2 comments about Bakelite Jewelry: Good * Better * Best.

1. This is a very good book for collectors of bakelite. There are lots of pictures of unusual and creative bakelite jewelry that is so hard to value. The pictures are big and easy to see and most include dates which is so important. I especially like the big collection of crib toy brooches that are not often seen. Most of the pieces are from the 1920's, 30s and 40s. None are from the more modern bakelite designers. Still, it is a rich reference for early bakelite jewelry.



2. I am a total novice who is just starting to learn about Bakelite jewelry, and even though this book is expensive, it's the best one I've seen and well worth the money. (I also have Tony Grasso's book but don't think it's quite as helpful.) Not only does Wasserstrom's book have loads of beautiful color photos (hence the high price), but it is VERY clear and answers every single question that has occurred to me about Bakelite. It is just loaded with valuable and easy-to-reference information. (Like charts about which styles correspond to which dates, the differences between Bakelite and other types of plastics, etc.) My only tiny complaint is there's no index (true of the Grasso book also). If you're interested in learning about or collecting Bakelite, buy this book!

No comments about Camille Faure: Limoges Art Deco Enamels.

1 comments about The International Blade Collectors Association Price Guide to Antique Knives.

1. Since the collecting of antique knives (defined as those no longer in production and made before 1970) has developed in the last thirty some years, there have been many reference items published from the pioneer work of Robert L. Mays and others who reprinted original manufacturer's sales catalogs to those who have made detailed check lists of one or more long defunct products. One of the major criteria for collecting is that there must be enough surviving specimens to make a market. Thus, exceeding rare in numerical terms private brand and hardware wholesaler brands are not as highly desirable as the products of quality makers such as Remington, Winchester, and Case, who have made millions. Since knives were mostly bought to be used, not collected, the survival rate of these is high enough but not too high, especially in desirable condition. This book covers the field for the beginner but is still useful for those who collect other than the big three mentioned and want to know how to get started. It covers the history of manufacturers and the various brands they made. There are useful chapters on grading, on how to behave at knife shows, and how to spot fakes. The several editions of the work have stood the test of time. Specialists will need others. The listings herein are enough to get one started on a fascination hobby.

No comments about The Cocktail Shaker: The Tanqueray Guide.

No comments about The Power of Jewelry.

No comments about Viennese Silver: Modern Design 1780-1918.

No comments about Magnificent Tiffany Silver.

3 comments about Fabulous Costume Jewelry: History of Fantasy and Fashion in Jewels.

1. One cannot absorb this book in one reading. There is just too much to see and learn. The writer speaks in English English, so an American must change mental gears with a few of her terms(Adds a little spice!)Knowing the existing conditions when a new development in design or materials began helps to set the scene in your mind. While there are many illustrations, there are not as many as in other quality books - but this book's strong point is in the history of the times and of the designers and manufacturers.



2. One cannot absorb this book in one reading. There is just too much to see and learn. The writer speaks in English English, so an American must change mental gears with a few of her terms(Adds a little spice!)Knowing the existing conditions when a new development in design or materials began helps to set the scene in your mind. While there are many illustrations, there are not as many as in other quality books - but this book's strong point is in the history of the times and of the designers and manufacturers.



3. One cannot absorb this book in one reading. There is just too much to see and learn. The writer speaks in English English, so an American must change mental gears with a few of her terms(Adds a little spice!)Knowing the existing conditions when a new development in design or materials began helps to set the scene in your mind. While there are many illustrations, there are not as many as in other quality books - but this book's strong point is in the history of the times and of the designers and manufacturers.

No comments about Silversmithing: A Manual of Design and Technique.

No comments about Handbook of Fine Jewelry.