1 comments about Antique Jewelry: A Practical & Passionate Guide.

1. What a pleasure it is to write a review of this beautiful book. I originally read this book when it was first published. I was new to antique jewelry and had a million questions. This book is just an indispensible guide for those starting out. Her knowledge is solid, as is her advice (avoid broken, shop around, if you love it buy it!) I know many self-proclaimed experts that would benefit from reading this book. All the basics, well written and organized. BUY IT!

No comments about Starting To Collect Antique Jewelry (Starting to Collect Series).

3 comments about Colored Gemstones, 1st Edition: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide--How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies, and Other Colored Gemstones with Confidence and Knowledge.

1. Antoinette Matlins is a gemstone authority, teacher, and author who has made a large educational contribution to the appreciation of gemstones and jewelry. This book attempts to summarize and synthesize the growing world of colored gems, so that readers and buyers can make informed choices.
   
   She introduces readers to the traditions of zodiac gems & birthstones; addresses the use of the loupe; talks about evaluation of cuts and color. She includes price tables and tables about treatments by gem family; and finally addresses each gem by chapter section. A pleasing color plate section sets off the center of the book.
   
   A problem is that much of the information is repeated constantly throughout the book, while other potentially useful information is missing. Information about her favorites -- emerald, ruby, sapphire -- shows up in the early chapters, to be repeated later in the chapters specifically about these gems. Meanwhile, other information is lacking. Personally, I would like to know the differences between "Swiss blue Topaz," "sky blue Topaz," and "London blue Topaz." Are they different treatments, or are they different names for the same thing? You won't find it here. What about buying gems on Ebay? Could Ebay be a good place for the beginner to explore inexpensive colored gemstones and learn to use tools? Or do the risks outweigh the potential rewards? Do high-roller gem buyers ever use Ebay? In what sorts of cases?
   
   All this said, you will glean useful information that may not be available in other sources about recent changes in certain gems -- e.g., that Aquamarine is now entering the "expensive" classification, and sizes over 10 carats with good color and clarity are becoming hard to find. But overall -- and I regret if this seems hypercritical, but readers need to know -- this feels like a rehash. Although there will be tidbits you will glean here, this book seems to repeat the information in Matlins' other books, without adding much new.
   
   The REAL book to use for gemstone buying is Matlins' EXCELLENT "Gem identification made easy," where she hits on all cylinders. The information in that book -- on stones, tools, and inclusions -- has almost everything here and much more, including a TERRIFIC color plate section on inclusions.



2. The content in this book is almost identical (page for page) to certain sections of Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide--How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry With Confidence and Knowledge (5th Edition). While the content was good, I was looking for something more in-depth. This was not it.
   
   So, if you have Jewelry and Gems, don't buy this book. If you do not, this is a good introduction to colored gemstones.



3. One would not think that competing gemstones titles could generate the passionate allegiances found in the various on-line reviews of those titles. However those allegiances are there and I think I know why - have you ever noticed how people committed to exposing the truth are often reviled? In an industry where deception, rephrased as "enhancements" abound; where too many jewelers justify pawning off on unsuspecting customers something less-than-genuine as, "simply acknowledging reality" or "giving the customer what he wants", Antoinette Matlins stands out as an oracle of truth. This, I'm sure, makes her somthing less than heroic to those who enjoy the easy mark-ups in less-than-genuine articles. (Apparently Antoinette Matlins's father was something of a pioneer in stepping forward and informing the public about what really goes on behind the scenes in the world of gems.)
   
   If you have a passion for truth; are a dedicated and tireless advocate for consumers and consumer rights, and wish to protect yourself or someone you love from unscrupulous sharks in the gem trade, than obtain and read this compact, easy-to-read volume. While there may be other volumes on the market with more breadth and scope, and more abundant pictures, I felt very satisified, after reading this book, that I had gained a solid understanding with which I could begin the perilous navigation of the gem trade.

1 comments about Tiffany's 20th Century.

1. This book contains lots and lots of photographs from the early printed advertisements to present. In fact, there are more photographs here than text. If you are a Tiffany's fan or a vintage jewelry collector, I think you will like this book.

No comments about Silver Jewelry Treasures.

No comments about Ethnic Jewellery.

No comments about Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Silver.

No comments about Indian Jewelry on the Market (A Schiffer Book for Collectors).

3 comments about 20th Century Jewelry: The Complete Sourcebook.

1. If you want to learn how to paint jewelry in watercolor or ink, this is an excellent book because the illustrations look like they were done in that medium. The jewelry looks realistic. For the first 2 pages, the jewelry is in monochrome (black & white) and the rest of the jewelry is in color. If you want to learn how to paint diamonds, get this book! The diamond jewelry looks beautiful! There is jewelry from 1900 to 1999. Illustrations include novelty brooches, brooches, clips, pins, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, bangles, rings, buckles, clasps, hair ornaments, combs, pins, sautoirs, miscellaneous jewelry, jewelled pieces, men's jewelry, dress ornaments and novelty jewelry.



2. This can only be a reference book, flip it over once and you'll get bored. Also, don't expect to find good pictures. I bought it at it's original cost, it's not even worth at that cost.



3. "20th Century Jewelry: The Complete Sourcebook," by John Peacock, covers many different types of jewelry: brooches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, finger rings, buckles, men's cufflinks, etc. The cover boasts that the book contains over 1,500 color illustrations. These illustrations are drawings (not photographs, as is the case in many other books on jewelry). These drawings are very well done; they are lively with color and intricate detail.

   The illustrated pieces reflect a rich variety of motifs and stylistic approaches: bold geometric forms, floral designs, whimsical characters, religious iconography, etc. The book also includes a section with short biographies of designers and companies; among those profiled are Boucher & Cie, Hattie Carnegie, Faberge, Rene Lalique, Paloma Picasso, Swarovski, and more.

   Yes, the contents of this book are truly beautiful to look at. But I found the book's arrangement to be somewhat cumbersome. The captions to the pictures are on separate pages, often several pages away, so I found myself constantly flipping back and forth in the book just to identify the pieces. To identify a piece, you have to go to the separate page which contains small black-and-white numbered outlines of the pieces on the page you were initially looking at. These numbers are tied to a set of captions next to the key diagram. It struck me as an excessively complicated system; I have seen other jewelry overview books which keep the captions and illustrations on the same page in a more user-friendly system. Still, the beauty and variety within this book make it worthwhile.

1 comments about Jewelry in America: 1600-1900.

1. The perfect gift for anyone who loves jewelry! Fabulous photos and detailed descriptions of classic jewelry styles through the centuries are in this exquisite Winterthur Museum publication.