Costume Jewelry: A Cultural Stroll Through The Decades

Join us at Bernardsville Public Library on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30 pm for an overview by Marilyn Visakay highlighting how American costume jewelry evolved and changed throughout the decades in 20th century America. She will discuss the history of the shapes, materials used, and the impact that culture, industrialization, Hollywood and the fashion industry had on American designs, designers and manufacturers. Our audience will learn what characteristics affect desirability in the vintage/antique markets and how to safeguard and preserve their vintage and antique treasures. Participants are encouraged to bring one piece of their own jewelry for identification and discussion as a group.

Marilyn Visakay is an accredited (ASA) personal property appraiser, consultant, lecturer, and financial adviser with over 30 years’ experience in the field of antiques and decorative arts. As a graduate of George Washington University’s Appraisal Studies program and the prestigious Winter Institute at Winterthur Museum, Ms. Visakay is also part collector and part historian. She owns more than 500 pieces of costume jewelry and has become adept at identifying a maker, time period, condition, and approximate value of almost any piece of costume jewelry that passes her way. Recently, Ms. Visakay was featured in an article titled, “Secret Life of Marilyn Visakay: Faux diamonds are her best friend" by Chuck O’Donnell, an article which captured the magic and mystique that makes collecting costume jewelry so much fun.

highlighting how American costume jewelry evolved and changed throughout the decades in 20th century America.
There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up. Please note start time at 7:30 pm.