1 comments about Silver Masters of Mexico, Hector Aguilar and the Taller Borda: Hector Aguilar and the Taller Borda.

1. This book is well done. But, it is not a Morrill and Berk book on an overview of Mexican Silver and Taxco. It is more narrow in scope that its title would suggest concentrating in depth on Hector Aguilar and making him much more a personna than Morill and Berk do in their book, where he is dwarfed by Spratling. The photos in this book are of homes and people. The photos there are of silver of the Taller are good but do not again expect the detail to the Morrill and Berk book. This is a supplement and to lovers of Aguilar and those who wish to know more about the man and his life both personal and professional.

4 comments about A History of Jewellery 1100-1870.

1. It is a good resource book, gives a lot of details on the actual HISTORY of jewellery. But relying almost solely on text when writing of something as visual as jewellery is somewhat dry. For an (antique) jewellery aficionado, not so much interested in knowing all the historical facts but more in appreciating the variety, craftmanship, style and beauty of jewellery, this is a wrong book to own.



2. I was looking forward to receiving this book very much and I have to say I was a bit disappointed when it got here. Although it is very thorough it has NO COLOR PICTURES. Jewelry is something that cannot be appreciated to the fullest in black & white. I would have been much happier if they had atleast done half of the pictures in color.



3. It's rather more interested in post-Renaissance jewelry than anything else, devoting quite a bit of its pages to the super ornate stuff. There's a perfectly good reason for this, namely that pre-Renaissance jewelry frequently got melted down and recast. I still wish it'd devoted more time to that earlier stuff, since my interest is particularly in Renaissance-era jewelry. Still, it's a great introduction to the subject.

   Well-written, with lots of good tidbits, and one of the few resources for the study of the history of jewelry. Lavish illustrations and portraits, some of which I'd never seen anywhere else before.




4. This is an excellent reference book for any jeweler, historian, or SCA participant. There are over 400 photos in the book, which say it all. Great information!

1 comments about Understanding Jewellery - 3rd Edition.

1. This is an irresistible jewelry book! Once you grab it, you can never let go of it! Having it is just like owning the whole world of jewelry! (You need to visualize that in your mind). You gonna be captivated by the fabulous jewelry pictures from front cover to back cover. It's a "must-have" for all jewelry lovers!

5 comments about Mexican Silver: Modern Handwrought Jewelry & Metalwork.

1. For some reason, I thought I was going to get more examples of the work of the major artisans in Mexico Silver but it basically is book of "Hallmarks" which can prove helpful but I really needed more since I just purchased exceptional Mexico jewelry bracelets that date from the 1920s to 1940s. The Hallmarks date from the none eagle period to the eagle period and what they use today.



2. Mexican Silver by Penny Morrill and Carole Berk is the definitive reference for anyone interested in 20th Century Mexican silver jewelry. Not only is it brimming with information on the jewelry, the background biographies of the working life of Spratling, Davis, Aguilar, Margot and many other giants of this industry are well written and a darn good read. After spending several hours reading the book I the expertise that I would have gained had I taken a 3 credit college course. There is a general price guide in the back of the book which, from my experience, accurate and reasonable. The only observation I might make is that there is not as much information on silver hollow ware and decorative pieces. For myself, my main interest is in the jewelry so I was not disappointed.
   
   The Amazon price can't be beat. Before I bought the book through Amazon I had not seen it for less than $60, its list price. I paid less than $40 on Amazon!



3. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Mexican Silver jewelry of the 1930's - 50's. It gives a wonderful overview of the history of this unique craft. It also provides knowledgeable information about which pieces and designers are most collectible, with high-quality photos of many of the best pieces. I started collecting Mexican Silver jewelry 10 years ago out of sentiment, because my mother and grandmother used to wear it. Learning the history of this type of jewelry has made me even more fond of the genre, and has given me the knowledge to collect more valuable pieces.



4. You have to admire the research that went into this sumptuous volume, also the photos. As a (very) amateur collector, this work, I'm sorry to say, doesn't pertain much to me. Still, I'm happy to have it on my shelf.



5. I was disapointed in the book personally.. It's just a great big heavy picture book. (eye candy)
   I believe a collector would appreciate a non vague value guides as well which this book does not have. The value guides are exp: Margot necklaces - 600.00-2500.00+ huh? What is my blue enamel circle necklace worth?? 600.00 or 2500.00?!
   This is a book about a select few mexican silver makers and their life stories. (few pages on unknowns)
   Perhaps a good book to have on a coffee table but that is not what I needed.
   I had hoped this book would help to identify mexican marks I have that can't be found on the internet, all of the silversmiths listed in the book can be and are well documented online. There are personal accounts as well but for the most part this is a coffee table book.
   It is very expensive so I hope I can help anyone looking for exact value guides from buying the wrong book.
   If you like to collect Mexican jewelry you probably should eventually get this book, but as far as a good value guide line for Mexican non-well known Jewelry go else where.

2 comments about Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry.

1. The only reason I don't give this volume five stars is that, in my opinion, several of the most important artists (e.g., Nathan Lefthand), were left out. While it is not possible to include works from all the great Native American artists we are privileged to have around us today, it would have been worthwhile to mention more of them in passing. It is, nonetheless, an excellent book, with fine illustrations.



2. Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry is a sparkling gem of a book. The author, Diana Pardue, curator of collections at the Heard Museum, has written brilliantly about modern day Native American artists who hammer, forge, cast, and fabricate stunning jewelry and silverwork. The artists included in this book were born, trained, or live in this area of the country.
   
   The introduction and first chapter set the stage for the remainder of the book. The author clearly elucidates how traditional Native American jewelry has evolved from a distinct cultural and geographic identity to an art form embraced by national and international collectors, high fashion, upscale department stores, and the media. The chronicle starts in the 1950's with pioneering artists such as Charles Loloma and Kenneth Begay, continuing through the cultural and population changes that occurred in the Southwest, and the establishment of supportive galleries, and craft centers.
   
   Ms. Perdue's impeccable fusion of artists' biographies, discussion of metalworking techniques, and use of beautifully photographed silverwork guides the reader through the last fifty plus years of Southwest Native American jewelry creation. The transition from the customary, conventional, and long-established techniques to contemporary art forms have been accomplished with the introduction of new and imaginative use of diverse stones and patterns, silverwork techniques, the addition of gold, copper, and alloys, as well as the use of shell and wood. Electric tools and improved adhesives have been invaluable assistance for contemporary jewelers.
   
   The work is exclusively about Native American artists; however, the title purely states Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry. My interpretation is that the author would like the reader to understand that current Native American metalwork has evolved beyond narrowly defined limits. Although Native American spirituality, multigenerational influences, and traditional techniques still influence present day artists, their work can no longer be solely defined by their ethnicity. Almost all of the emerging artists highlighted in the last chapter of the book have had important educational experiences outside the Southwest by non- Native American mentors.
   
   Contemporary Southwest Jewelry is an important book. Those interested in Native American art, jewelry making, and collecting will find it a welcome addition to their library.

3 comments about Jeweler's Resource : A Reference of Gems, Metals, Formulas and Terminology for Jewelers (Revised Edition) (Jewelry Crafts) (Jewelry Crafts).

1. Whether you are a Professional Jeweler or a student this book has all the technical info you need...
   
   Alloys, Flux and Solders
   How long do you cut the band for a size 7 ring?
   
   Just loads of stuff!!! THE Jewelery Reference Book!



2. This is a must have for anyone at all interested in jewellery and its sidelines. The amount of information at hand is absolutely wonderful and does save a lot of precious time by having all the info so readily to hand.



3. Excellent content, a must have for the serious jeweler, student or craft person. Covers a multitude of areas not found in other books. This book should be at the top of anyones list that has an interest in making or designing jewelry.

5 comments about Charmed Bracelets.

1. This is a nice picture book and fun to look through but when it comes to putting together charm bracelets the suggestion is to take it to a jeweler. Charm bracelet collectors, buy this book. Charm bracelet makers, look elsewhere.



2. Yes, this book about charms is, well, charming! If you like jewelry, themed or not, you'll like this book. I was smiling as i looked through it, and I make themed charm bracelets myself, so it was fun to see what other people have done over the years. So many charms, so little time!



3. If you have ever had a charm bracelet, currently collect charms, or have ever wanted to start a collection - this book is for you! The ideas, history, and photos of the bracelets are all wonderful. It inspired me to clean up my old charm bracelets and, along with my current one, put them on display. They are works of art that tell a story. This book is also a great gift. It has inspired those I've given it to as it inspired me.



4. I was browsing one day at the Gardner in Berkeley, CA and saw this book. I bought it for a friend and it was so fun that we decided to start charm bracelets of our own. The fever caught on and now there is a group of us that are trading and swapping stories. My bracelet is becoming my history and its great to watch it evolve.
   
   The book is beautifully designed and written.



5. Having recently inherited my Mother's charm bracelet, I have a new appreciation for the "charmed" beauty of it. Each charm meant something special to her and I want to continue that legacy by adding to it for my daughter. Loved the book and reading about the history of charms. The pictures are great too.

1 comments about Victorian Jewellery.

1. Lots of pictures (wish more were in colour, but understandable as to why they're not! The cost would be prohibitive) and information on Victorian jewellery. Recommended to anyone who is interested in that time period or just jewellery in general.

4 comments about Fifty Years of Collectible Fashion Jewelry 1925-1975.

1. I was really disappointed I spent the money on this book. All the price references are in the back, which means taking more time to find them when doing research. I rarely use it.



2. The value in this book is definitely for the beginner jewelry collector. Many jeweler names are mentioned, with colored pictures of some of their designs. This book is a good springboard for further detailed research by jeweler name recognition. The book also holds value for crafters, there are many excellent colored photographs, of unique designs. The book I purchased did have updated prices to 2001. I could not use this book to value any of my pieces except one, and that was worth the price of the book, because I undervalued the beads, shown in the piece.
   I would not overpay for this book, at a good deal, add this book to your order. Probably best as a library reference book. Quick read. Value is in jeweler name recognition, list, and for jeweler craft ideas.
   I have many vintage family pieces that I have no information on identifying from this book, and I don't think this book would aid me in collecting either. I think the prices shown are rather low.
   Mistreglo



3. I started collecting vintage jewelry about five years ago and I had no idea what I was doing. This book really helped me identify a variety of items and their value. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond



4. This book was very informative. It gave the information I needed about some collectible jewelry I am accumulating. It gives a more in-depth history of the manufacturing of many collectible brands than other books I have seen. I would highly recommend this book for vintage jewelry collectors.

4 comments about Victorian Jewelry: Unexplored Treasures.

1. This book is a must for anyone that collects or deals in Victorian Jewelry! Good information with exquisite photos of the finest examples of Victorian Jewelry.



2. Victorian jewelry is one of my passions and I both collect and sell it. This book has fabulous illustrations, great information, and a bit of a different slant than other books on Victorian jewelry. I am so glad I did not miss this one, and bought copies for both my home and shop libraries. Worth twice the price!



3. This quite a different take on jewelry than most books, and accordingly very worthwhile. I got this book out of the library, read it cover-to-cover, and I am still buying a copy. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and wonderfully detailed.
   
   These are the common, cheaper, but still beautiful pieces that are normally overlooked. I think that people who like Art Nouveau, which concentrated more on design than the expense of the materials, would find them particularly interesting. In addition, Dawes take us through the various fads of the time period. The text explains many of the peculiarities behind the rise of such styles (e.g.: aluminum was once rare; aristocrats wore iron jewelry to show that they had supposedly patriotically donated their real jewels to the government, etc.)
   
   A very worthwhile addition to a jewelry book collection.



4. During her nearly sixty-four-year reign Queen Victoria produced a cultural and fashion following particularly notable in the jewelry world, where English and European Jewelers produced less expensive pieces mimicking the queen's, which were worn by the middle class of her times. These pieces were long ignored because of their low value and cheap materials - but today are prized for their workmanship, which VICTORIAN JEWELRY: UNEXPLORED TREASURES reveals in chapters of history following designs, materials, and lovely secondary pieces. Styles presented here have been selected from collections around the world and are displayed through specially commissioned color photos just for this book.