1 comments about Kremlin Gold: 1000 Years of Russian Gems and Jewels.

1. The book deals nicely with pieces that are mostly Russian enamels, silver, or icons. Very little jewelry is in the Kremlin collection. A couple Faberge imperial eggs that are seldom discussed elsewhere, but, they are not the most superb eggs (in my opinion).

No comments about Royal Goldsmiths: The Art of Rundell & Bridge 1797-1843.

1 comments about Antique Silver: The New Compact Study Guide and Identifier (Identifying Guide Series).

1. Lydia Darbyshire's book is a good supplement to other books on the subject, and it provides a detailed look at the types of articles a new collector of antique silver is likely to encounter. Descriptions, however, tend to be specific to the article shown rather than an overview of items of that type. The glossary has been particularly helpful in understanding the terminology found in this and other books on the subject. I did not find the introductory section as detailed or as fascinating as other books I have on this subject, but overall, I'd recommmend it to new collectors.

3 comments about Four Centuries of Silver: Personal Adornment in the Qing Dynasty and After.

1. Margaret Duda's new book magically transported me into a place and time I'd previously known little about: China's epic Qing Dynasty, with its fascinating legends, myths, customs, religious beliefs, and cultural norms. The author astutely displays hundreds of beautiful artifacts - pendants, symbolic locks, grooming sets, eating kits, embroidery-needle cases - to bring this vanished world to life.



2. For anyone who has a love affair with China and or silver adornment this book is a find. For those of you who don't, read it anyway and you will be delightfully surprised. Margaret Duda is obviously a scholar and an immensely readable one. Her son, Paul Duda, who did the photography is equally talented. I'm buying this book for Christmas presents for family and friends.



3. This is an uncomparable tome for anyone interested in adornment or Chinese social history. The level of scholarship, depth of information, and narrative ease will impress academics and laymen. The photography has obviously been done by an accomplished visual artist. Such an incredible collection and wealth of research has obviously been done as a labour of love. I hope Mrs. Duda's love for her subject continues in many other volumes. Well Done!

No comments about English Pewter Touchmarks (Dealer Guides).

No comments about Silver Boxes.

No comments about Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Silver.

No comments about Collecting Silver.

No comments about Handbook of Fine Jewelry.

No comments about Historische Bestecke: Formenwandel von der Altsteinzeit bis zur Moderne / Historic Cutlery: Changes in Form from the Early Stone Age to the Mid-20th Century.