Sherlock Holmes would have been proud of...

Sherlock Holmes would have been proud of the jewelry tracked down by Christie Romero and her class.

“There’s a lot of detective work involved in finding out how old a piece of jewelry is, what it’s made of and its value,” explained Romero, who teaches classes in antique and vintage jewelry at Torrance Adult School.

Romero’s advanced class will have its second semiannual show and sale Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Room 17 of the school’s Newton Center campus.

The 19 students in the class range from jewelry dealers to people for whom collecting is just a hobby.

But Romero said this semester’s class members have nicknamed themselves “the lifers” because “once you’re hooked, you’re hooked for life. It’s one of the most benighted diseases known to mankind.”

She tells her students that antique jewelry--pieces more than 100 years old--and vintage jewelry--less than 100 years old but not new--can be found almost anywhere. Places to look include flea markets, yards sales, antique shows and the attics of old houses.

Diane White, one of Romero’s students, said her childhood love for jewelry was renewed after a friend gave her an interesting Mexican brooch a few years ago.

“It set me off,” White said. “I started looking for other pieces like it. I really got into the thrill of the hunt. Christie teaches us how to play detective.”

Romero, who is an expert on Mexican silver, said, “It’s exciting when you come across a find that’s worth more than you paid for it, or a designer piece that adds to your collection.”

All the jewelry on display and for sale Monday are pieces that class members found or inherited. The pins, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches range from “Victorian pieces to some funky things from the ‘50s and ‘60s and everything in between,” White said.

“It’s not like going to a department store,” Romero added. “These pieces are unique.”

Each student will have a display table. Some have costume jewelry, which is made of non-precious materials, and others have fine jewelry, which is made of precious metals and stones. Prices range from a few dollars to more than $100.

Professor Moriarty beware: The show will have security.

The Newton Center campus of the adult school is at 23751 Nancy Lee Lane in Torrance. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call Christie Romero at 425-3473.