Frances E. Klein; Retired Antiques Dealer

Frances E. Klein, a retired antique jeweler, died Thursday at her home in Westlake Village.

She was 84.

Klein was born in 1914 in Turners Falls, Mass. As a child, she loved jewelry and fine antiques. Throughout her life, she continued her passion for antique jewelry.

After working at Paramount Studios in Hollywood for a time and traveling throughout the world as a performer, she met and married Sidney J. Klein.

The couple moved to Chicago, and Klein often accompanied her husband on business trips. While he worked, she browsed through small shops and auctions, purchasing antiques and jewels.

In 1960, they moved to California and after a few years, Klein started her own business at the age of 48.

It began with a small rented space in a handbag shop, which she filled with collected treasures. She soon outgrew that space, though, and opened a shop on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills.

In 1974, she opened a salon on Rodeo Drive, called Estate Jewels. She sold jewelry to royalty and many people in the entertainment industry, a granddaughter said.

Klein was preceded in death by her son, Matthew.

In addition to her husband of 57 years, she is survived by daughter Karen, two granddaughters and a great-grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Frances E. Klein Memorial Fund at Childhelp, USA, in Hollywood.

Services are scheduled for noon Sunday at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village, with Rabbi Alan Greenbaum officiating.