"The Ghysels collection of ethnic jewellery is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive. It is the culmination of a passionate quest of over forty years for aesthetic beauty and authenticity. As such, it represents an invaluable repository of research, taste and discernment. We enthusiastically pursue our journey through the twists and turns of the Ghysels' wealth of adornments. After having explored the universe of rings and earrings in two prior books in this series, we now have the pleasure of discovering the universe of bracelets. These mainly unpublished bracelets - about 1200 of them - have been chosen piece by piece with great love and exquisite taste. They form a group of exceptional quality that displays a great variety of forms." "Just as with rings and earrings, bracelets and anklets punctuate the phases of one's life. Small rings, which tinkle with the least movement, preserve children from evil sprits in the Near East. All self-respecting Jewish brides from Sana'a wear several pairs of bracelets with gossamer filigree. In order to ensure abundant progeny, a Bengal bride will be given a bracelet made from a shell. A flat ivory bracelet rewards a Sudanese elephant hunter of the Dinka tribe for his bravery. And, when undertaking their final journey, both men and women surround themselves one last time with bracelets, such as the jade ones found in Chinese tombs." "The author guides us on a continent-by-continent tour, explaining the historic and cultural contexts in which these ethnic bracelets originated. Captions inform us of materials, dimensions and uses. A glossary of technical terms, maps and an index round off the descriptive information."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

A selection of rings from the Ghysels collection and a complete monography about the different tipologies, shapes, materials and functions of rings in the history and culture of different peoples and countries in the world.

Throughout this book the author endeavours to unravel the intricate uses of the necklaces of Africa, Asia, Oceania and America, describing their materials, and emphasizes the originality of artisans who have enriched a cultural patrimony long threatened by extinction.

This second volume of a multi-volume series on the Gbysels collection -- probably the most comprehensive and beautiful collection of ethnic jewelry in the world -- presents nearly 800 extraordinary objects, most of which have never been shown to the public before, coming from Africa, Asia and America. Since time immemorial, earrings have been a means of seduction for women. Craftsmen the world over have set their imaginations to work, using every available material. Firstly they used flowers and grass, feathers and horns, wood, shells, and ivory. Mines and alluvional deposits offered stones and metals. Bold travellers and adventurous sailors set off in search of exotic goods. Their symbolism is also rich and complex: for the Kikuyu tribe in Kenya, a person's prestige is measured by the number of ear ornaments, as long as their lobes can stand without tearing. Statues of Buddha show him with long ears. In the archipelagos of Indonesia, the suitor's family offers earrings to seal an alliance. Leather earrings with pearls are a sign of a married woman's status for Masai. In the Philippines and among the Naga headhunters, the men's hunting exploits and prowess as warriors are embodied in the jewellery theywear on their ears.

In a way, bracelets are among the most common form of jewelry. With the exception of earrings, bracelets are the most popular jewelry in the world. The book is a brief history lesson for bracelet curiosity types, jewelry aficionados, and collectors. The book explains the meaning, trendsetting, and evolving function of bracelets. It is an exciting reading from college students to professional jewelry makers, sellers, and buyers. The Bracelets Academy is a comprehensive resource filled with facts, quotes, and fascinating information that only a librarian can put together.

Full of practical ideas and inspiring stories from people who have already transformed their lives through the Complaint Free program, you'll learn not only how to stop complaining but also how to become more positive and live the life you’ve always dreamed about. More than ten million people in 106 countries have used the simple principles found in this book to eradicate the toxicity of complaining from their lives. And, as a result, they have experienced better health, happier relationships, greater career success and a significant increase in happiness. A Complaint Free World will explain what constitutes a complaint, why we complain, what benefits we think we receive from complaining, how complaining is destructive to our lives, and how we can get others around us to stop complaining. Find out how forming the simple habit of not complaining can transform your health, relationships, career and life. Consciously striving to reformat your mental hard drive is not easy, but you can start now by using the steps Bowen presents here. If you stay with it, you'll find that not only will you stop complaining, but others around you will cease to do so as well and in a short period of time, you'll have a more positive life. “A Complaint Free World is an engaging, enjoyable, easy-to-read reminder that the only permanent, constructive changes you can make in the world are the changes that you make in yourself.” –Gary Zukav, author of The Seat of the Soul and Soul to Soul

A sweet new middle grade series. When Olivia discovers a mysterious old friendship bracelet in her mother's drawer, she also discovers the strength to get over her fears and make new friends. As a class klutz and all-around misfit, Olivia Jones' life is tough enough. Then her best friend Alex reveals that her family is moving all the way to Paris! How is Olivia supposed to face middle school without her BFF? But when Olivia discovers an old friendship bracelet in her mother's drawer, she realizes that it might just be the key to stay connected to Alex, even when they're an entire ocean apart. And with the creation of a new friendship bracelet club, it might even be the key to making new friends too...