This encyclopedic study is the fruit of twenty years of collecting, research, and study of the most significant American costume jewelry from 1930-1950. It offers readers a meticulous, reliable instrument to knowing these gems, which are often true and proper little works of art. In the two volumes, over 966 photographs show hundreds of jewelry items in full color, with an additional 729 illustrations of patents, advertisements, and historic photos. Thirty-seven companies are included, with addtional chapters on jelly belly jewelry and patriotic jewelry in the second volume. In-depth research of the companies makes this the best source on the American costume jewelry industry. The first volume, A-M, covers the companies from Accessocraft to Mosell, and includes Boucher, Coro, Eisenberg, Miriam Haskell, Hobe and others. The second volume N-Z, continues with Norma Jewelry Corp., through Rebajes, Réja, Trifari, to Uncas Manufacturing, with chapters on jelly belly jewelry and American patriotic jewelry.

Popularized by Coco Chanel in Paris during the 1920s, costume jewelry -- from the inexpensive to the extravagant -- has come into its own, creating a skyrocketing market for both investors and collectors. This guide covers it all, from Coro, Eisenberg, and Trifari to Miriam Haskell and Joseff. Complete with the latest prices, descriptions, and fascinating histories of the most famous manufacturers, it provides new and essential information for every collector: Listings for every major designerThe most current prices availableDetailed descriptions and photos for easy identificationTips on buying and sellingHow to spot fakes and forgeriesDetailed bibliographyPredictions about hot trends of the future

Some of the most beautiful pieces of costume jewelry made since the 1940s are presented in full color photographs. The visual creations are enriched by an introduction by Lawrence Feldman of Fior in London. A value guide is included along with an index to make this book a useful, beautiful guide for collectors.