Jewelry and Fine Housewares Through the Ages

Don Strzepek, President and owner of one of Chicago’s oldest diamond and fine Jewelry houses – The Tucker Company -- earned a gemologist degree in 1993 from the Gemological Institute of America. In his informative lecture for Open House Chicago at the Ingersoll-Blackwelder House, Don will discuss jewelry from Chicago's gilded age forward. He will cover styles, named brands, and custom pieces. He will delve into repair and restoration of silver pieces and other household items not necessarily thought of as being able to be repaired. The skilled members of the jewelry trade are keen to repair and restore existing items. Don will also discuss how to create custom new pieces, and give a couple of exotic examples that stretch the imagination and push the boundaries of creativity. Don is a true Chicagoan and his lecture will be colorful! Tucker Inc. is a premier jeweler located in downtown Chicago’s historic Jewelers Row at 5 S. Wabash, Suite 507. Known to their customers as The Tucker Company, they have been in business since 1935, serving over three generations and continuing to be a leader in the jewelry industry for the next generations. They are fine diamond and gem experts with GIA (Gemological Institute of America) training and degrees.