The intersection of beauty, heritage and connection attracted vintage jewelry dealer Christine Fisher to the business. A sixth generation jeweler at her family’s New York-based firm, Paul Fisher Inc., Christine says, “Growing up, I imagined I would pursue medicine. But everything changed when I attended my first jewelry show in Las Vegas at 18. In an instant, I fell in love with the world of fine jewelry, a world shaped by craftsmanship, history, and beauty, and one that, in truth, has always been in my blood.”
On the Job Training
Medical school wasn’t in the cards for Christine, who studied psychology and business and is currently working on her MBA, however the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) diamond grading courses were part of her training to strengthen her technical understanding of the stones. She notes that her grandfather, Paul Fisher, always said that experience is the best teacher.
“Antique jewelry isn’t governed by formulas or fixed rules like medicine or science. The real education comes from experience, handling pieces, studying craftsmanship, and seeing an extraordinary breadth of jewelry. True expertise is built through years of immersion in the business. One of the greatest challenges lies in cultivating the trained eye and historical understanding required to accurately identify, evaluate, and authenticate pieces across eras, particularly as high-quality reproductions become prevalent,” comments Christine, noting that over time she developed an eye for discerning what’s truly genuine and exceptional, to the point where she is able to look at a gemstone and recognize its quality, character, and even which mine it may have originated from.
A Mentor
Everyone starting out in business regardless of what it is, benefits from a mentor and Christine considers herself very lucky to have Tibor (Tibi) Ullman guiding her. “Tibi oversees the New York office and has been my mentor for many years. So much of my knowledge is rooted in what I’ve learned from him. He was part of the Paul Fisher Apprenticeship Program, training under both my grandfather and my father, which makes my mentorship under him especially meaningful. It reflects the continuity of my grandfather’s legacy and the enduring tradition of expertise passed down within the jewelry trade,” says Christine.
Edwardian Excellence
When it comes to style, Christine is a fan of Edwardian jewelry, noting that her first purchase for the company was an Edwardian diamond pendant. “I am completely fascinated and drawn to the elegance and delicacy of the craftsmanship from that period. The Edwardian era reflects such refinement, intricate metalwork, lightness, and femininity, and that piece captured its essence perfectly.” comments Christine, who likes to wear a mix of contemporary and vintage jewelry together. “Edwardian jewelry exudes feminine energy and I love that. I also love all the iconic jewelry houses — Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, whose creativity and craftsmanship continue to define excellence in the industry.”
Besides the jewelry, Christine loves being in the industry because there is always so much to learn and because she gets to travel the world and see the many friends that she has made through work. “I get to see so much beautiful jewelry,” says Christine. “This is a very special business. How many businesses have a tangible product these days? How many businesses shake hands on a six or seven figure deal? It’s seldom seen in other industries.”
The Relevance of Vintage Jewelry
Vintage jewelry has a very different vibe than contemporary jewelry and despite many pieces being over 100 years old, Christine believes they are still relevant today. She cites sustainability — vintage jewelry represents conscious luxury; no new mining or manufacturing, making it an environmentally responsible choice — as one reason for its continued importance. “Antique and vintage jewelry is always relevant, it ties into art. It has finite availability and timeless craftsmanship. The craftsmanship is a lost art. With new jewelry everyone has the same pieces, vintage jewelry is unique. It’s an individual expression.”
People are sometimes intimidated by vintage jewelry, not sure if it’s stylish or even how it should be worn. “I try to make vintage jewelry feel less intimidating by mixing it with contemporary pieces, showing how timeless jewels can be worn with ease. They are versatile, full of character, and effortlessly complement a modern wardrobe.”
A love of learning and connecting with people, add to the sparkle of the jewelry industry for Christine. “I’m a global individual. I was born in the Philippines, live in New York City and visit Europe often. I love to travel,” concludes Christine. “Continuing in this field allows me to honor my family’s legacy while bringing my own perspective to its future.”
Top of Page: Christine Fisher.
Christine Fisher mixes signed and unsigned vintage jewelry with contemporary pieces, images courtesy Christine Fisher.
Authored by Amber Michelle