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Local Resident Shares on
Passion of Gems and Fine Jewelry
When Naperville native Alison Neumann was 6-years-old, her parents took her to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C where for the first time, she saw the magnificent Hope Diamond necklace. "I was mesmerized by the beauty and the awe-inspiring glamour," says Alison. "And this is when my love affair with jewelry started!"
Now working as an independent jewelry appraiser for her own company - Alison Neumann, Inc. - Alison specializes in antique, estate and fine jewelry appraisals. Prior to starting her own company, Alison worked in jewelry retail, wholesale and was also the director of the jewelry department for an auction house. She holds a number of impressive career-related degrees including a BFA in Metalsmithing/Jewelry from the University of Kansas and a Graduate Gemologist Degree from the Gemological Institute of America (Carlsbad, CA.). Additionally, in 2006, Alison became a Certified Gemologist as part of the American Gem Society.
For the past two years, Alison has been working as one of the content specialists for the newly-renovated Grainger Hall of Gems at the Field Museum in Chicago. "I appraised, catalogued and did gemstone identification for the Hall," explains Alison. Last October, when the Grainger Hall was opened to the public, Alison helped train the docents for the new exhibit.
For her own business, Alison works to provide appraisals for insurance purposes, estate taxes, jewelry verifications, donations and fair market value. She is a mobile laboratory that travels to her client's specific destinations being their home, office, or banks. "This is very convenient for all my clients since they do not have to leave their jewelry," says Alison. "I examine everything right in front of them."
In 2008, Alison was the winner of the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) Rising Star award, an impressive accomplishment for a woman of just 27-years-old.
"I enjoy discovering unknown pieces of jewelry; it's almost like a treasure hunt," says Alison. The challenging part is when faced with a gemstone that is rare and unusual. "The challenge just adds to my determination," she exclaims.
Alison Neumann Inc., provides its services to a variety of people and businesses. Alison is currently contracted with museums, jewelry stores, estate attorneys, accountants, insurance companies and the public. For more information call (630) 728-8316 or visit www.alisonneumanninc.com.