Celebrating Jewellery Hardcover – October 16, 2012

I was a bit hesitant to purchase this book after viewing the "Look Inside" portions on Amazon. What you are shown there, however, are just the thumbnails leading up to the amazing full page photos of each jewel. This is a very high quality book, with beautiful photography, heavy paper, and its own slipcase.Why the 4-star rating, then?It seems to me that all of the jewels illustrated have come from Sotheby's auctions in the past 5 years, and I find many of the choices illustrated underwhelming. As someone who follows the auctions and has many of the catalogs, I find it hard to believe that the illustrated choices are "the greatest jewels encountered by the authors" - I can think of many more worthy examples that I've seen in the last 5 years, not to mention the years before that.In short, an amazing coffee table book - just don't expect to see the most significant jewels of the last century among its pages.

This is quite an impressive book. It's a true visual celebration of some incredible pieces of jewelry.The book is very well-made and housed in a sturdy slip-case. The quality of printing and photography is simply outstanding.The book is traces the main features of jewelry produced during the 19th and 20th centuries, with chapters briefly putting the pieces into their respective historical and artistic contexts.Each chapter is followed by magnificent large colorful photos showing the beauty of each piece. The pieces are set against black backgrounds so the details and artistic craftsmanship are fully appreciated.This book is more like a piece of art and is highly recommended for all fans of fine jewelry.

i just received my copy today. I can still smell the ink as I unwrap the cellophane from this beautifully and lavishly produced treasure that comes in its own hard case. I've been very lucky in my life to have seen a lot of these jewels in person at exhibits, or auction houses...I've even been lucky enough to hold and try some of them on. The photography is breathtaking...next best thing to "being there".There is a thumbnail and description of each jewel at the beginning of each chapter, then there are full page photographs of each one on a black background. Don't look at it with greasy fingers while eating potato chips! This is something for your coffee table, library, or a very generous and gorgeous gift to give.I have many books by Daniella Mascetti who is one of my favorite jewelry historians, especially "Understanding Jewelry" also with David Bennett, that is a "must have" for research. That's the book you buy to learn about jewelry; this one is not heavy on information. With that said, I love every piece they chose. This is a wonderful art book for anyone that loves and admires jewelry.

Received this book as a gift and was pleased to see it included some very nice, unconventional detail views of the jewelry. Having 20+ years of experience in the high-end jewelry trade (including making/restoring pieces for Cartier, Christie's, Sotheby's, etc.) I own most of the better jewelry books available. This one is very nice-- the large images and liberal use of negative space make for a pleasant reading experience, and the selection includes many pieces I've not seen before.So why the 4 stars? Mr. Bennett's decision to include his own "designs" at the end of the book along with the likes of Cartier, Van Cleef and JAR struck me as an act of folly, if not hubris. It is his and Ms. Mascetti's book to publish, but to include his own personal projects in a book celebrating "exceptional jewels of the 19th and 20th centuries" is a bit beyond the pale, especially given his expertise in the trade. Aside from this apparent lapse of judgement which thankfully comes only at the end of the survey, it is a book worth having.

Ridiculously comprehensive gorgeous book like a jewelry library

Just The Most Amazing book on JEWELLERY EVER - Thank you - it will keep my wife happy for years and definitely not just any old book. The detail and photos are extraordinary. You will see wanders of the world in this book

Excellent price excellent book , on time great service