5 comments about Summer at Tiffany.

1. The appeal of this memoir is while it is a story from over 50 years ago, it is also one that holds true today - filled with the fun of first being able to go out on the town alone, dates with boys that actually picked you up at the door and you dressed up for a date in dresses even! While the girls were naive, they did something that was unheard of at the time and that really is the heart (and the Hart) behind this story.
   
   Throughout the book Marjorie writes letters home back to her family letting them know of what was happening in New York. Another reminder of a time gone by, and the letter writings posted in the book are filled with young girl excitement about jobs and paychecks.... and who came through the doors of Tiffany's....
   
   This book is a reminder that no matter what the rules have been - gender, race, etc... you can go out and be a trend setter, you never know who will be the next person to do something to change the way the world thinks or acts, it can be as big as changing a nations way of thinking about discrimination, or as small as being the first women on a sales floor at Tiffany's.
   
   Within these pages Marjorie describes what it was like to be in Times Square as the war was announced over. I can not even imagine what that had to feel like! The oneness of all the people all the excitement!
   
   I am taking away from this read a better knowledge of the war and what it was like during 1945, as well as a wee bit of knowledge on how to sniff brandy.
   
   If Marjorie tells us anything within these pages it is if you are going to dream - dream big.



2. I don't know about you - but when I think memoir I think of some of the more depressing stories I've read; stories of abuse and abandonment. I don't know when Memoir became synonymous with those subjects in my head but thank goodness Marjorie Hart was there this week to show me how different memoirs can be.
   
   This book was one of the most pleasant, most nostalgic memoirs I've read. It almost felt like fiction in spots so fantastic were the names and the places being seen.
   
   Tiffany has always been a magical name to me, I mean, what girl doesn't love at least looking at sparkling diamonds or watching Audrey Hepburn on the screen as she emerges from a taxi in front of the famous store. I loved getting an "inside" look at what was like in the 40's during wartime for these girls who made a place for women working in the established store.
   
   Although there wasn't as much store talk as I had hoped there would be, I still wasn't disappointed. Marjorie has some amazing memories and brought goosebumps to my arms more than once as she described the scenes she was seeing in New York at the time of the Japanese surrender.
   
   Overall the book was a very light, perfect summer memoir to read and I highly recommend it if you are looking for that perfect story to read on the beach.



3. I read this book over a couple of days and found it to be a light, engaging read. I loved reading about the era that the story took place. It seems like such a simpler time. I definitely plan to loan this book out for others to enjoy. Great story!



4. I finshed this charming book in less than a day. I've always been fascinated with the WWII era, and although a world war was raging, Mrs. Hart was still able to capture the innocence and glamour of 1945 NYC. This is a very sweet and unpretentious valentine to a bygone era as well as to one of the most famous stores in the world. How lucky Mrs. Hart was to have had her Summer at Tiffany.



5. This book was delightful, fun and light. The writing is simple and straightforward and it's just a good summer read. The book is honest and seems to be without any embellishment. You can feel how the emotions of the young woman in the story and almost place yourself in the setting. I hope Marjorie Hart writes more about her life. Her style is definitely refreshing.

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

1. I bought this to locate a Gruen watch but I couldn't find it in this book.
   Also it doesn't list any low price watches such as Timex, Seiko, etc.



2. There is nothing complete about it , it really is a beginners guide to watch origins.



3. The book was helpful in determining the rarity of certain old watches. Prices on ebay seem a bit higher than what this book indicates, so if someone is trying to find the actual value of a watch, they may be a little disappointed. This book is a good reference for watch collectors.



4. Book has all you need to know about watches. A huge help in buying and selling. Excellent every year.



5. This is the third edition I have purchased. A very thorough price guide and excellent reference.

No comments about Jewels of the Romanovs: Family & Court.

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

1. I am a mineral and crystal dealer and love this "gem" (sorry) of a book. It is well-organized and clearly written, and the photographs are actually useful - showing specimens that one might actually see - making it valuable for identification. Useful for all levels of knowledge or interest, with enough depth for a professional reference, yet not daunting for a novice. High-quality printing on glossy paper and a very portable size - this are a must-have for the enthusiast, collector, or anyone who loves gems, minerals, and crystals.



2. GEMSTONES OF THE WORLD has been newly revised and expanded in this updated fourth edition, which packs in nearly two thousand photos of gems along with complete physical properties and tips on finding and cutting them. Even more gemstones are covered here than in previous editions, making for an outstanding reference and a 'must' for any gemstone collector or library catering to them.



3. 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 7000 Years of Jewelry: An International History and Illustrated Survey from the Collections of the British Museum.

1. Another jeweler weighing in: The only problem with this book is that I waited so long to get it. A steal at twice the price. Vital.



2. This is a great book on jewellry through the ages and already I been inspired to try some designs, based on the ancient pieces presented here. One can only look in awe at the "acquisitions" made by the 19th century explorers and hope one day common sense will prevail so that some works can make their way back to where they should be. In the interim I think we should be happy that such wonderful items are in one place where they can be viewed at leisure.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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

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. When I first got this book, I could not believe the plethora of incredible information. The stone charts are invaluable. If you are new to collecting, you HAVE to buy this book. And if you are not new to collecting but are a long time collector like I am, YOU need this book too! I am actually reading it from the beginning because there is so much great information. This book will always remain in my reference library, it's THAT good.



2. "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!



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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!

4 comments about Collecting Costume Jewelry 202 2nd Edition (Collecting Costume Jewelry 202: The Basics of Dating Jewelry).

1. My wife loves this book. As a collector she found it not only useful from that standpoint, but an interesting read.



2. If you have bought the series of Julia Carroll's books, "Collecting Costume Jewelry 101, 202 and 303," you come to think after each book, this is her BEST one yet! She then writes ANOTHER wonderful book that is filled with more new information on designers, stunning photos of beautiful costume jewelry, and fills the pages with fabulous vintage ads and clear detailed drawings of design patents. One thing about Julia's books that amaze me is the wealth of knowledge she provides on many of the designers by personal interviews with family members, previous employees, and other knowledgeable people that were involved in the jewelry making business. She always takes extra steps to provide collectors with information that not only will help them learn more about collecting, but gives the pieces they already have in their collections a special meaning. It is wonderful to see an actual patent of one of your favorite pieces, the date & name of the designer, and possibly a jewelry ad featuring that piece. Julia, I am one of your biggest fans and your books will always hold a special place in the very front of my jewelry library.



3. This book is an instant reference - I know I will go back to it over and over again! The patent drawings are so beautifully organized I know I will be able to easily find matching patents for my jewelry. I love the Collecting Costume Jewelry series!



4. I want to thank all of the collectors who have purchased my books over the years. I also want to thank Collector Books for giving me the opportunity to write and publish books on costume jewelry.
   
   The second edition of Collecting Costume Jewelry 202 is a huge book (I'm told it took more than twice the time to layout as my other books) bursting with design patent drawings, vintage ads, and collectible costume jewelry. I am thrilled with the way the material is presented - useful as a reference and a beautiful showcase for the jewelry.
   
   I am also grateful to my friends and contributors who helped me to expand the sections on Boucher, Adele Simpson, and Regency.
   
   Thank you all!
   Julia

5 comments about Warman's Vintage Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide (Warmans).

1. This is a beautiful picture book, with lots of lovely shots of vintage jewelry. If that's what you're looking for then look no further. However if you want detail or descriptions or history or really, much text beyond the approximate value, then you should consider something a little more comprehensive, like :Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building & Upgrading as this book may not have as many pretty photos (although it has plenty) but it has a wealth of information about the designers and the companies who made so much of this beautiful, wearable art.



2. I checked this book out from the library.. I just knew My Niece had to have it so I bought it for her. She loves it.



3. tHE BOOK IS TERRIFIC. iT HAS GREAT COLOR PICTURES AND GREAT BASELINE INFO FOR BEGINNER COLLECTORS. I SIMPLY ENJOY LOOKING THROUGH IT!



4. I would not invest in this book. Perhaps I was looking for something more instructive and for comparison than what this book offers. Before you purchase you should review in a book store or library.



5. If you're into jewelry with glass gems or the art deco look, this is an excellent resource. The text gives a good review of jewlery in the 1920s - 1940s, but on the level of an interested collector, not for a research paper. The photos are excellent and the pieces nicely categorized by type.

5 comments about Warman's Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide.

1. This book was a big disappointment. It's turned Warman's, and it's great reputation, into a "fun" movie star/coffee table book of jewelry. It's fine if you're not a serious collector. For example: Five pages are devoted to Christmas tree pins, one page about Elizabeth Taylor and an atomizer pin advertisment, and not ONE mention of Theodore Fahrner's jewelry? Lots of cutesy titles (Jadeite - Going Green), but things like the wonderful historical time line, or PICTURES OF JEWELRY MARKS, are missing. And what kind of jewelry glossary forgets to include Plique'a Jour? Frankly, for the glossary alone (lorgnette?) this book fails.
   
   Warman's was once a serious jewelry reference. Now it's for the coffee table. The Third edition has real useful information - and pictures - of marks, a well-researched glossary, and an historical timeline. Buy it. Skip the 4th edition.



2. This is a wonderful book for the collector or seller. The pictures are beautiful and Kathy Flood is amazing with the knowledge that she so willingly shares. I have several of her books and they are all unique and have helped me numerous times.
   Thank you,
   Linda



3. This book is dangerous...
   So, you've been warned.
   These are the first words of Kathy Flood's latest book. I have all of her books, but she has out-done herself on this one. What a fabulous identification and price guide! With her background in writing, publishing, traveling, collecting, inspiring and researching, she has composed a reference volume which has no equal. Ms. Flood operates from a philosophy based on her years of education and study. She even speaks fluent French which has enabled her to interview and communicate with top people in the jewelry field. Kathy writes with goals in mind: to inform and, at the same time, to delight. Her concept of the four E's is her shared philosophy: Entertainment, Enlightenment, Edification and Enrichment. Besides being absolutely stunning, the book contains hundreds of gorgeous pictures of truly unique pieces. But best of all is Ms. Flood's gifted use of the English language, along with her sense of humor. The book has a presence with eighteen chapters of amazing variety, including a breath-taking section on diamonds. This exceptional volume contains other necessary information: glossary, shopping guides and biographies. Ms. Flood's writing is dynamic, impressive, innovative, charming and memorable. At times, I was amused at her sassy (maybe jazzy?) descriptions of jewels. Most of all, the new Warman's is just plain fun!



4. Kathy Flood is a masterful and engaging author who brings good jewels to life in a very fun way! It will inspire women to go buy more gems, and inspire the man in her life to treat her with more expensive baubles. It is extremely well-done and well-researched. Her knowledge and classification of items is extraordinary. This book is a "must-have" for the jewelry connoisseur and novices alike. I'm anxiously awaiting her 5th Edition!!!



5. This book is a fabulous resource and a great read as well. Amazing pictures are complemented by a wealth of information and a bit of humor. She really knows her stuff and it shows. This book is just one of Kathy Flood's reference guides that I use regularly and enjoy reading! Look no further, this is the book you want! You HAVE to add it to your personal library along with her Figurals book!