Still Time for Zonta “Peek” Appraisals!

Zonta supporters are excited about “Peek at the Unique Repurposed,” the re-imagined annual fundraiser by the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva.  While the online auction closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 10, you can still book a personal appointment for Saturday, March 13 with either a gem/jewelry expert or an antiques appraiser with Antiques Roadshow experience.

This is a rare opportunity to have precious items informally assessed in a relaxed setting, the new Blue Giraffe at Sanibel Island Golf Club.  For jewelry, book with Carlos Fernandez of Congress Jewelers on Sanibel.  Mr. Fernandez, with Congress since 1998, is a diamond graduate of the Gemological Institute of America with over 30 years’ experience, specializing in antique and vintage jewelry, watches and signed period pieces.

For lap-size antique items—art, glassware, china ornaments—book with H. Peter Curran.  For larger items, bring a photograph.  Mr. Curran, a member of Appraisers Association of America, has extensive experience appraising American and European paintings, prints, silver and furniture from the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries; for six years, he toured with Antiques Roadshow and pre-screened material behind the scenes.

Reservations are still available for both appraisal types.  For a $100 donation (tax-deductible), receive a 15-minute session covering up to three items.  Book at ZontaSanCap.org or bit.ly/ZontaPeek.  COVID-19 protections will be observed.

Organizers said:  “When moving to Sanibel, many of us downsized and brought favorite items to new homes here.  So bring them for evaluation, then display them prominently because they turn out to be valuable, or finally discard them, having hung on to them for too long.”  And while these are not certified appraisals, both experts will offer a discount should participants need a formal appraisal later.

As always, all proceeds will go in grants to organizations whose mission of empowering women mirrors Zonta’s own.  Since 2002, the “Peek” home tour has enabled Zonta to distribute over $1 million in grants to area non-profits.  Visit ZontaSanCap.org for information about the club, the “Peek,” and to donate.