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Some Questions and Answers:
Q: While visiting Israel a few years ago I bought a Biblical sculpture by Yaacov Heller depicting Moses and the Ten Commandments. Is it the same Yaacov Heller?
A: Yes, one and the same. Yaacov moved to Florida in the late 1980's to concentrate on capturing the beauty and diversity of the United States, the country of his birth.
Q: Does Yaacov's Internet Gallery have his entire collection? Do you have a catalog?
A: The Internet gallery only shows a small portion of the pieces currently for sale. If you email us at yaacovh@aol.com or call us at 561-347-1677 with your name and address, we'll mail you a catalog. Be sure to indicate if you are interested in sculptures, jewelry, eyeglasses or something else.
Q: What material does Yaacov use in his sculptures and jewelry?
A: Most of his art pieces are made from sterling silver, sometimes with gold plating. A smaller number of pieces are made from pewter with gold and silver plating. In many case, pewter pieces are also available in sterling silver.
Q: How can I tell if I have an original Yaacov Heller piece of art?
A: Counterfeiting of Yaacov's artwork (also known as "knock-offs") is a big problem since reproductions can be from an original and Yaacov's art is valuable. However, knock-offs lack the fine detail of the original and may be made from a lesser quality of metal than sterling silver. Unfortunately, if you've never seen an original, its hard to know the difference. Yaacov signs all his artwork, but this has not stop counterfeiting. As always, the best protection against getting ripped-off is to know the seller.
Q: My three Yaacov Heller sculptures have lost their gleam. Can or should I attempt to clean them up?
A: You can easily polish them with Hagerty Silversmith's Spray Polish. It's available from stores that sell fine silver and from numerous Web-based retailers. To clean your sculptures use acetone and a toothbrush.
Q: I recently received a Yaacov Heller piece of art purchased by my mother a few years ago. How can I determine its value for insurance purposes?
A: If you'll e-mail us at yaacovh@aol.com with a description of the piece, we'll provide an estimate of its value. Be sure to include the piece's dimensions (i.e., height, width and depth) and the materials used (e.g., silver, pewter, stone, Lucite, etc.). If you have access to a digital camera, it would be helpful to attach a picture to your e-mail.
Q: I have a biblical sculpture titled Isaiah 54.17, Limited Edition 38,813/100,0000, with your signature. What is the sculpture made of, and do you know its value?
A: The copyright to that particular sculpture was purchased by Jim Bakker in the late 1970's. PTL (Praise the Lord) produced an edition of 100,000 in pewter. They were given to those who contributed a minimum of $125.00 to the PTL Ministries. With so many produced, eBay may be the best place to determine its market value.
Q: How are the sculptures and jewelry made?
A: Each piece starts with an original clay sculpture which is kiln-hardened after completion. Then a wax reproduction is made and hand worked to preserve the fine detail of the original. Then the piece is electro-formed in sterling silver or traditionally cast in pewter, bronze, or other metals. Electro-forming is a complicated process, but it permits the fine detail of the wax model to be faithfully transferred to artwork. Additionally, electro-forming allows jewelry pieces to be strong, but light weight so they are comfortable to wear.
Q: I want to give an Adam and Eve cake knife as a wedding gift. Could Yaacov inscribe a message to the bride and groom on the knife?
A: Sure. When ordering just tell us the couple's names and a message. Please allow a few extra days for delivery.
Q: How do you ship ?
A: We like to use Federal Express one-day or two-day service since they have proven to be very reliable and safe. Our less expense alternative is United Parcel Service (UPS) or the US Postal Service.
Q: What if I buy a Yaacov Heller art piece and I'm not satisfied with it once I receive it?
A: We have a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Ship the piece back to us (your expense) and we will refund the price of the piece including all shipping charges.
Q: I live in Los Angeles and can not visit the showroom in Boca Raton, Florida. How can I see Yaacov and his artwork before I buy?
A: Yaacov participates in a number of art shows and personal appearances around the country each year. Email us at yaacovh@aol.com and we'll check his schedule for the dates he'll be in your area.
Q: Could Yaacov make a one-of-kind commemorative sculpture for my organization?
A: Yes, but the process takes a few months. Recently Yaacov created twenty sterling silver sculptures of a surgeon's hands as gifts for the benefactors of a large Florida hospital. In this case, design drawings, prototype sculpting, the full-size sculpture, production, and approvals by the hospital's board, took about 4 months. If you have the necessary lead time, call to talk with Yaacov.
Didn't find the answer to your question, e-mail us at:
or call us at: 561-347-1677