2 comments about Fabergé Eggs: A Retrospective Encyclopedia.

1. This book has a small section of small photos that are not very good quality. All of the 47 known to exist Imperial Eggs are not shown. If you are looking for photos of the Faberge Eggs look elsewhere. If you are looking for 263 pages of print information this is it.



2. This is an amazing book because it is so comprehensive. In all the descriptions, it tells every discrepensy there ever has been and why certain evidence points to the accepted facts. The only thing that makes it hard to read is the lack of pictures. You should buy a good picture book with this to really grasp everything. Otherwise, this is a very good book.

5 comments about The National Gem Collection.

1. Excellent information on the history of gemstones, understanding color and cuts. Exquisite examples, beautifully photographed. A must for anyone interested in gemstones or the history of jewelry.



2. This review is for the paperback version of the book, which I loved. It has a lovely balance of terrific photos & explanations of the various sources of the featured gems. It serves as a nice beginning reference when you have heard the terms sapphire & red sapphire (huh? I thought red gems were rubys or spinels) and would like to know more about which gems are related to others.
   
   And did I say the photos are just wonderful? Enjoy!



3. "The National Gem Collection," by Jeffrey E. Post, features photographs by Chip Clark. The book is a beautiful celebration of the title collection, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The informative text discusses the history of the collection, facts about types of different gemstones, and specific pieces in the collection.

   The full-color photography is really stunning, and brings a rich assortment of gems to glorious life. Some of the historic pieces pictured are the blue Hope Diamond, the diamond Napoleon Necklace, the Hooker Emerald, and more. Also shown are a colorful collection of "fancy" diamonds, a rare red diamond, the 858-carat uncut Gachala Emerald, the delightful "pink tutu" (a band of dainty rose quartz crystals on a large smoky quartz crystal), a dazzling group of fire opals, a lapis lazuli carving from Afghanistan, and more.

   I appreciate how the book celebrates gemstones at various stages: uncut, cut, and set in artfully crafted pieces of jewelry. Many different types of gemstones--aquamarine, garnet, spinel, chrysoberyl, turquoise, etc.--are covered. Features such as a scanning electron microscope photo of the inner structure of an opal give the reader a deeper understanding of the science behind gems. From start to finish, this book is a marvelous feast for both the eyes and the brain.




4. This is a beautiful book with lots of interesting information on the gem collection.



5. If you have visited the National Collection and want a souvenir to remind you of the stunning array of unique World Class Gems then this is the book for you. Both the format of the book and the superlative quality of the photography make this book the next best thing to being in the exhibition hall. There is a fairly light weight coverage of the gemmology in the text, but it mostly focusses on the history and ownership of these fabulous gems. The National Collection is unique, no where else in the world is there such a concentration of fabulous jewels with such an interesting history, with the possible exception of the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. This book is a fitting celebration of such a marvellous collection.

No comments about Bakelite Jewelry: The Art of the Carver.

5 comments about 20th Century Costume Jewelry: 1900 - 1980 Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. I found this book to contain a beautiful collection of rare vintage pieces. To put down a book of this caliber displays an absolute absence of taste and appreciation of the collector, and the collected. Touche, touche! It seems there are many amateur collectors, with strong words and uneducated opinions.



2. Thank you Amazon for offering this wonderful book. I plan to spend a lot of time with it.
   It has been very helpful and the price is well worth it.
   Thank You,sanklo.



3. I have to disagree with the other review about the value guides in this book, these guides are exactly on what they do sell for on Ruby lane or ebay. This is one of the lesser assigned value guide books I own.
   
   I found this book very good for my research and although the photographs are a little less than I expected, they show the item well enough there are only a few that look less than professional.
   
   The book released in 2005 reflects current pricing and value. I do not understand how the other reviewer said they were grossly off?? The market changes, one year a necklace will sell for 200.00 the next year perhaps 100.00, with the gas issue and the war the higher value guide book frankly are a bit off. This book I feel is more on value then the others.. The AB crystal necklace section I did find a bit high on the values though..That is about the only part I agree on with the other reviewer.
   
   The values given in collection books usually are used for insurance and not for actual sale.. This si why they are usually higher than what they would sell for on the market.
   That is why you find such a difference in pricing..
   
   Your best bet is to watch ebay and ruby lane for current pricing on an item and what they actually sell for. But keep in mind that there has been a lull in costume jewelry that should pick up real soon but who knows as the war continues and gas prices climb to 4.00+.. (yikes)
   
   Use these books to estimate the value, this is a range to use not a written in stone on top of a mountain rule as are all collector books!
   
   
   I suggest getting this book because it does have a large assortment of different types of jewelry as well as compacts and belts.
   
   What I didn't like about it is that it is not in any kind of real order. Also there was a marked lack of Juliana jewelry. There is no information about the makers, only photo value and description. However, I use other books for that. I got this book because I wanted to see a varity of items not just Trifari, Coro.. etc.
   
   Still a good book to own because there is a lot of unusual signed and unsigned jewelry in it.



4. This book was purchased along with the sister, companion, Brilliant Rhinestones. While I can appreciate the time that the author has devoted to her book (per review on Brilliant Rhinestones obviously by the author's husband) feel that the quality of the photographs is very poor. When I spend money like this on a book, expect jewelry that looks like I want to reach out and pick it up. Many of the darker items are washed out in the background. Felt that the prices were a little overinflated. The concepts for the books are excellent, but this author needs to work on her photography.



5. I just purchased this book and am VERY disappointed in the lack of information and misleading prices. Only a few pages of minimal information and the rest is photos of lackluster jewelry at grossly overinflated priced. Seems like no research was done, and prices should definitely not be used as any kind of price guideline. Save your money for much better jewelry books for your library!

5 comments about Maharajas' Jewels.

1. India has always been famous for her amazing jewels, be it structures like the Taj Mahal or amazing Maharajas stones. This book is exquisite, the images are vivid and crisp and the text scholarly. It is just amazing to see these jewels, you just cannot imagine this sort of wealth. When I think of jewels of India I always think of Louis XIV's French Blue, that came from a Maharaja and now is known as the Hope Diamond, it is simply spectacular, it's a shame it was recut after it was stolen during the French Revolution, but it is still one of the most beautiful diamond's in the world. If you have any interest in beautiful jewelery or Indian history in general then you will love this book.



2. I had bought the book "Maharaja's Jewels" by Katherine Prior and John Adamson and I must say that it was truly a wonderful book. For those who have interest in Jewels, Indian history, Royalty, Photography and I think for any one it will be a great experience to read it.

   The Authors have brought out the richness of the land in an excellent presentation. The quality of the book in terms of the content, pictures, presentation, the collection of the jewels shown and the history behind them is very well presented.

   I thoroughly enjoyed this book and certainly recommend to any one with interest in such a book. it should be in any interested person's collection.




3. Amazing. I spent outside my budget to get this book and it's worth every cent.



4. Maharajahs' Jewels provides an oversized, lavish examination of maharaja jewelry, considering the history behind royal jewelry making in India and the conditions under which some of the most famous jewelry pieces were manufactured. The stories of the Indian princes and their jewelry will appeal to any interested in Indian history in general and jewelry-making in particular.



5. Forget those diamonds that are supposed to be a girl's best friend - they're mere baubles compared to the opulent jewels that covered India's maharajas from turban tips to beringed fingers. Their palaces needed no artificial light as rooms shone with the brilliance of thousands of precious gems.

   "Too much" was not in the vocabulary of these rulers as to many possessing and adorning themselves with fabulous jewelry was their raison d'etre. "The Maharaja of Baroda owned five long strands of perfectly matched, pigeon-sized, cream-colored pearls," which he wore in a bib-like drape. Rubies from Burma, emeralds from Brazil, Golconda diamonds and Kashmir sapphires were the decorations of the day.

   Some 300 eye-popping photos in this sumptuous folio-size volume attest to princely extravagance, and to the artistry of great jewelers such as Cartier and Boucheron whom the royals commissioned to set their gems. The accompanying text is rich with insights for all who are fascinated by once princely India and enjoy jewels of unparalleled beauty.

   This epoch of luxury came to an end in 1947 with India's independence. The maharajahs resigned and their treasures were either exported or hidden. Fortunately, they're gathered once more in this stunning volume.

1 comments about Diamond Handbook: How To Look At Diamonds & Avoid Ripoffs (Newman Gem & Jewelry Series).

1. The Diamond Handbook IS the exception. This time you CAN judge a book by the cover!! The cover is awesome - there's a picture of a huge, beautiful diamond on the front and a subtitle promise on how to avoid ripoffs. I grabbed this one and I'm glad I did. There is way more information in it than I ever dreamed there could be about diamonds; it's very helpful and incredibly interesting. I found it hard to put down as it's much more than a gem "tech manual". Most every topic covered has a story or example to prove its case and it's easy and fun to read. The pictures clearly show examples being described. I will most definitely make the book visible when I buy my next diamond. Any jeweler, who is familiar with this book or this author, will be on his best behavior when seeing the book in my hands. He will know that I've come armed with solid information and that I know what I want and I know what I'm looking for and that I will understand his terminology. It should be fun!! My heartfelt thanks to the author who is so willing to clue us in on the mysteries of the diamond game.
   Mary H. - Lubbock, Texas

3 comments about Lea Stein Jewelry (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. "Lea Stein Jewelry" is a coffee table book containing 180 pages of colour photographs of the jewellery of Lea Stein, with 2001 values. Other than the picture captions, there is very little text throughout this book. As far as I am aware, this is the only book available that is dedicated to Lea Stein jewellery, so if you are contemplating starting a collection, this book is a must. However, people who have already started a collection of Lea Stein jewellery are likely to find this book to be lacking.
   
   Although this book provides photographs of a large number of Lea Stein's pieces, it is incomplete (I have seen several pins that are not included in this book) and no indication is given as to the full range of colours and styles each pin was produced in (many Lea Stein pins were produced in a wide range of colours, and in some cases embellishments, such as rhinestones, were added). It also lacks an index, making it very difficult to find any one particular item.
   
   This is by no means a comprehensive catalogue of Lea Stein's work. Nevertheless, as I said before, it's the only book available on the topic, so until something better comes along, this is it.



2. I was disappointed with the content of this book. I expected to learn about the history of how the Stein's layering process came about. Also, certain popular pin styles were left out completely. The photography is
   beautifully done, however.



3. Lea Stein Jewelry is a thoroughly researched beautifully presented book. The photography and design of this book is outstanding. There are hundreds of photographs of Lea Stein's wonderful necklaces, pins, rings, earrings and bracelets. I was not aware that aside from jewelry, Lea Stein also created jewelry boxes, dressing table mirrors, cigarette lighter holders and other gorgeous accessories. When I discovered that finally a book about Lea Stein had been published, I ordered it immediately and it has proved to be even better than I hoped. I shall never tire of looking through it.

5 comments about Bringing It Home: England: The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Feeling of England in Your Home (Bringing It Home).

1. This is a very TRADITIONAL (and Classical) English decorating book. It is not an "how-to" book at all, but rather, a visual journey throughout homes that are all decorated in the "Traditional" and/or "Classic" English style (in other words: this book is not about "modern" English decorating at all).
   
   I own two other books by this outstanding author (Cheryl MacLachlan) and she always does such a nice job at taking readers into the world of European decorating, by showing a variety of homes in the various styles... as stated in the book's title.
   
   If you own any of the Henrietta Churchill's books (ie: her books on decorating a 'la "English classical style") then you are probably familiar with Classical/Traditional English decorating. If not, browse through this book and/or Henrietta's many decorating books, and you will understand the English "classical" style a bit better.
   
   One difference: The homes in this MacLachlan book are homes that are probably owned by middle-class English families, and are NOT owned by upper-class English families , --- such as all of Henrietta's books show. Therefore, if you want to decorate your home in English style, then this MacLachlan book is more doable & relavent to you. Personally, I like both author's books (MacLachlan's and Churchill's books) because together they show all the possibilities when incorporating Classical English decorating in your current home(s).



2. A warm and wonderful volume for any hopeless Anglophile. Great gift.



3. Author Cheryl MacLachlan writes "...'English style' refers to the unique constellation of elements - homegrown and foreign - that the English have taken as their own". This book shows you how to create a beautiful, charming English atmosphere in your home, and in your life.

   My bedtime ritual now includes sitting down with a steaming cup of tea while browsing through every page of this book. After collecting and borrowing dozens of books on this topic, I find this one to be the most comprehensive and inspiring resource for the lover of anything English.

   "Like a house, Bringing It Home - England is divided into rooms"...The book's chapters cover the following topics:

   (1) The Substance of the English Style: common threads that unite all English homes, walls, motifs, graphics and everything out of the ordinary

   (2) The Living Room: how to arrange furniture, select fabrics, and my favorite topic: how to create the look of a traditional English drawing room

   (3) The Bedroom: creating a "cozy sanctuary", creating the romantic look (I can attest to the fact that her advice in this section works beautifully!), how to create the English look in your bath, and there is even a section on creating the look in a nursery!

   (4) The Dining Room: special emphasis on creating a "tailored, handsome" look. Includes information on English china, porcelain and crystal. There is even a guide to selecting tables and chairs.

   (5) The Garden: No book about English style would be complete without information on creating a traditional English garden. Includes a primer on the art of flower arrangement.

   )6) The Kitchen: The floors, cabines, furnishings and "cooker" are all covered in this section as well as my very favorite subject on the pleasure of "taking tea". Oh, life is grand!!!!

   (7) A Resource section which includes information on all the "English-style" essentials and where to find them. Includes a reading list and travel ideas.

   The information is practical and inspiring, as are the beautiful photographs. I feel this is the best book on this topic anywhere.

   5 Stars. Enjoy.




4. Being a lover of all things English, I have several books and this is the very best of all. This book is chock full of information on how to achieve the style, what makes it "English" and the photographs are fabulous. I have never read a book of this style that had so much research that went into it. I also enjoyed several receipes that were included and the section that dealt with the meaning of words and how Americans and British differ in their usage.



5. I like this book because it addresses a diverse range of topics on how to achieve the English style. It describes the origin of each decorating tradition, offering an explanation or rationale for why something is characterized as "English," rather than just laying out a blueprint to follow. I also liked that cooking was incorporated into the book, and several appealing photos of food and recipes are provided.

No comments about Classic American Costume Jewelry.

1 comments about Costume Jewelry: Identification And Price Guide.

1. Another beautiful book for collectors of costume jewelry by Leshner. The pictures are mouth watering and the topics digress from earlier books that are solely devoted to rhinestone jewelry. This book includes other types of jewelry like plastic jewelry, silver and beads. The vintages go through the 1960s with a good sampling of many styles. Leshner produces some of the very best books on collectible costume jewelry available that are a joy to look at as well as educational for the collector.