R.I.P. Christie Romero

(Photo credit: The Center for Jewelry Studies)

I came home from the studio today to some very sad news. Jewelry historian, Christie Romero, passed away yesterday from pancreatic cancer. For those unfamiliar with this remarkable woman, Christie was one of the foremost authorities on antique and period jewelry, the director of the Center for Jewelry Studies and the author of, what I consider, the best book on jewelry identification and history, Warman's Jewelry. (This book is sitting literally two feet from me - I refer to it constantly.) She was also an appraiser on the Antiques Roadshow from time to time.

Before I was making my own jewelry full-time I was wavering between the art history world and my passion for jewelry. Jewelry historian was the direction I wanted to head in and Christie was my hero. I dreamed of one day having half of her knowledge and even a fraction of her enthusiasm for jewelry. She was truly inspiring and ever-encouraging, always willing to take the time to respond to my silly emails asking her questions and gushing like a fan-girl.

The jewelry world has lost a wonderful person. Thankfully all her hard work, expertise and generosity will live on in the work she did and we can all continue to benefit from her gift.