5 comments about Complete Price Guide to Watches No. 30.

1. Este es uno de los mejores libros de relojeria, es indispensable para cualquier coleccionista de relojes, alta calidad, informacion valiosa.



2. This book is very helpful if you are collector of pocket watches. I purchased this edition to replace the 2001 version that I have.



3. This book covers just about everything you could possibly want to know. It has been very helpful in my business.



4. A must book for anyone looking for a wide information source on vintage watches. Contains, price value estimates/ranges, and some history.



5. One of the best for any one that has a interest in watches,for price or just information.

5 comments about The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones: A Complete Guide to Appraising and Using Precious Stones From Cut and Color to Shape and Settings.

1. The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones is a gem in it's own right.
   The information, color photos and extensive description of the gemstones
   is a true historic and professional guide.
   Each gemstone is presented with a history, scientific background and
   value that makes understanding the stone easy without being too boring.
   This book is a great read for collectors, jewelers and the average
   person interested gem knowledge.



2. This is a GREAT resource for people who design jewelry and want to know stone origins and properties. I design and sell jewelry and many of my clients ask questions about the stones.....this helps give me the history people are asking about, as well as idiocyncracies of each type. VERY interesting for me as well as my clients! I wish there were even MORE stones included with this information.......but it does cover the basics.... GREAT BOOK! easy to read and understand.......



3. Boy do I wish that the "Search Inside the Book" included the foreword by the author. This book is for JEWELRY MAKERS AND DESIGNERS, not for serious gem dealers or purchasers/appraisers. Little information on how to accurately class stones. There are great tips for those USING the gemstones and what to expect (conchoidal fracture of some stones, cutting recommendations, choosing the right materials). The gemstone family tree is minimal (IMHO). I guess I was hoping for a book with information on how to accurately use a loupe to discern internal details and quality than what this book provided. It was definitely too basic for me - probably since I have a geology/mineralogy background. Perhaps I should take the classes from GIA in order to be able to do what I really want with gemstones (even semi-precious gemstones) than what I can learn from a book. I will try out a couple more books to see what works best for me and then seriously considered taking a formal class. I am still considering sending this book back, or just keep it for general info. Anyway, if I had the appropriate knowledge on gemstones, it can only help me (and others) to purchase stones that are what sellers state and to be able to more fully understand the internal structure when using stones in my own work (whether natural - direct from seller; or if I cut them myself). My background in mineralogy is a help, but gemstones require a better eye and knowledge than the basic to graduate level mineralogy courses in my cache of knowledge.
   
   This book is truly for the general jewelry designer and maker as stated in the forward. Do not get this book if you want more information than the basics. I do want to say that many of the images are spectacular, as well as some of the jewelry designs, and that is a plus. Maybe I should really give it 3 stars due to that. But pretty colored pictures do not provide the information I was looking for in a book on this subject.



4. I'm in to bead work and wanted to know more about gemstones
   Great book. good price. Has all the info I was looking for. great photo too.



5. If you''ve always wanted to learn more about gems--including more obscure ones--then this is the book to buy. The photos are fantastic, the information very detailed, but easy to understand, and very self-explanatory. All-in-all, definitely a book worth reading.

5 comments about 7000 Years of Jewelry: An International History and Illustrated Survey from the Collections of the British Museum.

1. A well presented history of jewelry and beautiful photos. Well worth every penny and then some if your are interested in history of jewelry making. Not a how too book.



2. I purchased this book as a reference for a paper I am writing on Etruscan jewelry. Though the selection of Etruscan jewels is small compared to the book, I am elated to add this piece to my personal library as it is just beautiful and contains great information on the eras of jewelry. This is one book that I feel completely comfortable highly recommending.



3. I got this book for Christmas as a gift. I loved the pictures and information. If you are a re-enactor,SCA or costumer interested in history and pictures in detail to be period correct.It is well organized and with most books only covers ancient and Europe. This also mentions Orient, the Americas. It a great book in any re-enactors or costumers library



4. Beautiful book, with tons of eye candy and great inspiration for jewelers. Very good explanations and background on the pieces.
   One very interesting feature of this book is that there are several images of the portraits of the original owners wearing the jewelry pieces which reference current photographs of the actual piece as it is today.
   
   Big book, with lots of beautiful pictures and interesting text. Good description of the materials used to create the jewelry.
   
   Recommended.



5. An interesting history of jewelry with ab fab photos of pieces you wish you owned. Perfect gift idea for the gal who has it all.

1 comments about Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised & Expanded Fourth Edition.

1. The new edition of this classic work adds material covering gem treatments and things like diamond testing devices. It has several pages of "new to the market" gemstones, and updates and extends a few areas and has some minor rearrangements of the material. It's noticeably thicker than the 3rd edition, but overall it's pretty much a collection of small improvements rather than anything revolutionary.
   
   It remains probably the best first book on gemstones for anyone interested in the subject. It tells you a little bit about everything, though it generally does not cover any topic in great depth. It's a pleasingly sized hard-bound volume which is very portable and quite reasonably priced.
   
   There's a new six page section on the healing powers of gemstones which I thought was rather disappointing to see, but I guess they feel the need to cater to the new-age audience as well.
   
   It's a book that everyone with an interest in gemstones should own, and the 4th edition is a worthy update and a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who owns a previous edition.

5 comments about Collecting Costume Jewelry 101.

1. This is a useful book to have for a vintage jewelry collector or seller. It gives lots of helpful advice and lists many manufacturers with info and dates, which I find helpful. The advice section of each jewelry is a little repetitive.



2. Fabulous book for the beginner or seasoned collector. Deserves highest rating. Well worth every penny and more.



3. I'm learning the business which includes vintage jewelry and this is a very valuable resource, packed with wonderful and interesting information



4. I read the reviews before I decided to purchase this book... and everyone was right! It is fantastic. You can obtain a wealth of knowledge about costume jewelry within a day or two. Julia C. Carroll leaves nothing out of this colorful, practical and FUN resource. Answers to questions will be right at your fingertips. It is like having your own personal guide as you scroll through eBay or prepare to go to the antique malls. If you or someone you know is new to collecting costume jewelry from the 40's, 50's, 60's and beyond, this is the book to get! I am already excited to order 202.



5. "Collecting Costume Jewellery 101" is essentially a beginners' guide to the main makers of (American) designer costume jewellery. Other information is also given, such as how to repair and clean costume jewellery and what to do with unwanted jewellery, all of which would be useful to a person starting a costume jewellery collection. However, the vast majority of this book are devoted to summaries of the main jewellery making companies.
   
   For most designers, the summary given is brief, comprising the dates of operation of the company; a brief history of the company; the signature look of the product; and buying recommendations. Nevertheless, this is more than enough for a beginning collector. Greater detail is given about Coro, Kramer, Trifari and Weiss, however, four designers whom Carroll recommends for beginning collectors. Numerous color photographs are also provided for each designer, with values given for each piece of jewellery.
   
   For people seeking a more detailed discussion of designer costume jewellery, I recommend the sequel to this book, "Collecting Costume Jewellery 202", although both books are well worth investing in.

1 comments about Cartier and America.

1. An excellent book on the always exceptional Cartier work. This time some pieces, like the sapphire or amethyst necklaces of Marjorie Merriweather Post and the ruby clips of Princess Grace of Monaco, shown at their best. Highly recommendable to anyone interested in fine jewelry and history.

5 comments about Origami Jewelry: More Than 40 Exquisite Designs to Fold and Wear.

1. I bought this gift for my 12 year old daughter hoping that she would make me some jewelry but I couldn't put it down once I started looking at it. Not really geared towards a 12 year old but it's beautifully photographed and the projects are really great! We're fairly experienced so the techniques were not new to us but they are MUCH smaller in scale than usual. The only down side is finding the paper they recommend. It's rare and pricy. If you have an avid folder, it's a great way to make something useful rather than having thousands of cranes, elephant, boxes all over the house!



2. I have 3 jewelry making origami books now and this one has the most projects, tips, and background help of the group. If you've made origami before and are interested in making some jewelry pieces with it, this is the book to have. I really like the sections at the beginning that talk about what papers, tools, embellishments to use on different types of projects, very helpful. All the projects are diagrammed out, have a list of tools and supplies needed before you start, and the instructions are easy to follow.



3. I loved this book! I have been making jewelry for a few years and am a novice to origami. I have been fascinated by origami and have taught myself via the internet. This book allowed me to use my basic origami skills and learn new techniques to make beautiful jewelry. My only problem is that I have to work and can't spend every minute making more!



4. I really enjoyed this book. I tried a lot of the projects and was pleased with the results. I especially like the frog. The folding directions were easy to follow. I really liked the information about the different types of paper. The preservation techniques for the folded projects work well.



5. What a creative and practical book! I love origami and have incorporated it into my card making, gift wrapping, decorating, and table setting for years. However, I had never made jewelry with it. The techniques in the book have opened a whole new area of possiblilites for me.

5 comments about Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones.

1. You should not miss this book if you like gems.
   Written in a very didactic way. It is one of those books that must have a place in your library/book shelf.



2. I am not in gems trade I am only lover of the stones.This book gave me better
   knowledge when I am buying something.It is good written so the readers can understand it.My recommendation to buy this book.



3. As an admiring neophyte in the gem world I found this book to not only be very informative but also very entertaining. It almost reads like a novel. At one point, I remember not wanting to put it down. The information is put in plain language for anyone to understand and is not cluttered with a lot of technical jargon that is not basic. Very well organized. Brenda



4. Richard Wise has written an introductory book to gemstones, the gem industry, and the purchase of gems which is completely original, insightful, and valuable.
   I have been collecting gems and minerals for over forty years, and this is the first time I have read a CLEAR discussion of the difference between hue, saturation and tone. Wise's coining of the term 'crystal' is brilliant; it describes an aspect of gems which I have always had trouble getting into words; it describes far more than terms such as 'transparency' or 'clarity' can cover. (I should note that perhaps the gem trade is moving towards some formal expression of 'crystal' in future appraisals, since GIA-GTL now considers graining in clarity grading of diamonds.)
   Some might make much of the fact that the author omits certain gemstones in the section on various precious gems. However, Wise himself states at the beginning of that section that his selection is purely idiosyncratic, and follows his own preferences. This is refreshing, since all gemmologists differ on what they consider precious, but few will admit to being biased. He also freely admits that jade most definitely belongs in any such list, but that his knowledge of those stones is insufficient to allow him to write an adequate chapter on them. Since jade, like the field of organic gemstones, is almost a separate field in itself, this is unsurprising, and it is laudable that he says perhaps with time and study he will be able to add a chapter on jade in some future edition of the book.
   Wise is a bit arrogant in his approach, but I've never met a good jeweller or gemmologist who wasn't. The man is obviously highly intelligent and competent, and his clear and lively style of writing caused me to forgive the few brief glimpses of arrogance.
   While this book is helpful even for those with experience and education in the gems and jewellery field, I believe it will also be helpful to the intelligent beginner. It would certainly constitute an excellent introduction to the field, and perhaps provide the beginner with more open eyes as they progress in their education and appreciation of gems.



5. Great pictures of the various types of stones and cuts.
   
   Great info about cut proportions, popular color types, location sources, etc. for different types of gemstones.
   
   Great history of various gemstones. For instance, years past a ruby, or spinel, or garnet was just called a "red stone". Nobody had the scientific evidence to distingush between them and only by visual appearance could gemstones be compared, and yes size mattered even then.
   
   For anyone spending more than $1,000 for a gemstone this is a must read.
   
   Wishes - He had more info about simulated and treated gemstones and the various certification processes to ensure that little beauty you just paid 10 grand for isn't a $2 lab creation.

5 comments about Collecting Costume Jewelry 303.

1. "Collecting Costume Jewelry 303", Julia Carroll's third book, is a wonderful successor to her first two volumes. Once again, Mrs. Carroll has produced a book that both informs and delights. From the in-depth study of Sandor Goldberger jewelry in Chapter 1 to the Jewelry Album in Chapter 6, this book is a joyous ride through the fascinating world of collectible costume jewelry. As in her other two volumes, "Collecting Costume Jewelry 101" and "Collecting Costume Jewelry 202", the information here is heavily-researched, sorted, organized and presented in an easy-to-use manner. The photos are, once again, all about the jewelry. Crystal-clear and clean, with no distracting backgrounds, the lovely pieces are presented in all their glory. The catalog pages shown throughout the book are so well-photographed that one can read every word, right down to the pricing. The chapter on Takahashi Bird Pins gives these lovely creations the attention they have long deserved, while the chapter on Craft Jewelry of the 1960's and 70's illustrates the danger of judging on surface looks alone whether or not a piece is designer-made. The chapters on Stones and Findings are highly detailed and packed full of information, conveniently collected here in one place. Like her first two volumes, this book works on many levels and for all collectors, whether they are just getting started or have years of experience. I have all three of Mrs. Carroll's books, and they are always the volumes I consult first. If you are building a library on collectible costume jewelry, Julia Carroll's books are a must-have. Definitely worth purchasing!



2. Julie's book are always a delight to receive!Just like getting an early Christmas present,and one that I will enjoy using for years to come. Her dedication to the history of costume jewelry shows in each of her publications. Costume Jewelry 303 concentrates on such topics as stones, findings, and manufacturing techniques and how they were used by various jewelry companies. I found the information on different stone types particularly fascinating. She has also included two spotlight articles on Sandor jewelry and Takahashi bird jewelry. Julie has done more than most authors to preserve the history of costume jewelry manufacturing in the U.S.A. that might otherwise have been lost. Her research in tracking down the few remaining people who were involved in the actual manufacturing is amazing. This book goes right on the shelf next to Julie's other books that I refer to practically daily.
   I am in the costume jewelry business and rely on her writings for essential (and accurate) information about my inventory.



3. As with her two previous books, Julia Carroll has created a work packed with information. Books in the collecting costume jewelry genre are too frequently simply filled with photographs where a blue rhinestone brooch...is described as " BLUE RHINESTONE BROOCH".
   Ms. Carroll's books apply scholarship and research to a subject that has seen little of that, particularly in the widely available mass market jewelry most of us see regularly. Filled with informative text, it's also lavishly illustrated.
   I highly recommend this book as well as her first two books as indispensible to a dealer or collector of costume jewelry.



4. The jewelry books by Julia Carroll just keep getting better and better! She features examples & topics never seen before in other books. I loved seeing all the old stone catalog pages with examples, the chapter on learning how important it is to study the back of the jewelry as well as the front, and all the beautiful jewelry featured in the Jewelry Album. She also tops it off with wonderful articles on Sandor and Takahashi bird pins that will delight any collector. I could not put the book down! I have been collecting for many years but it goes to show that the learning process never ends. Keep it up, Julia!



5. Wow, Julia Carroll has done it again. I wish I could give this book 10 stars instead of 5! Like her other two books this new costume jewelry book is a great reference chocked full of interesting and useful information. I especially love the chapter on Takahashi birds which includes tips on how to identify the unmarked ones. I sat down and read this book cover-to-cover as soon as it arrived. Well worth the price!

5 comments about Juliana Jewelry Reference, DeLizza & Elster.

1. This book is my favorite among recently published costume jewelry guides. Most helpful is the way the different types of jewelry are grouped together, making it easy to remember--stones, types of settings, designs and styles. It opened my eyes to a lot of Delizza & Elster jewels I didn't know about. Yay for the author; all of her books are in my library, but this is the best!



2. Wonderful book. Incredible pictures. You can really tell how much dedication went into the research of this beautiful jewelry. Putting like collection pieces together really helps the collector see other matching pieces they can look for. Incredible reference information for the die hard collect as well as the novice who simply loves sparkle. Highly recommended.



3. As a dealer in Juliana jewelry I find this book to be extremely well done. It is a great resource for the dealer or collector.



4. This is the first book I have had to write my own table of contents/index to use it. This is a sincere collector who needed someone to help organize all of this information in a more useable way. This book is extremely hard to use in identifying one piece.
   
   The table of contents lists a section at page 18 and the next category is page 315 (you can see that in the Amazon preview). Sadly the most important information is part of those almost 300 pages of pictures. There are a lot of categories in those pages but they are not listed anywhere so if you want to use them you will have to make your own list and stick it in the book for use. For every item you want to look up you have to wade through almost 300 pages of pictures. It is great to look at all the pictures but it is just too hard to find anything. This book is unwieldy and discouraging.
   
   There are 6 full pages of Acknowledgements at the beginning of the book that an editor should have moved to the back of the book with the list of websites to buy jewelry. Also no explanation of how the author arrived at the pricing. The author tells us that some colors are more valuable than others but does not tell us specifically which colors are more valuable. I agree with another review that says there are just too many references to friends that most readers will find unnecessary and never read.
   
   Also, once you do find an item there is no indication of all of the other color variations available. It might be listed in another category but the only way to find the variation is to flip through almost 300 pages of pictures. There are items shown in the other Juliana book that are not included in this book (especially in the figural pins). I wish the author would have made more of an effort to let us know what is not pictured. There is mention of some Delizza & Elster catalogs and I wish they had been included to see the primary material.
   
   This book really needs a section for definition of terms. The author uses a lot of jargon that is not easy for the regular person to understand. Most people are not going to attend a convention and do not have time for the online groups. This author needed to think more about people who just want to look a few pieces up and have an easy reference to use on future finds. There are also lots of stone shapes and texture terms that really needed to be explained in a definition of terms section for reference.
   
   I also wish there would have been more about the non-Juliana jewelry because that is still too hard to tell from the real thing. Admittedly this is hard but without it these books are missing something.
   
   I give the book 2 stars for all of the great pictures. That was a lot of amazing work. They are wonderful even if you have to look at every one of them every time you are trying to find one piece.



5. Whether you are an experienced or a novice vintage costume jewelry collector, or even if you simply just like looking at gorgeous photos, I find that this book has something for everyone. Loaded with literally thousands of breathtaking photos, the book includes samples of most of the jewelry designs made by DeLizza & Elster from 1947 to 1990, including rarely seen pieces such as ear wraps, belts and non-rhinestone items. Since D&E was never signed or marked, the comprehensive information is invaluable for identifying their jewelry by construction attributes, design groups and materials such as specialty stones and findings. I highly recommend this book and would consider it a "must-have" for anyone with an interest in vintage jewelry.