Vintage Jewellery

Book excerpt: Decade by decade, the lavishly illustrated Vintage Jewellery recounts 120 years of history, from Lalique's Art Nouveau enamelling at the turn of the twentieth century to Cartier's gemstones and Christian Dior's mid-century costume pieces to Harry Winston's diamonds. Accompanied by archive images, fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of period pieces, the most collectible and beautiful bracelets, necklaces, rings and brooches are showcased. An invaluable reference as well as a visual delight of times past, the book explores the key designers and jewellery houses, technical developments and cultural influences that shaped jewellery design. Each chapter begins with a historical introduction to the era. The chapter then develops along themes - such as materials, shapes, advances in technology and information about the gemstone industry. Each decade ends with a 'key looks' spread showing an at-a-glance view of the important designs that defined the era.