Jeanenne Bell

Specialties

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Contact

Jewelry Box Antiques
Pinson, AL

(205) 681-1018

cjbell@msn.com

Biography

Jeanenne Bell has over 40 years of experience in all phases of the antique, estate and collectable jewelry business. She is an avid collector and an active wholesaler and retailer. She is the author of books, videos and numerous magazine articles and is well known throughout the jewelry industry. Her early training in interior design and architectural history has made her acutely aware of the part jewelry has played in reflecting the architectural and period styles throughout history. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Europe and Asia collecting and researching the history of jewelry and evaluating its geographical trends. Ms. Bell earned her Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) designate from the Gemological Institute of America. In 1984 she wrote one of the first appraisal guides in the country, “The Appraisal of Antique and Period Jewelry” in conjunction with Indiana University and the International Society of Appraisers. Ms. Bell’s book, Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry, 1840-1950, is the longest in-print antique jewelry book. It is now in its 7th edition. Another book, How to be a Jewelry Detective, is recognized as the best “how to” book for determining if jewelry is valuable or not. Other books that she has written are The Collectors Encyclopedia of Hairwork Jewelry, The Collectors Encyclopedia of Pocket and Pendant Watches 1500-1950, Warman’s Antique Jewelry Field Guide, Collecting Victorian Jewelry, and Jewelry Detective Resources. Her books are published by Krause Publications, Collector Books, and Antiques Detectives. Her expertise as a jewelry historian has brought her to the attention of movie directors such as Robert Altman and the team of Merchant & Ivory. Consequently she has been a jewelry consultant for movies. Her celebrity customers include President Clinton, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Julia Roberts, Lea Thompson, and Tracy and Melissa Gold. Antique jewelry has opened many exciting doors for Ms. Bell. In 1986 she attended the Duchess of Windsor Auction in Geneva, Switzerland. Her article, “Windsor Jewelry”, was the cover story for Modern Jewelry magazine. She also attended the Jackie Kennedy Onasis auction in 1996 and wrote the article, “Farewell to Camelot” which became the cover story for The Collector magazine. Ms. Bell’s numerous speaking engagements have earned her the privilege of being a Professional Member of the prestigious National Speakers Association. She is also a member of the following: Gemological Institute of America Alumni Assoc. (Diploma Member); National Association of Jewelry Appraisers 1989-2007 Sothebys Institute Alumni Association; The Society of Jewelry Historians, USA; and The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.