As we move into fall the thought of curling up with a good book becomes more and more appealing, especially when it’s a tome filled with lush images of gorgeous jewelry. If you love jewelry and want to know more about your favorite designer, or jewelry house, or if you’re looking for more practical information about jewelry we have a few books to recommend.
A Dictionary of Wonders: Van Cleef & Arpels
The enchanting world of ballerinas, fairies and a zoo of affable animals, are all part of the universe created by jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA). The heart and soul of the Maison’s collections are revealed in author Fabienne Reybaud’s coffee table book A Dictionary of Wonders: Van Cleef & Arpels, published by Flammarion. During the 1970s, Jacques Arpels began buying back VCA pieces to create a heritage collection. The collection now boasts more than 2,200 objects dating back to 1906, the year the house was launched. This book is based on that heritage collection, which encompasses the talent and artistry of VCA designers and jewelers. Instead of traditional book chapters, the 360 page tome, filled with lush photos of compelling jewelry, is set up as sections, with each one relating to a letter of the alphabet that then tells stories that revisit the themes and design codes of a specific VCA design. A Dictionary of Wonders gives us a deep look at VCA’s most important creations, the inspiration behind the designs and what made them relevant when they were introduced and how they stay relevant today. What makes this book special is that it does not chronicle a timeline of events, but is a studied exploration of how VCA interacts with other art forms including dance, literature, art, theater, design and photography, yet still maintains its aesthetic coherence.
The Art of David Webb: Jewelry and Culture
Enthralled by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, jewelry designer David Webb was inspired by rare books, regency furniture, art galleries and New York City. In the coffee table book, The Art of David Webb: Jewelry and Culture, published by Rizzoli, author Ruth Peltason explores the influence of other artists, culture and fashion on David Webb and his jewelry designs. Peltason, who also authored the book, David Webb: The Quintessential American Jeweler, defines what jewelry as art means. She states that it starts with an idea, but then it must be perfectly crafted. In The Art of David Webb, Peltason explains what happens behind-the-scenes in the workshop while creating Webb jewelry focusing on the expertise of the artisans who work on the pieces. Each artisan has a specialty and as a jewel is being fabricated the shop foreman inspects each component of a piece before they are assembled. Peltason explains that the design, materials and fabrication of the jewelry must work together to create jewelry as art. The book is divided into four sections which draw parallels between Webb’s jewelry, various artists, time periods and fashion.
Antique French Jewelry: 1800-1950
Ever so often a book comes out that really explains jewelry history and the materials used in its fabrication, that is what “Antique French Jewelry: 1800-1950”, published by Flammarion does. The book takes the reader on a journey through time and French history as told through changing jewelry styles in a fun, easy read. Authored by Geoffray Riondet, who runs Maison Riondet, in Lyons, France, the book chronicles jewelry made in France from 1800 to 1950.
This book gives a detailed and organized look at French jewelry over a 150 year period. It takes the reader through an informative experience that provides a solid background on all aspects of jewelry. While the book is about French jewelry, it contains a lot of material that is practical information needed to truly understand any jewelry. Filled with historic images, the book, offers a section on precious metals and illustrates French hallmarks. He also talks about nonprecious base metals. Riondet includes a chapter on gems that covers 21 varieties describing each stone by its characteristics, history, color and provenance. Another chapter provides background on types of jewelry. One of the nice things about this book is that it is small enough to toss into a tote bag so you can take it with you anywhere for easy reference.
Whether you’re looking for a reference book to learn more about a favorite designer, or something sophisticated to showcase on your coffee table or bookshelf, jewelry books are a great addition to your library.
Top of Page: image courtesy Roman Kraft, Unsplash.
Cover: © A Dictionary of Wonders: Van Cleef & Arpels, by Fabienne Reybaud, published by Flammarion; Cover of The Art of David Webb: Jewelry and Culture, by Ruth Peltason, published by Rizzoli; Cover, Antique French Jewelry: 1800-1950, published by Flammarion, authored by Geoffray Riondet
Authored by Amber Michelle