About

Elizabeth Ruffner

With roots in Chattanooga, TN, Elizabeth Ruffner spent her undergraduate and graduate career as an archeologist. Through her experience as an archeologist, Ruffner learned the importance of cataloging and preserving valuable artifacts. She noticed a need for an art advisory after seeing countless art collectors and enthusiasts overcharged for pieces and unsure about how to intelligently build their collections and manage their wealth.

With more than 20 years of experience in fine art and antiquities in locations around the world, and a passion for helping others identify and preserve fine art, Elizabeth Ruffner brings world class service and expertise to her roots in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

As a personal property appraiser and art advisor, Ruffner’s areas of expertise include fine art appraisals, curation, registration, conservation and restoration services. Fortune 500 companies, private owners, the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Department of Homeland Security are among the clients that have trusted Ruffner to identify, restore, register or appraise fine art for estate planning or settlement purposes, insurance, lending, or criminal investigation.

Ruffner’s years of experience have taken her all over the world, from investigating a possible Bronze Age peridot mine in Egypt, to underwater survey and excavation projects in Israel and the Red Sea, and the excavation and survey of multiple sites in Turkey. Through her experience as an archaeologist, Ruffner learned the importance of cataloging and preserving valuable artifacts. Her work also includes experience at Christie’s Auction House in New York, New York.

After working in the fine art and antiquities market for a period of time, Ruffner noticed a need for an art advisory after seeing art collectors and enthusiasts overcharged for pieces and unsure about how to intelligently build and keep track of their valuable collections. Ruffner Art Advisory was built on her passion for art and commitment to giving her clients the best experience while maintaining discretion to their art investments.

Ruffner studied at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, the Institute of Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M University, and the University of Colorado, where she studied European history and Classics. She is certified by the USPAP for personal property, the ISA for appraisal, and has been published in Art and Museum magazine