Amazing Gems: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Most Dazzling Costume Jewelry [Hardcover]

Deanna Farneti Cera (Author), Jean Appleton (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1997

For this delightful, profusely illustrated guidebook, noted jewelry expert Deanna Farneti Cera has selected more than 250 of the world's best costume jewelry creations, organized by time period and maker, including Lalique, Chanel, and Christian Dior. 279 illustrations, 264 in color.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harry N Abrams (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810931478
• ISBN-13: 978-0810931473
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #636,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful pictorial & educational Jewelry Source!, March 23, 2000

By 

J. Chabot (Sunny South Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Amazing Gems: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Most Dazzling Costume Jewelry (Hardcover)

This book by Dena Farnetti Cera has the most fabulous color pictures of jewelry spanning from the early 1900's thru the early 70's. Every single page is packed with insightful information on the designer, construction, craftsmanship, identifiable marks, and date of jewelry piece. Some of the examples in here are truly exquisite. A must have for any serious jewelry enthusiast to hardcore collector/dealer. It is very easy for one to peruse thru - whether you are looking for a particular designer/ manufacturer or style - you are sure to find it. It gives you a taste of many different designers. It is well organized & written - the picture quality is superb. The only thing it is lacking is prices. For someone looking to identify & educate themselves it is a Must Have! If you are trying to value your pieces - and need a price guide - this book does not offer that. Overall, this would be an important book to add to any costume jewelry library!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, but..., April 5, 2006

By 

Christopher Carpentino "I read too much!" (Savannah, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Amazing Gems: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Most Dazzling Costume Jewelry (Hardcover)

With a huge background in costume jewelry, I was looking forward to this book. The information in it was great with makers and designers I had never heard of, that made me very happy. I was NOT happy though with the 'size' of this book, it is VERY small. The photos were wonderfull when they were close up enough to see detail, but most of the photos of multiple pieces or sets were too small to see any detail. I would suggest this book for the information and details about designers, but not really for the photos.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for collectors, November 17, 2004

By 

Ann M. Pitman (GRITS - Girl Raised In The South) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amazing Gems: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Most Dazzling Costume Jewelry (Hardcover)

This is one of the most amazing books written about vintage costume jewelry. The examples shown are ones most collectors can only dream of one day owning. The photography is fabulous, and the jewelry is world class. This compact book is easy to take anywhere, and more interesting each time you pick it up.