Native American Jewelry Trading Days July 12, 2008

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston will host its eighth annual Native American Jewelry Trading Days July 1213 for collectors looking to buy or sell authentic Native American jewelry.

Twenty percent of the sale proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Mitchell Museum, 3001 Central St., Evanston, where museum employees and volunteers will be staffing the event Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 13, also from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mitchell Museum members can attend a preview party Friday, July 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to the members-only preview is $25 per person.

"Many people have beautiful earrings, bracelets, and other items that they no longer wear or don't suit their taste anymore," says John Low, the museum's executive director. "This gives them a perfect opportunity to refresh their collection with someone else's treasures and benefit the museum at the same time."

Jewelry is accepted for sale on consignment only. Those wishing to offer items for sale can call the museum for details at (847) 475-1030.

Organizers estimate that 400 to 500 pieces of previously owned jewelry will be available for purchase, including rings, pins, bolos, earrings, belt buckles, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces. Prices range from $15 to $600 or more, with most items priced from $30 to $60. Most of the jewelry dates from about 1940 to the present day. Designs range from traditional to contemporary.

"These are excellent values," says Paddy Schwartz of Northbrook, a museum volunteer who is helping coordinate the event. "We've asked sellers to set the lowest prices they're willing to accept. "

Schwartz says shoppers can expect to see a grouping of jewelry by Orville Tsinnie, an acclaimed Navajo silversmith known for simple but striking contemporary designs. A sizable, estate collection of museum-quality Zuni inlay jewelry -- silver inlaid with jet, turquoise, coral, and shell in mosaic patterns -- will also be on display.

In addition, available items will include jewelry of Hopi, Santa Domingo Pueblo, Plains, and Eastern Woodlands (beadwork and quillwork) origin.

Admission to the event is included with an entrance donation to the museum. Suggested donation is: $5 for adults; $2.50 for seniors, students, and children. Maximum suggested admission per family is $10. For information, phone (847) 475-1030. On the Net: www.mitchellmuseum.org.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of natsilv.

Official Website: http://www.mitchellmuseum.org