For the first time ever, the world's most famous jewelers come together, presenting their most luscious pieces for your delectation. Jewelry International, the only book of its kind, features the world's most exquisite jewels and the companies that craft them. Two introductory chapters explore in depth the myths, legends, mystery, and history of two of the most perfect gems on earth: diamonds and pearls. The most fabulous names in the world of haute jewelry, such as Boucheron, Bulgari, Chanel, and Mauboussin, each have their own chapters, focusing on the history and significant pieces of each house. Special interviews focusing on the black diamonds of de Grisogono, the happy diamonds of Chopard, and the extraordinary diamonds of Leviev accompany the editorial chapters. Gorgeous photographs of stunning haute jewelry pieces and an in-depth text make this book a must-have for anyone in love with jewelry.

What is a cabochon? What are the various types of gilding? What is vermeil? This accessible book—the first of its kind—offers concise explanations of key jewelry terms. The fascination with personal adornment is universal. It is a preoccupation that is primal, instinctive, and uniquely human. Jewelry encompasses a seemingly endless number of ornaments produced across time and in all cultures. The range of materials and techniques used in its construction is extraordinary, even revolutionary, with new substances and methods of fabrication added with every generation. In any given society, master artisans have devoted their time, energy, and talent to the fine art of jewelry making, creating some of the most spectacular objects known to humankind. This volume, geared toward jewelry makers, scholars, scientists, students, and fashionistas alike, begins with a lively introduction that offers a cultural history of jewelry and its production. The main text provides information on the most common, iconic, and culturally significant forms of jewelry and also covers materials, techniques, and manufacturing processes. Containing more than eighty color illustrations, this guide will be invaluable to all those wishing to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the art of jewelry.

As entertaining as it is incisive, Stoned is a raucous journey through the history of human desire for what is rare, and therefore precious. What makes a stone a jewel? What makes a jewel priceless? And why do we covet beautiful things? In this brilliant account of how eight jewels shaped the course of history, jeweler and scientist Aja Raden tells an original and often startling story about our unshakeable addiction to beauty and the darker side of human desire. What moves the world is what moves each of us: desire. Jewelry—which has long served as a stand-in for wealth and power, glamor and success—has birthed cultural movements, launched political dynasties, and started wars. Masterfully weaving together pop science and history, Stoned breaks history into three categories—Want, Take, and Have—and explains what the diamond on your finger has to do with the GI Bill, why green-tinted jewelry has been exalted by so many cultures, why the glass beads that bought Manhattan for the Dutch were initially considered a fair trade, and how the French Revolution started over a coveted necklace. Studded with lively personalities and fascinating details, Stoned tells the remarkable story of our abiding desire for the rare and extraordinary.

This book celebrates the world-renowned jewllery collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, ranging from early Medieval pieces to examples of the jeweller's art from the Renaissance to the present day. The collection contains objects from all over Europe and North America which illustrate every important style, from Baroque, Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau to the late 20th-century avant-garde. This book explaores every aspect of this subject wihin a broad historical framework. Photographs illustrate examples of elaborate techniques such as chasing, enamelling and cameo carving and the use of unexpected materials such as jet, marcasite and steel, as well as the full range of precious stones. The pages sparkle with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and fine examples of the goldsmiths' art. Famous peices such as the Armada Jewel, jewels belonging to the Russan imperial family and to May Morris are highlighted and described in details. Sentimental and commemorative jewellery, devotional crosses and rosaries, and royal jewels are all featured, with some of the fascinating stories that behind these precious objects. Rings, brooches, pendants, earrings and decorative items such as tiaras, buckles and hair combs reveal the beauty and technical virtuosity of the pieces in this collection.