Understanding Jewellery

(, 3rd Revised edition)

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Description

This essentially practical book, Understanding Jewellery, now available in a revised and fully updated third edition, is unique in explaining why jewellery values vary and the individual points important for each category. A major section is devoted to the identification of the major gem-stones and the testing methods to assess quality and detect fakes. Explanations are given in a straightforward, uncomplicated manner with a text largely linked directly to specific illustrations. This makes the assimilation of the information much easier than in traditional text dominated books. The authors, both jewellery experts, evaluate many millions of pounds' worth annually and thus handle a complete cross-section of what is available on the market. They have specially selected the hundreds of superb colour illustrations to show what to look for and, equally important, what to avoid. Whether interested in the history of fashion, deciding what to buy or simply to enjoy a visual feast of beautiful objects, this book will serve as an invaluable reference and represents outstanding value.

Reviews

"... a delightful and presentation worthy coffee table book, Understanding Jewellery is also, in the truest sense, serves as an inviting educational tool with exhaustive encyclopedic explanations of jewelry starting in the late 18th century to the present." - New York Journal of Books; "Its Informative, comprehensive and invaluable reference if you are a collector of any of these periods of jewelry."--Beth Bernstein, ForbesLife;

Author Bio

David Bennett is Chairman of Sotheby's International Jewellery Division for Europe and the Middle East. Daniela Mascetti has been with Sotheby's since 1980, started the jewellery department in Milan and is now a senior expert and director, based in London. Both authors are Fellows of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.