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RAPAPORT...
U.S. Antique Shows reported strong attendance at this year's Chicago Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, the company's first in that city, which took place on April 20 through 22 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Andrea Canady, the company's fair director, said they were overwhelmed by the excitement the event generated across Chicago's antique and jewelry market. "It's evident by the attendance numbers that this show was successful for its first appearance in the windy city. We are looking forward to returning next year," she added. The Celebrity Collection area of the show, sponsored by jeweler N. Green & Sons, included previously owned pieces by Mae West, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and others. This section experienced heavy traffic throughout the show as collectors with an interest in coveted antique and estate jewelry scanned the aisles for items ranging from diamonds, precious gems from Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Patek Phillipee, Cartier, Rolex and David Webb. "The first annual Chicago Antique Jewelry & Watch Show was better than we could have ever anticipated," said Lee Josephson, the vice president of Raymond Lee Jewelers. "It was a great way for us to reach a whole new market of affluent retail clients. Our company was able to connect with a network of Chicago-based dealers." In addition, more than $5,000 was raised during a charity raffle, which benefited the Chicago Jewelers Association Scholarship Fund. The grand prize, a Rolex Submariner watch, was awarded to a New York resident, John Ullmann. The next event for Antique Shows is the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show scheduled for May 31 to June 3, at the Paris Hotel. Next year, the Chicago Antique Jewelry & Watch Show will be held April 12 to 14, 2013 at the Hilton Chicago.
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