National Rarities' May Employee Spotlight

Hardwork and dedication has always been a huge part of our amazing staff. Constantly striving to bring our clients the best customer service we are proud of all of our team members. This month our Employee Spotlight is our very own Jennifer Flores our Estate Specialist/Photographer, GIA AJP. Her motto is, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Join us as we celebrate our employee of the month, Jennifer!

Q1: Describe a brief history of yourself and your relevant training

I've worked in bead and jewelry stores over the past 30 years and started making and selling jewelry in 1991. I have always had a passion for jewelry and gemstones. Over the years I have apprenticed with a local silversmith and blacksmith and taught bead jewelry making classes. When I started working with national Rarities I obtained my Applied Jewelry Professional Certification through the Gemological Institute of America and love that I can pursue my passion in my career.

Q2: What does a typical day look like for you at National Rarities?

When in the office I work primarily in the photography department. A typical day includes cleaning and prepping jewelry for photography, photographing jewelry, and editing photos for online auction listings. On the road as an estate specialist my typical day includes setting up the event, meeting customers, evaluating their items, making offers to buy and educating each person about the items they have brought in.

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working at National Rarities?

I love meeting our customers and seeing their treasures. Every day is a new adventure. I also truly enjoy photographing jewelry from different time periods. I think of them as little pieces of history that have somehow managed to survive. It makes me happy to be able to play a small part in the preservation of jewelry from the past.

Q4: What is your favorite piece you have purchased?

My favorite piece of jewelry I have purchased from National Rarities is an antique five stone white gold and diamond ring. The ring came from a very nice customer on my very first event. I fell in love with the ring immediately and was able to purchase it a couple months later. I wanted something to commemorate my first trip with something special. I could see the love my customer had for her mother in her eyes and the way she talked about her. I am proud to be the new owner of this special ring and hope to wear it for the rest of my life.

Q5: What is your favorite piece that is for sale now or has sold recently?

My favorite listing on our Ebay store is item #10443-8. It is a beautiful lot of Italian micro mosaic jewelry pieces. The delicate use of precisely cut pieces of millefiori glass used to create brightly colored intricate designs blows my mind! I own several pieces and will most likely bid on these!!

We appreciate everything that Jennifer does! Always ready to step in and lend an ear to every story that comes with each new find.

Thank you so much for being a part of our team of “rarities” at National Rarities.

Stay tuned for our next National Rarities Employee Spotlight!