No comments about Henri Vever: French Jewelry of the Nineteenth Century.

2 comments about Diamonds: In the Heart of the Earth, in the Heart of Stars, at the Heart of Power (Editions Adam Biro Books).

1. The information in this book is accurate, interesting and very readable. The ilustrations are superb.
   An invaluable resource for anyone studying diamonds but also written in such a way that it is of general interest.
   This book has proved very popular here in Sydney - I have already ordered 11 copies for myself and my gemmologist friends.



2. I believe that this is the most comprehensive general textbook on diamonds out there. It covers EVERYTHING: natural history, the diamond industry, diamond-cutting, gemology, jewelry, mythology and symbolism, chemistry and physics, natural formation and man-made synthesis... The original research is very impressive (it was commissioned by the French Natural History Museum to when they did their blockbuster exhibition on diamonds a couple of years ago). Among other things, it convincingly rebuts the theory that diamond-cutting was invented in India and presents a considerable amount of information on famous diamonds from archive sources. The illustrations are also impressive, including archive photos from De Beers that were developed and printed for the first time in over a century.

No comments about Hungary's Heritage: Princely Treasures from the Esterhazy Collection.

No comments about Egyptian Amulets (Itinerari D'immagini).

No comments about Jewels of India.

1 comments about Chatelaines: Utility to Glorious Extravagance.

1. This edition includes hundreds of photographs/illustrations/period advertisements/commentary, many in color. The photographs are excellent, the text extremely well done. With this enjoyable read, you will save yourself much research and hunting. We utilize it as a resource guide. Joy Melcher, editor-in-chief Civil War Lady Magazine.

1 comments about Metropolitan Jewelry.

1. If you've ever been into historical costuming, you know that it is the fine details that are hard to get right. To have a volume that focuses on jewelry in context with the costume is invaluable. The pictures are also great for costume details. Although the volume ranges from egyption to Victorian jewelry, it is strongest in the ages that would appeal to members of the SCA. One particular thing I like is that the sources of all the 151 full color pictures are referenced. Closeups of details allow you to see how medieval gems were flat faceted, the extensive use of enamel on metals, and the chain constructions. One favorite Elizabethan portrait clearly shows a type of netted ruching, as well as the silver embroidery, lace designs on the high ruff, the complicated slashing and use of pinned "jewels" (enameled metal set with gems) to complement the fabric design.
   Another portrait of a 16th C. flemish gentleman clearly shows the fine smocking over the gathers at the neck of his shirt/shift. Since this book was from the Metropolitan Museum of Art it is a feast for the eyes. A treasure for the avid costume fanatic.

No comments about ALL-COLOUR DIRECTORY OF METAL TOYS.

3 comments about Silver Jewelry of Oman.

1. I bought two copies of this wonderful book a couple years ago and continually enjoy leafing through the pages. It gives the true collector and afficianado of ethnic jewelry an insight and appreciation of traditional and unique Omani Bedouin classic pieces that were fashioned for the most part, from the silver Maria Theresa dollar.These rare items are rapidly disappearing from their native country to Europe and the United States. Ms. Rajab has provided the world an excellent presentation in this book and I would highly recommend it for the serious collector.



2. The trouble with this book is that it is very small and the photos inside are tiny. The text is interesting but I purchased the book for its photography, so I was not very pleased with it. Amazon accepted my return and refunded my money with no questions asked.



3. Jehan Rajab, co-director of the Tareq Rajab Museum in Kuwait, gives us another fascinating glimpse of the museum's collection in this small but important publication.

   "Silver Jewellery of Oman" is primarily a vehicle to display the awe inspiring silver jewellery held by the Rajab Museum, beautifully photographed and accompanied by informative text. From the intricate headdresses worn by Bedu women in Oman to the neckpieces from Sur which so closely resemble designs worn by the Hill tribes of Thailand, each piece of jewellery is lovingly displayed, often accompanied by images of Omani life captured on film by Tareq Rajab. This book is a must for any serious jewellery collector.

   The massive collection of silver jewellery at the museum is currently being catalogued. One would hope that further publications revealing other aspects of the Tareq Rajab Museum jewellery collection will soon be forthcoming.

   For readers interested in Middle Eastern jewellery, we recommend Jehan Rajab's 1989 "Palestinian Costume", which contains a chapter on 20th century Palestinian jewellery.

No comments about An Introduction to British Pewter.