Annual antique and jewelry appraisal returns

By Jaime Thomas

Ever wonder what that funky item you picked up at a yard sale is, or what it’s worth? Still hanging on to collectibles from your great-grandmother because you just can’t seem to let go? Have some handed-down jewelry that looks like it could pay off your mortgage?

Find out the story and value behind these items and more at the Granville Area Lioness Club’s annual Antique and Jewelry Appraisal next Wednesday, Sept. 18.

“It’s pure entertainment,” said Nancy Williams, president of the Lionesses.

Curious members of the community with all sorts of antiques, jewelry and other goods bring them in for Jim Marquis and Ron Marcus, certified appraisers, to evaluate.

Marcus, of Freeman Marcus Jewelers in Rutland, does private meetings for jewelry off to the side.

Marquis, meanwhile, offers a more interactive experience as he sits at the microphone.

“He asks you where you got it or how you came by it. He makes a story out of everything,” Williams said. But he doesn’t stop there. “He asks how much you think it’s worth, and then he gives you the value,” she said.

When participants arrive at the event, they take a number, grab refreshments and a seat, and enjoy watching those before them show their goods to Marquis before their own turns arrive.

Regardless of how many people are in line, though, Marquis is in no rush. Rather, he gives each person his full experience and attention.

“He doesn’t hurry you; he drags it out of you. Some people are a little timid,” Williams said.

His knowledge of his subject area is wide—something that can mean good or bad news. Williams said one year a woman brought in a stone jug with a painting on it. Marquis was able to tell her who the painter was, the age of the jug and other information, including its $6,000 value.

“She put her head down on the table and cried, because she’d given the rest of them away,” Williams said.

While attendees wait for their number to be called, they’ll have a variety of food to buy for a donation. Other than typical finger foods there will be sandwiches, brownies, cookies, and homemade corn chowder, “which everyone loves,” Williams said.

The evening, which Williams describes as a casual, fun night out, is the Lioness Club’s most important fundraiser. Proceeds go toward the club’s community efforts; members give out Thanksgiving baskets to area families, adopt families at Christmas, provide area school nurses with necessities for children in need and give out scholarships for local high school students, among other donations.

The event will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Granville Hook and Ladder. For more information call 518-642-0709.