5 comments about Queen's Jewels.

1. After reading this book and salivating at the photographs, I'll NEVER lust after anyone else's jewellery again. Apart from the sheer magnificence of the stones and the settings, the provenance of the pieces and just how they happened to be in the possession of the various members of the royal family, is completely fascinating. It's also a very interesting look at the social mores of the various eras. In Queen Victoria's time, she tended to wear more modest jewellery, much of which had a sentimental value to her, and so the ladies of the day tended to follow her example. In the following reign, that of Edward V11, the upper classes of the day followed the example of Queen Alexandra, who was a beauty and who dressed lavishly in her own particular style, which was followed by ladies of the court and which featured high necklines, decorated heavily with diamonds and precious stones. In the following reign of a very rigid George V and Queen Mary, the court seemed to be bolstering the idea of an unapproachable royalty, above the touch of scandal and to foster this idea by literally covering the Queen in jewels from head to toe. Today's monarch jewels up only on the most formal of occasions, but it's thanks to her and to the Queens of the past that this amazing collection has been built up over the years to amaze and bedazzle lovers of beautiful jewellery everywhere.



2. Field has produced an excellent balance of text and pictures and has done an exceptionally thorough job of documentation. I was fascinated by his descriptions of how the jewelry was modified over the years to accommodate the fashions of the day and the taste of the current owner. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars was due to the pictures. Most are black and white (for obvious reasons), however some were of very poor quality, and very few taken with the intention of displaying jewelry. There was one delightful story of a gift to the young Princess Elizabeth, a necklace and bracelet, which the Queen now refers to as "my best diamonds". But do we get to see the diamonds? No, the only available picture was a distant news photo of the young Princess sitting at an angle and the jewels nearly impossible to see. For Princess Diana fans, don't bother buying this book. There are less than a half dozen images of Diana, and nothing you haven't seen before. And just a reminder, this is her personal collection. You won't see any of the crown regalia.



3. Leslie Field's "The Queen's Jewels: The Personal Collection of Elizabeth II" is a splendid, splendid book in every way. Field has gathered together hundreds of important photographs (of the nearly half million she saw altogether) of Queen Elizabeth's jewels. These are shown both in their cases and being worn by various monarchs, and we see how different royal family members have altered the look or the purpose of pieces as fashions and times changed over the years. Field has complemented these photographs with her outstanding, meticulously researched text. Even if you purchase the book mostly to drool over the photographs, you will end up being both captivated and educated by the accompanying text.

   Field begins the book with the ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne. Because of the Salic laws passed by the House of Hanover in 1833, Victoria was prevented from becoming ruler of both the United Kingdom and Hanover. The kingdoms were split for the first time in well over a century. Immediately, King Ernest of Hanover--an uncle of Queen Victoria--demanded his share of the royal jewels, arguing that since the kingdom had been split, so must be the gems. Victoria disagreed, and the argument went on for two decades before finally being settled in favor of Hanover. Subsequently, Victoria gave up several important pieces of jewelry to her uncle's descendants--but was already well on her way to amassing an important collection.

   Victoria was the first British monarch to make clear that some pieces belonged to the Crown and were for use by any Queen to follow her--and that some pieces were her personal property, and hers to dispose of as she saw fit. British monarchs have followed in her footsteps ever since and although Field showcases many sumptuous Crown pieces in the book, the bulk of what we see are the Queen's personal pieces. And what a collection it is!

   The collection is vast and jaw-droppingly beautiful. Field wisely divides the book into types of stones, from diamonds and pearls to emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, turquoise, and more. We see everything from parures
   (i. e., complete matching sets of everything from necklaces to brooches to rings to earrings and more) to necklaces and tiaras which were gifts from other governments or from such quaintly named organizations as "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" to pieces designed by Prince Philip expressly for his wife.

   Among the many stand-outs in the book are:

   - Queen Elizabeth's three-carat diamond solitaire engagement ring, designed by Prince Philip for his wife and set with a handsome diamond taken from a tiara belonging to Philip's mother (p. 85);

   - The Godman Necklace, which had been bought by an English naturalist in the 1890s while on holiday in Bavaria. His daughters, many years after his death, wrote to the Lord Chamberlain saying that they felt they owned jewelry once owned by Empress Josephine of France and that the Queen might be interested in it. Although it turned out not to have been of this provenance, it was undoubtedly a stunning and valuable piece, showcasing seven large emeralds and three smaller ones, and surrounded throughout with an encrustation of diamonds and platinum filigree (p. 95);

   - The Cambridge's Lover's Knot Tiara, shown being worn by the Duchess of Cambridge in 1818, the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in the 1890s, Queen Mary in 1926, Queen Mary again in 1935 (this time without the upright pearls which originally adorned it), Queen Elizabeth in 1955, and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1985. This is powerful testimony that good design and fine jewelry are both timeless (pp. 113 - 115);

   - Queen Mary's "Rose of York" bracelet, which is a breathtaking ruby and diamond pendant which was eventually turned into a bracelet (p. 143).

   Of course these are but a few of the many treasures in the book. It is a fascinating read, and a wonderfully complete and detailed account of what is probably the finest jewelry collection in the world today.




4. I was so impressed with and have gotten so much Joy from this book, it has inspired me enough to go ahead and try my first on-line review. When I noticed this was out of print I was very surprised. Even more so when I realized there was also a 1997-revised edition. I am hopeful its simply because the newly expanded volume is getting its finishing touches. With digital imaging technology having come so far since the publishing of the first two editions (87/97), the detail that is now available will hopefully be prominently featured in the next. A unique aspect of this book is the thoroughness of information presented on several different topics.
   The title subject is definitely covered in meticulous detail. Aside from the jewels it really is almost a complete mini-biography of most of the British Royal Family. After all the Men bought jewels too! It is amazing to see an 18th century piece on Queen Elizabeth and be able to trace it exactly from it origin through the centuries.
   The information in text and pictures give a much better understanding of the whole concept of continuity, with many surprises along the way. Tidbits like how Queen Victoria stubbornly refused to return gems that another Royal House insisted it owned. How important Jewels were to Queen Mary, not for their monetary value but because of their family historical importance. Its the little details like this that give you a much more personal understanding of monarchs, without being dishy or gossipy.

   Both the front and back inside covers gives a complete family tree dating back to Henry VII. Inside, thirteen categories/chapters cover everything from Diamonds and Emeralds to Sapphires and Amethysts, explaining who favored a particular kind of gem or style over another. Do not expect a very in-depth education on gems, however you get a great understanding of the history and importance of gems through the centuries as a symbol of power and status. There is a generous amount of color and B&W photos perfectly balanced with the text. Generations of Royals Portraits set-up three or four to a page wearing the same Jewels over scores of decades are some of the picture highlights. I really don?t think you need to be a Royal Watcher to appreciate the images. From all the individuals listed in the Acknowledgments many of them with titles you understand this book was published with the complete cooperation and help of the entire Royal Family. Its the photography that makes you appreciate this. A perfect example of this is the cover subject. A magnificent necklace part of a set named: The Cambridge and Delhi Durbar Parure. Inside there is another full color page showing the complete set, however throughout the book you can see no less than ten or twelve different royals wearing some kind of configuration of it. Including the World Famous snapshot of the late Princess Diana wearing the necklace as a headband.
   You cannot help but feeling like you know the members of the various royal houses a little better after reading a few excerpts. The entire volume gives you an impression that the author truly respects, enjoys and is highly educated on her subject. This is one of the few books that I own, that I know I will never post for sale used. I hope you enjoy!




5. I can't say enough about this book. Leslie Field obviously loves her subject; the amount of research that went into this book is impressive. It is fascinating to follow a piece of jewelry through history from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana through pictures. The accompanying text is informative, but the pictures really say it all in this book.

5 comments about Famous Jewelry Collectors.

1. ...for everybody who loves great jewellery.
   
   The books provides both, interesting information about jewellery and gorgeous pictures. It shows the treasure chests of collectors from the aristocracy, society as well as from stars of the stage (both movie and opera). Although I'm particularly interested in noble jewels, it's the mix of collections in this book I really appreciate.
   
   It's always a pleasure to read and look. My book hasn't found yet the way to the bookshelf - it's still right to my hand on the table...



2. I really enjoyed this book, the images are crisp and the text is fascinating. The people in this book live for their jewels and many of them, particularly the Duchess of Windsor, had impeccable taste. Some of the pieces are just stunning, and the background on the collectors is most interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in beautiful jewelry.



3. This book is wonderfull, the jewelry is wonderfull. It renews my faith that at one time people with money DID have some taste. This book is well worth the money spent.



4. An entertaining book with memorable personalities and their world famous baubles. The section on socialities and the nobility is fun to read; especially countess Mona von Bismarck. The incredible story of Poor Little Rich Girl, Barbara Hutton and socialite Daisy Fellowes (she must have been an incredible woman, reading her self-improvement on her nose!). Some of the gems are world famous, like the bejewelled menagerie of the Duchess of Windsor, her cats, her flamingo, her tiger lorgnette etc. All in all, a fun book to read, but not only for lovers of jewellery, but also for people who are interested in royalty, fashion and high society. In short, a nice coffeetable book!



5. This is a well written book with wonderful photography. The selection of jewellery owners for each of the categories specified was thoughtful with some less well know, but nevertheless interesting collectors, included. The only shortfall was the absence of collectors from the Orient and the East - this would have been unique and given the book an extra star.

   The book is a good complement to John Traina's hard to get "Extraordinary Jewels".

2 comments about The Charm of Charms.

1. This book is filled with interesting information and beautiful photographs. It's perfect as a coffee table book as you'll want to look at it again and again.



2. This is simply a jewel of a book.
   
   For any of us with wistful memories of our mother's magical charm bracelets (and the romantic stories associated with each tiny carved golden object) the lovely CHARM OF CHARMS brings it all back.
   
   The stories are fascinating, the jewelers the best, and the history indispensable for those of us currently addicted to charms (and you'll find some of the best in these pages).
   
   The beautiful people, the stunning photographs, and the luscious color make this a PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT. They ship overnight!

2 comments about Avon Collectible Fashion Jewelry and Awards (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. When a person purchases a book at the book store, they may thumb through the pages to judge the qualifications of the book, the authors, and whether it fits their need or not. I am slowly learning who the good authors are in the collectible field to know whether to purchase their books on-line or not. This was definitely not the case with this book nor another book I purchased by these authors. I wanted an Avon book to help me identify and describe the collectible Avon Jewelry that I have found at various estate sales, and thought this book could help. I was definitely mistaken. Anyone can state, "Christmas Tree Pin with red stones, circa 1990" as stated on page 62, instead of Avon's description of "Victorian Tree Pin" with the actual date of 1992. Or on page 39, authors wrote "Abolone (sic - spelled wrong) set includes necklace with 14-inch silver metal chain, silver bracelet trimmed with gold, and ring set in silver, circa 1990s," when there is nothing gold or silver about the set, except maybe washed in gold or silver, but definitely not true silver or gold; Avon advertised this set in their 1975 catalog, much earlier than 1990s. Then, the last straw for me is the beautiful set that Avon sold in 1971 (page 37); even though the authors got the date correct, they simply ignored the title to the set, but instead wrote, "pearl and gold set" when this set is Avon's "Evening Creation" set. Did the authors do any research? I think not. Will I ever be so stupid as to purchase another one of their books? No way! I would resale this book, but I don't want another person to be as disappointed as I was when I purchased this book on-line; not to mention that at the same time, I also purchased their waste of writing book entitled, "Sarah Coventry Jewelry."



2. Any reader inevitably judges a book through his personal tunnel vision. My own tunnel vision is costume jewelry so I was disappointed that information and illustrations on Avon realia occupied so much space to the detriment of the costume jewelry. I bought the book because I needed information on Avon jewelry which appears with increasing frequency at estate and garage sales. Although the photography was excellent as in the authors' Sarah Coventry book, I think that attempting to cover such divergent topics may have been too much of a stretch.
   Even dilettante collectors such as I want as many pictures to increase their familiarity with collectible name brand jewelry--especially with manufacturers whose products are not promoted in magazines or newspapers or department stores.

1 comments about Tiffany Diamonds.

1. Book arrived in a timely manner and was in excellent shape. Would recommend seller to anyone. Great person and a pleasure to deal with.

2 comments about Jewels of Jean Schlumberger.

1. This excellent history of Jean Schlumberger and his amazing jewelry is very fine in every respect save one: there aren't enough pictures! Specifically, there aren't enough color pictures. Never one to stick solely to diamonds, Schlumberger made piquant and imaginative use of a wide array of colored gemstones. It's a disappointment that we get to see so many of these creations herein only in sketch or black-and-white photo form. The pieces which are shown in color are blazingly beautiful and intricately detailed--Schlumberger at his very best. All in all, an unevenly enjoyable book.



2. A fascinating museum catalog with a hard back cover and with an enchanting dust cover, but very lacking of text about a collection of Jean Schlumberger's extraordinary jewels. Had this catalog included more vignettes or even the provenance's of the jewels portrayed, as it does of Diana Vreeland's brooch, and how she propped it up on her night stand to admire, I would have found this book more enriching. Had I not recognized the drawing of Elizabeth Taylor's `Night of the Iguana' brooch, I would have not known the famous lady who had been presented this Schlumberger treasure by the late Richard Burton. As a fine jeweler of eighteen years, I am as anxious to know and to pass on to my clients how other people's jewels have added enjoyment and meaning to their lives. Jewels are more than art, they are symbols of love and affection, and often they are the only highly valued heirlooms that are passed on from one generation to another. Hence Jewels also represent our immortality and how sad when the stories of those who wore them are unknown to the heirs. This museum catalog of a 1996 Schlumberger exhibition in Paris doesn't give us any titillating provenance's as does Judy Rudoe's "Cartier 1900-1939" exhibition text nor how this important master's creations enriched the collector lives.

2 comments about Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones.

1. It is a real shame that this book is presently out-of-print, I borrowed it from the local library some 5 years ago, and to this date have yet to see anything better in this genre. The technical data about precious stones - such as dispersion, types of refraction, specific gravity, types of cutting, and so on - are well covered, with specific commentaries on individual stones presented in encyclopaedic format. It's very useful not only for specific reference but just for general browsing. What sets this book apart, on the other hand, is the quality and quantity of the gem photography. There are pictures of every major and minor gem in the world, and where a particular type of stone has more than one color - or colors - the entire suite of colors is presented. So the garnets, sapphires, diamonds, tourmalines, topazes, beryls (just to name a few) look positively kaleidoscopic. The opal section alone has some magnificent stones, including top-quality Lightning Ridge black, one of which is photographed from different directions to demonstrate the superb color play. The zircon and spinel photography is quite impressive too.

   This book is emphatically not for the investor or speculator who is looking for advice, and no attempts at valuation are made. On the other hand, for readers interested in specific gemmological research or (esoteric) appreciation, this book will be ideal. The level of scholarship is impeccable, and the book is not overwhelmingly technical or difficult. It is not cheap but is worth every penny. Most strongly recommended.




2. Outstanding color photographs to review, that are matched to technical data regarding the various gemstone "families". There is a very fine topic governing "colors" of gemstones as well. Joel Arem has done a very fine job!

No comments about Pictorial Guide to Costume Jewelry.

4 comments about Robert Lee Morris: The Power of Jewelry.

1. I read the book and enjoyed all the photos from cover to cover!
   Robert Lee Morris is such a great natural designer, very genuine as human being.
   
   I found many similarities with his life and mine as a jewelry designer.
   I discovered that my first pieces were much like his style, when I didn't knew who he was and never saw his work before.
   
   Totally inspiring. You can be tempted to tear and frame the photos of the book as art pictures!
   
   Benjamin P.
   Puerto Rico



2. This book is more that the best expected. I am familiar with The RLM jewelry line and know this artist to be innovative and creative. This book gives an fascinating look at the man as a sculptor and jewelry designer.



3. In a world of cookie cutter jewelry where factories manufacture the latest trendy piece, thank goodness there is Robert Lee Morris. RLM is a very spiritual designer who is attuned to nature, human sensuality and an unending stream of creativity. I have never been to his studio in Soho, NYC. But I do buy his stunning silver jewelry on QVC. Whenever he is on tv, he presents pieces that are not only unique in design, but pieces that beg to be touched. His pieces are filled with spirit and love. For example, he created a twisted heart bracelet where the hearts literally flow into one another, rather than connecting them with the usual chunky links. He created a large molded heart ring that has FORGIVE inscribed on the inside. He takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.
   
   I encourage those who are not familiar with his pieces to try a pair of his exquisite earrings. I also encourage all current and future jewelry designers to study this book and his pieces. Here is one of the most innovative and prolific designers of our time. Study his book, go to his Soho studio, and check out the shopping site that sells his jewelry. You will be glad you did.
   
   One more thing. RLM's book is not just a history of his jewelry and how it was made and sold over the past thirty-five years. This book is a history of fashion, makeup and accessories and how they were designed and sold via the runway over the past three decades. This is a fascinating history of some of our most famous designers and the marriage of fashion and accessories.



4. 
   Women have been adorning themselves with jewelry and body art almost since time began. What earlier generations did not have was the imagination of award winning designer Robert Lee Morris whose bold, dramatic creations in gold and silver are worn by the famous, such as Madonna, Oprah, Cher, as well as the lady next door.
   
   The son of an air force pilot and a former fashion model, Morris was exposed at any early age to differing cultures. A four year stint in Japan left him with lasting memories of the beauty and customs of that country. Undoubtedly, this experience and others have been an inspiration to him.
   
   "I had a very powerful vision in my head when I first began to make jewelry," he writes. "It was this specific, cinematic image that grounded me and gave me a sound place from which all my work sprang in the early years, from 1970 to 1980. I could envision a post-apocalyptic world populated by Amazon women....."
   
   A major jump start for his career occurred when he was chosen to design the jewelry for Donna Karan's collections. Ms. Karan, an unabashed fan, wrote the foreword for this volume. "Robert's designs are remarkably sensual, They beg to be touched. When you hold or wear them they become part of you....."
   
   Evidently Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld shared her enthusiasm for Morris also did collections for both of them.
   
   Morris's designs have been among the most wanted and noted for over 25 years, and he claimed the Platinum Guild International Grand Prize for Design Award in 1999. He continues to offer collections in his signature style of ethnic flavor and high fashion flair.
   
   Enjoy and wish as you leaf through this lush 180 page volume with 230 full-color illustrations. With his candid, chatty narrative Morris proves himself to be a gifted communicator as well as designer.
   
   - Gail Cooke
   

1 comments about Finger Rings: Ancient to Modern (Ashmolean Handbooks).

1. Diana Scarisbrick & Martin Henig's book turned out to be a complete disappointment to me. I do not own any other books of either author but if this is any indication of what to expect from them on the subject of finger rings then I won't be buying any more of their books. I am a novice collector of ancient rings (mostly roman) and was hoping to find a brief history of roman rings and their symbolism. Given the wide variety of types to be collected (bronze votive types with their various numbers of dots that are supposed to invoke the help or guidance of either male or female dieties as an example) are not mentioned. A background of the various styles of rings and their symbolism would have been useful but all that appeared for the romans in their book was 1/2 page explaining 3 rings whose photos appeared on the facing page. I understand that the book was just supposed to cover a smattering of finger rings throughout human history but what you get in this book is brevity right down to the skull and bones of the subject. Any elaboration on ring styles and a background of their symbolism of the various eras would have made the book interesting. Having said this however, if pretty color photographs (there are very few per historical era that is covered) that are supported with very little historical information is your cup of tea then this may be the book for you. If the authors have some expertise in this field of finger rings and their history it would be nice if they would share it with their readers next time in some future book by elaborating in more detail. Attempts by other authors to cover this subject seem to deal mostly with the gemstones found on the rings and cover the gold and silver types. Bronze rings of the common man do not seem to be covered much in any book. In many ways the bronze rings would be of more interest in shedding light on the beliefs and aspirations of the common man on whose backs those empires were made. I predict that if there is a knowledgeable author out there who puts out a book on the subject of ancient finger rings and includes numerous photographs of the various styles that exist for each culture along with detailed explanations for them (so far as is known) the book will sell and will make alot of money. To date, there is no such book as far as I know.