Los Angeles, CA — 2024 was a banner year for John Moran Auctioneers’ appraisal team, with our experts delivering a wealth of educational content and participating in prestigious industry events across the country.
Maranda Moran, Vice President, Director
“Maranda Moran emerged as a leading voice in silver jewelry education, presenting her comprehensive “Beyond the Shine” series at both the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and International Society of Appraisers (ISA) conferences.”
Maranda Moran emerged as a leading voice in silver jewelry education, presenting her comprehensive “Beyond the Shine” series at both the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and International Society of Appraisers (ISA) conferences. Her deep dive into North American silver jewelry covered Mexican, Native American, and Modernist pieces, offering valuable insights to appraisers nationwide.
In recognition of her expertise, Maranda was invited to join the ISA’s jewelry education committee. In this role, she will focus on bringing expert speakers to educate members on a broader range of topics beyond fine jewelry, gems, and watches.
Morgana Blackwelder, our lead fine art appraiser, shared her knowledge through a series of quarterly presentations titled “The Art and Science of Personal Property Appraising”. These talks reached diverse audiences, including private wealth bank clients, the Professional Fiduciary Association of California, and attendees of the prestigious Hawaii Tax Institute.
Our commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry was evident in the activities of our entire appraisal team. Appraisal Director Mariam Whitten, Jewelry and Watches Director Tom Burnstein, and Stephen Swan attended various conferences throughout the year. These events provided opportunities to sharpen their knowledge and connect with peers, ensuring that John Moran Auctioneers continues to offer cutting-edge expertise to our clients.
As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that our team’s dedication to education and professional growth has not only enhanced our services but also contributed significantly to the broader appraisal community. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence and knowledge-sharing in the years to come.
Our stay served as a reminder for me and a valuable lesson for our daughter: what truly matters in life are the friendships we have the chance to cultivate, the willingness to say “yes” to an invitation—and, in our case, the appreciation that art and antiques (along with a dash of serendipity) happen to be the blend that brought us all together.
Currently, I am at a stage in my career where the age gap between myself and many of our clients is closing. This reality has better positioned me to understand and strategize around the needs of the people we serve on a fundamentally broader scale. The life changes we experience—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a divorce, the downsizing of a residence, or other significant events — are constants we help people navigate daily. Fulfillment in my daily work no longer comes from landing the best deal; it now involves working closely with clients, listening to their stories, understanding how they became passionate about their collections, and helping them transition to the next chapter in their lives.
The company that John Moran founded in 1969 has grown exponentially; this exciting newsletter is a testament to that. With over 40 employees and more than 30 auctions per year, Moran’s is in growth mode. Each day, I am fortunate to collaborate and work side by side with my colleagues, viewing the business through their eyes, their excitement, and sharing their successes. I cannot help but feel that this is how my father felt watching me on my journey.
