Jewelry Through The Ages: Georgian to Modern

Ms. Thuston brings to Freeman's over 20 years’ experience in antique, period and estate jewelry having facilitated the selling process for thousands of clients. Her career includes opening the Chicago jewelry department at Heritage Auctions and directing the Chicago office of CIRCA for twelve years. Earlier in her career she sold jewelry and watches for two of Chicago’s leading jewelers, CD Peacock and Sidney Garber. She is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and has a Bachelor of Arts in music from Albion College. Ms. Thuston has received national and chapter awards for her work with the Women’s Jewelry Association and is an executive board member of the Chicago History Museum Costume Council, a candidate member of the National Association of Jewelry appraisers (NAJA), a voting member of the Accredited Gemologist Association (AGA) and member of The American Society of Jewelry Historians.

Ms. Hammer brings 16 years of experience in the jewelry industry to Freeman's. She began her jewelry career in New York City working as a diamond grader at GIA while simultaneously achieving her Graduate Gemologist degree. She then worked in luxury retail on Madison Avenue where she collaborated with world renowned jewelry houses. From New York she moved to Asia where she advised in high end colored diamonds sales. After moving to Chicago in 2012, she continued her jewelry career specializing in diamonds and design, as well as managing appraisals at Steve Quick Jeweler. Though she loves working with all exquisite gemstones and revels in the history of antique pieces, she also values the connections she makes with clients and understands both the emotional and business side of the jewelry world. Karina grew up in Perth, Australia and has also lived in the United Kingdom, New York City and Singapore.