Skinner is pleased to announce the return of Beth Turner as the Regional Director for Northern New England. She had previously been an appraiser in the Fine Jewelry Department. In her new role, Beth will provide appraisal and auction evaluation services and manage client relations with individuals, fiduciaries, not-for-profit organizations, and museums. She will advise collectors and consignors in Maine, northern New Hampshire, and northern Vermont.
In addition to extensive experience and special qualifications in jewelry, Beth has a broad base of knowledge as a generalist appraiser. She brings over 20 years of experience to the process of examining, describing, and photographing objects. This extensive background enables her to provide a timely response to those who need an efficient assessment of their personal property, family heirlooms and other treasured objects.
Beth grew up in Pennsylvania and traveled widely in the United States and Europe as a child. Since her father was a history professor, these trips emphasized museums and historic sites and started her on her eventual career path.
After completing a master’s degree, Beth moved to California, and with a friend opened an antique store focusing on American decorative arts. After returning to the east coast and settling in Maine, she pursued graduate gemology credentials and began a long career as a jewelry appraiser, both privately and at Skinner.
Her experience on both coasts as a store owner and manager, as well as a scholar and appraiser, gives her a broad prospective on the dynamic antiques and collectibles market.
Among the mentors and colleagues who helped her build her expertise, Beth particularly credits Peter J. Theriault, former staff writer of the jewelry and horology column for the Maine Antique Digest and an independent jewelry appraiser. “He put my name forward as a specialist in the jewelry department at Skinner and provided gemological knowledge and encouragement throughout my career.”
Gloria Lieberman, Director Emerita of the Fine Jewelry Department at Skinner, is another person whose generous knowledge and guidance were instrumental in helping Beth to establish her career path when Beth worked at Skinner’s as a jewelry appraiser from 1999 to 2002.
While fine jewelry is a continuing focus of interest, Beth has expertise in the wide range of antiques that the Northern New England region offers. She notes that “Emerging trends and areas of interest among collectors and consignors in our area include nautical art and antiques and mid-century modern pottery, furniture and paintings.” Half-million-dollar objects she has handled range from a 10-carat diamond to a Russian painting.
Beth fully appreciates that family jewelry and other possessions often evoke very personal and emotional associations. Advising clients on how to best realize the full financial potential of their belongings is Beth’s primary goal. She knows how important it is to establish a trusting personal and professional relationship with her clients and feels that this part of her job is just as important as determining monetary value.
Beth’s interests are as wide-ranging as her professional pursuits. She enjoys cooking, gardening, swimming and especially sailing. She plans to participate in the 3 mile swim across the Penobscot Bay from Northport to Islesboro this summer to benefit LifeFlight of Maine.
