Everyone loves a classic coffee table book, full of gorgeous pictures and curated details. Here are five that will inspire magnificent things, when it comes to designing your own jewelry.
The Impossible Collection of Jewelry
Vivienne Becker is an award-winning journalist, jewelry historian and author of several books on the history of jewelry design. In her collection of the most spectacular jewels of the twentieth century, she selects the milestones of jewelry design, from the Wiener Werkstätte and Tiffany Studios, Egyptian-inspired Art Deco masterpieces by Cartier and midcentury designs by Verdura for Chanel, exquisite creations by DeBeers, Van Cleef & Arpels and Graff, to modern designs from a new generation of innovative artists. A must-have for fine jewelry collectors and lovers of precious objects.
7,000 Years of Jewelry
Hugo Tait takes you on an impressive tour of the varied styles, techniques and materials used to make jewelry in many civilizations throughout the world and across the millennia. The 256-page publication covers a timeline spanning from 5000 BC to the 20th century -the masterpieces, the ultimate jewelry pieces, the meaning behind designs and the evolution of the valuable ornaments. Comprehensive and beautifully illustrated, see jewels from Celtic Europe, Roman Britain, the Middle East, Egypt, Phoenician, Greek, Etruscan and Persian lands, Mexico and Peru, the Mediterranean, India, Byzantium, China and Japan, Mayan Central America, Central and South America, Islam, Korea and Java, Tibet, Mongolia and West Africa.
Famous Diamonds
Ian Balfour traces the history of almost 80 of the most remarkable diamonds that have ever existed, including the famous: Koh-i-Noor, which is set in the British Crown Jewels; the infamous: the deep blue Hope Diamond, which is said to bring bad luck to all who handle it; the biggest: The Cullinan; and the Hollywood romantic: the Taylor-Burton Diamond. Objects of exceptional beauty and rarity, they are once thought to possess magical properties that protected their owners from enemies. Few are immune to the temptation of diamonds; many sacrifice their lives and souls to them. Initially a male prerogative reflecting status and authority, these gems later adorn the wives of powerful men, and at times are offered as influential gifts.
Hidden Gems: Jewellery Stories from the Saleroom
Jewelry experts and veterans of auction house Christie’s jewelry department, Sarah Hue-Williams and Raymond Sancroft-Baker tell 40 true stories from the world of gems and jewelry, all illustrated with beautiful photos. The two authors have spent decades working in the jewelry industry, from assessing historical gems to selling some of the most important, rare and unusual pieces of jewelry ever to come on the market. The stories reveal the origins of unforgettable creations and the people involved in making, buying and even losing them.
Fabergé Rediscovered (Available June 6, 2018)
Wilfried Zeisler along with contributors Jennifer Levy,? Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm,? Anna and Vincent Palmade and Galina Korneva, tells the story of Peter Carl Fabergé (1846–1920), son of Fabergé, jeweler to the Russian court, and examines our continuing fascination with Fabergé’s remarkable work. Founded in St. Petersburg in 1842, the Fabergé firm becomes one of the most famous jewelers of the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. Major American collectors, such as Marjorie Merriweather Post, play a significant role in Fabergé’s success after the fall of the imperial regime, and her mansion at Hillwood in Washington, DC now has a collection of about 90 pieces, including two imperial Easter eggs, various works of art of imperial provenance, silver, jewelry, hardstone, and religious items.
Indy Facets – Everyone’s Private Jeweler
Indy Facets seamlessly blends the expertise and full service of a traditional jewelry store with the value and convenience of a personal jeweler experience. We give you the face-to-face interaction with an expert that you deserve, in a private setting where you can relax and feel comfortable. Owner/Designer Shaun Goodyear and his team have earned an excellent reputation as everyone’s private jeweler for engagement rings, custom design, investment grade diamonds, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, jewelry repair and the highest level of customer service, available to you from an onsite, state-of-the-art Custom Design Studio and Gemological Laboratory by private appointment only. You are guaranteed a unique, fun and exciting experience without the hype, pressure, judgment or uncertainty associated with other jewelry shopping options. We schedule appointments at your convenience, and are usually available evenings and weekends, too. Call 317-810-1665 for your private appointment or schedule online, indyfacets.com/schedule.