Post subject: Can someone recommend a good book about antique jewelery
Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 9:23 am
Valued Contributor
Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:36 am Posts: 118 Location: New York
Hello all,
A good friend of mine is trying to find a book(s) that is/are well written and informative about antique jewelry, which covers the primary, as well as less important periods. Including what helps to define these periods, major designs, houses, etc.
And perhaps a second useful book that can help explain what to look for/look out for when buying and selling antique jewelry.
This is not my field obviously, but I want to help out a friend and I thought this is the perfect forum to get useful insight and leads on the best books out there on antique jewelry. So I thank you in advance for your time and comments...
Post subject: Re: Can someone recommend a good book about antique jewelery
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 11:57 am
Valued Contributor
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2012 12:20 pm Posts: 108 Location: Cape Town S.Africa
I have got three. Best is "The Price Guide to Jewellery" Michael Poynder The Antique Collectors Club Excellent photos-prices out of date,but probably still gives a good idea.
Post subject: Re: Can someone recommend a good book about antique jewelery
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 1:00 pm
Gemology Online Veteran
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:55 am Posts: 543
A two volume set I have found useful is "The Paris Salons 1895 - 1914" by Alistair Duncan. Lists designers and illustrates their work with contemporary photographs, most valuable for getting a feel for the period. I would recommend your friend to hang about the salerooms and auction houses, collecting as many catalogues as he can, this way he will see items in the flesh, get an idea of up to date values and develop a feel for items. One of the major problems of looking at books is that they tend to illustrate museum quality items that the ordinary person will never see (unless they are millionaires). That said, I once bought a silver gilt and enamel Easter egg made by the Faberge workshop after it's takeover by the Soviets. My astonishment on looking through the microscope and seeing the mark can be imagined! So, keep looking and get lucky.
Post subject: Re: Can someone recommend a good book about antique jewelery
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 3:37 pm
Gemology Online Veteran
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:55 am Posts: 543
Sorry, I've just looked on a couple of book websites for these volumes and, whilst plenty of examples are there, the prices are astounding. If memory serves, I bought my copies from a remaindered bookshop in Holland for about 30 dollars the pair!
Post subject: Re: Can someone recommend a good book about antique jewelery
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 3:47 pm
Valued Contributor
Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:36 am Posts: 118 Location: New York
So I'll buy them and give you a 100% profit!! A great deal if you invest in stocks.... Just kidding. It is amazing what great deals you can find in some second hand book sellers though. I have been fortunate on several occasions myself.
Post subject: Re: Can someone recommend a good book about antique jewelery
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 5:56 pm
Gemology Online Veteran
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:55 am Posts: 543
If it wasn't for the outrageous cost of postage I might be tempted by that offer. You are right about bargains in second hand bookshops though, I bought my copy of "Ruby & Sapphire" (new and remaindered though) from the same shop at a similar cost, now I see it going for $1000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!
Post subject: Re: Can someone recommend a good book about antique jewelery
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 4:36 am
New to the Forum or The Quiet Type
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2015 3:00 am Posts: 5 Location: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Thank you to those of you who have shared some good reads on antique jewellery. I am also a personal fan of this collection because of its unique and timeless designs. Holding an actual physical piece is definitely more rewarding but reading is essential too to build up on your general knowledge in this field and for personal information.
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