Blog Articles

Only a Phone Call Away

Dear Wonderful, Supportive Client-Friends: I'm still working hard despite this pandemic. I've missed seeing you at my annual summer shows, but I've been getting calls from some of you who see me every year.

So, here's a gentle reminder that you can reach me any time at 312-346-2363 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ask about what's new, what's on sale, or inquire about custom work and appraisals. You can see what's going on on my Instagram page @dianawidmanfinejewelry or on Facebook at Diana Widman Fine Jewelry.

Diana1

I always have things on sale. They just come and go fairly quickly so I don't generally post them. Wanna know? Just give me a ring or a text.

I've been using Zoom and FaceTime to work with you, so give it a try. You have the convenience of being in your home while still being in the role of "co-designer" as we work through the project details.

The same is true for appraisals.

Keep your jewelry clean. Take it off and swish it around in a bowl of very warm water and dish detergent. Clean the surfaces with a very soft toothbrush or a cotton swab. You can soak it for awhile, too. Rinse thoroughly under running water. A spritz of Windex and the soft brush will remove the soapy residue . Rinse again. If you want to clean earrings or gold chains, you can buy alcohol pads at CVS and rub the surfaces, just like I do at art shows between customers.

Gemmy Pendant

A Good Time to Evaluate What you Own

What do you have stashed in that jewelry box? Do you know what you've inherited? Do we need to reimagine that brooch from your Great Aunt? Now is a good time to send or video conference with me for appraisals, especially since the drive to organize our personal lives has taken hold. No need to come into the office at all. Appraisals start at $150 but for the time being, I am offering the work at $100 per report with a 10% discount on three or more items. You will receive a full professional report for insurance, estate, or resale purposes. I am also trained as an expert witness, gem consultant, and Accredited International Valuer. Most of all, remember to let your beautiful pieces bring you a sense of calm and joy. That's what they are made for and never has it been more important to keep ourselves balanced and grateful.

Drop Earrings

Is Your Tiara Real

From Under the Sea to Under the Sun

While sheltering in place, I'm taking the opportunity to learn something new every day. Yesterday, I spent an hour on a Zoom conference with one of the world experts on coral, Enzo Liverino, from Torre del Greco, Italy. This town, near Naples, was the center of coral harvesting in Italy and still is a center for Italian coral-jewelry making and cameo carving. The locals are sometimes called "corallini" after this gem. We were told that jewelry coral is "precious coral" and not endangered because controlled harvesting protects this group. Precious corals occur in deep red oxblood (Mediterranean), white (Shiro:Japan), deep peach (Momo-Japan,) and pale pink (Angelskin : Japan and Taiwan.) Common coral, however, can be dyed, impregnated with resin for stability, and is often spongy. Black, blue, and yellow coral is dyed.

For thousands of years, coral has been collected and prized by global civilizations, from the Bronze Age ancient Mediterranean, to China, Africa, and Japan. Japan and Taiwan began farming coral in the 1870's and are known mostly for the angelskin, the Shiro (porcelain white), and Momo coral, a deep peach color that forms in large pieces. Momo coral is often carved into decorative objects like boxes, clocks, and other pieces. Museums have beaded works from the Neolithic Mediterranean, which were traded into Equatorial Africa by the Portuguese.