WEST PALM BEACH.-The Palm Beach Jewelry & Antique Show makes its much-anticipated return to the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Presidents' Day weekend, February 17-21, 2006. The show kicks off with an invitation-only preview on Friday, February 17 and opens to the general public the following day. Hours of operation are 11 am – 7 pm Saturday, February 18 through Monday, February 20; and 11 am – 6 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Tickets are $15 daily or $25 for a 4-day pass. (http://www.palmbeachshow.com)

The largest vetted art and antique show the United States, the Palm Beach Jewelry & Antique Show brings together more than 50,000 visitors and over 200 top-tier exhibitors. “The energy and excitement have carried over each year” said event co-organizer Kris Charamonde, “and we expect it to be even bigger and better this year.” By comparison, Charamonde said, most shows of this kind attract around 80 exhibitors. “It’s definitely on par with the largest, most prestigious shows in the world.”

New Exhibitors Added - Charamonde said in addition to the returning dealers, the show’s success has attracted a number of first-time exhibitors; among them some of the most prestigious names in the world of art and antiques. That list includes art dealer Peter Tillou (Litchfield, CT); A.E. Betteridge Jewelers (Greenwich, CT); China Gallery (NY); Questroyal Fine Art (NY) and Macklowe Gallery (NY). “We’re happy to welcome back our exhibitors from last year,” commented Charamonde, “and we’re very excited about our new exhibitors as well.”

Charamonde credited the show’s continual success to the quality of its dealers and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the attendees. He added that many of the attendees were themselves dealers, and said he had received a great deal of positive feedback from exhibitors and attendees alike. “The show attracts not only private collectors and dealers, but also museum curators, interior designers and investors,” Charamonde continued.

One dealer in particular who visited the show before signing on as an exhibitor is famed art dealer Peter Tillou. “Peter Tillou came to the show the first year as an observer,” Charamonde said, “and graciously agreed to serve on the vetting committee the following year. This year, we’re happy to say, he will be exhibiting at the show.” Reached at his home in Litchfield, Connecticut, Tillou said he was looking forward to taking part in the event. “The Palm Beach community has such a sophisticated understanding of fine art, it is with great pleasure that we look forward to presenting our collection of American and European masters,” he stated.

Among the works Tillou plans to exhibit are rare 17th Century paintings by Dutch artists Herman Doucher, Jean P. Gilleman and others, all in excellent condition. Tillou will also be exhibiting rare antique furniture, including a 16th century cassone from Northern Italy inlaid with ivory and mother of pearl.

Simon Teakle of A. E. Betteridge Jewelers echoed Tillou’s comments, adding, “Palm Beach is just a natural place for us in the winter. Many of our customers are there, so we are very excited about being part of the Palm Beach Jewelry & Antique Show.” A. E. Betteridge is among the leading names in estate jewelry, with roots that can be traced back to Birmingham England, “where the Betteridge name has been synonymous with silversmithing and fine jewelry since the 1700s,” said Teakle, former head of the jewelry department for Christie’s.