Benefits of antique jewelry QC Library

EAST MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) – A woman’s estate in East Moline sold their old jewelry to raise funds for a local library on Saturday afternoon.

James Hoffman inherited more than 50,000 costume jewelry from his sister Rebecca after she died of cancer last year. Rebecca has built her collection through years of savings, auctions and home shopping.

“I have all of this jewelry in my house and I don’t want a piece of it,” Hoffman said. “It’s way too good to be thrown away or just given to the kids, you know nieces and nephews.”

Hoffman is the chairman of the board of the East Moline Public Library, which is set to move to a new building in February. He thought that selling Rebecca’s jewelry was the best way to get rid of it, while giving back something they both loved; libraries.

“She was an avid reader,” Hoffman said. “No matter how ill she got, we were always in the library. “

Almost 1,500 rings were on sale, ranging from $ 1 to $ 25.

“They loved it,” Hoffman said. “Everyone bought rings, everyone! I don’t think we’ve had more than two or three customers who haven’t bought anything.

According to Hoffman, around 230 people showed up. Early estimates indicate that they sold at least $ 4,000 worth of jewelry.

A client of Moline grew up in the area, she said she was happy that everything was coming back to the community.

“I just hope to find some interesting pieces,” Kitty Hillyer said. “If I can’t find anything, I might also donate. “

Hoffman said he is delighted people are finding value in his sister’s business.

“My sister wore 10 rings every time we went out, and she wore three necklaces and five bracelets,” Hoffman said. “She was just one of those people who loved this stuff.”

The current library will close on December 23 to begin the transition to the new building. The new building is expected to open in mid-February.

Hoffman plans to hold another sale in March, once the library reopens.

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