Timeless Heirlooms: The Charm of Vintage Jewelry

Rancho Los Alamitos presents

Saturday, August 9, 2025

From 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM; last entry at 11:45 AM

General Admission tickets go on sale on Wednesday, July 9, at 12 PM.

Join us at Rancho Los Alamitos to immerse yourself in the world of vintage jewelry. While enjoying light refreshments, learn about the jewelry belonging to the last ranching residents of Rancho Los Alamitos (c.1920-1950). Find out what to look for when collecting vintage jewelry. Reserve time in advance to have your own vintage jewelry evaluated by a licensed jewelry appraiser. Browse the creations of local jewelry artisans and purchase pieces that may one day become cherished heirlooms for your own family.

This program will offer various elements. Arrive any time between 10 AM and 11:45 AM to tour the historic ranch house to view Bixby family jewelry. Peruse and purchase from local jewelry artisans. To conclude the morning’s program, at noon, enjoy a presentation by expert gemologist and licensed appraiser Diane Caldwell Chesler GIA GG, CM on vintage jewelry.

Program Timeline for General Admission

• 10 am – 12 pm: Check out jewelry artisans, tour the house, and enjoy light refreshments. Last entry at 11:45 AM.
• 12 pm – 12:45 pm: Diane Caldwell Chesler’s presentation on vintage jewelry

Site will close after the event and prepare for the usual visiting hours with jewelry artisans and tours of the house.

Add-on Offering:

• 15-minute verbal evaluation of personal jewelry with Diane Caldwell Chesler GIA GG, CM

One-on-one limited appointments with Diane Caldwell Chesler are available to book. For an additional fee, these 15-minute sessions involve a verbal evaluation of one personal jewelry piece. This is not an appraisal. Evaluation sessions must be booked in advance. Select an appointment time when purchasing a general event ticket. Diane’s business information will be available if you would like a more formal and written appraisal.

General Event Admission Ticket Price Includes:

• Admission
• Parking
• Presentation on vintage jewelry
• Access to displays of Bixby family jewelry
• Pop-up local jewelry artisans: Scin Jewelry, Tesoro Handmade, Lisette Thierry, Jivita Jewelry, Lynn Lane, and Lazaro Arvizu
• Info from Mark Schneider Fine Jewelry on repair and redesign of vintage jewelry
• 10% discount in RLA Museum Shop
• Light refreshments

We hope you will join us!