelry business began with Fishel and Dowdy Jewelers
in the Fort Myers/Naples, Florida area. Working with Jerry N. Franklin who was a
master Horologist (Tiffany & Co.), Certified Gemologist (American Gem Society),
and Member of the Gemological Association of Great Britain started her passion for
the jewelry industry. During these early years Ms. Utley was able to work with fine
jewelry, manufacturing, and estate resales. Her years with Fishel and Dowdy and
their collaborative effort secured a National Diamond Design award from DeBeers.
Working with Fishel and Dowdy she traveled extensively to jewelry shows, was a buyer,
and returned to follow up in marketing and display.
During her career, Ms. Utley was a purchasing agent for jewelry and watch lines
such as: Rolex and Cellini, Movado, Omega, Girard Perregaux, Cyma, Baume & Mercier,
and Movado. Jewelry lines: Old World Chain, Dankner, Oscar Heyman, Trillos, Kurt
Wayne, Gemveto, Honora, Krementz, Schuler McTeigue, Gem Platinum, Robert Fisher,
Jabel, Nova Styling, Miller and Viet, Lazare Kaplan, Kippie, Kiger, Craig Drake,
Larter, Felger, Louis Tamis, David Friedman, Goldman, and so many more.
In addition to working with jewelry, the stores where she worked carried fine lines
of domestic and imported china, crystal and silver. Some of these collectables were
Dunhill, Lalique, Boehm, Baccarat, St Louis, Oreffors, Royal Dalton, Minton, Spode,
Waterford, Wedgewood, Staffordshire, Hutschenreuther, and Limoges. Some of the domestic
manufacturers were Lenox, Fostoria, Gorham, Kirk Steiff, Reed and Barton, Lunt,
International Silver, Empire Silver and Charles Thomae.
With Fishel and Dowdy Jewelers Ms. Utley studied to become a gemologist and starting
assisting with appraisal work. In addition to Jerry Franklin, his sons, James worked
in the manufacturing arm, and his son Jack was a designer, buyer, and estate specialist
having completed his education with Sotheby’s in London. Working with this trio
rounded her education in gemology, appraising, buying, executions, and production
of one of a kind jewelry designs.
After becoming a Certified Gemologist (American Gem Society) Ms. Utley worked with
several stores in the Palm Beach area, doing appraisals, purchasing, and re-sales.
In addition to the jewelry experience she set up boutique operations for charitable
organizations to re-sale jewelry, collectables, furniture, antiques, and clothing.
As owner and operator of Bottega Antica on Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, she
consigned and purchased estates of antiques, collectables, jewelry, china, silver,
glass and paintings.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Gemological Institute of America - Gemologist 1989, #291-9109
American Gem Society - affiliate #20633, yearly testing and renewal
Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Bachelor of Science, Management of Human Resources
Florida State University,
- undergraduate studies in psychology and communications
College International de Cannes
International Society of Appraisers, Courses #101, #102, #103.
- Ethics and Professional Practices
- Terminology, Identification, Authentication, and Research Methodology
- Federal Tax Functions, responsibilities, liabilities and report writing
Florida Real estate license, inactive status
Licensed appraiser, City of West Palm Beach
Expert witness
WORK EXPERIENCES
Thirty years of retail jewelry sales and estate jewelry sales. Appraisals for insurance,
fair market value, market value, and liquidation. Disposal of estates, including
jewelry (modern and period pieces), silver, china, glass, paintings and prints,
rugs, designer clothing and accessories, furs, and furniture (modern and period
pieces).
Jewelry buyer and consultant for retail operations, including estate jewelry, loose
and mounted stones in diamond and color, gold and silver jewelry, and raw materials.
Purchasing agent for giftware materials in silver, china, glass, and objects of
art in modern and period craft.
Participant in appraisal presentations and “road show” style events. Including:
- von Lieibig Galleries, Naples Florida
- Lighthouse Gallery, Tequesta Florida
- Nursing home facilities throughout the state of Florida
- Flagler Museum, Palm Beach, Flordia
Appraisals in all areas of fine jewelry, watches, silver jewelry, period and designer
jewelry, for estates, corporations, individuals, banks, trusts and insurance companies,
both nationally and internationally.
Volunteer and consultant for local and national charitable organizations, in estate
organization, fair market value, and disposal.
References Jewelry Industry:
- Wilson’s Jewelers, North Palm Beach
- Bechtel Jewelers, West Palm Beach
- Michael’s Jewelers, West Palm Beach
- Angelo’s Jewelers, Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
