Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry 1840-1950 [Paperback]

C Jeanenne Bell (Author)

Book Description

Series: Answers to Questions about Old Jewelry | Publication Date: June 2003

Many people are curious about old jewellery. Usually they have some tucked away some-where or have inherited jewellery passed down from previous- generations. This- book helps readers accurately circa date their pieces, authenticate and identify metals and determine the value of treasured items made from 1840 to 1950. With 2,000 updated prices in US dollars, this revised edition is a key reference for dealers, collectors and appraisers. Sections include jewellery styles from 1840 to 1950, an overview of 100 years of cameos and the answers to questions about jewellery manufacturing and construction techniques.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Bell, an appraiser for PBS's Antiques Roadshow and the author of collectible jewelry guides and videos, has released another update to her 1996 work of the same title, now in its fifth edition. An identification and value guide for a century's worth of collectible American and English jewelry, this title consists of three main sections: "When Was It Made and What Is It Worth?," "100 Years of Cameos," and "Manufacturing Techniques." Each of six chapters in the first section covers a specific time and stylistic period; historical information introduces each of the chapters. The entries provide the date, a brief written description, and the price value of each piece, augmented by more than 1700 photographs, some in color. Prices are either from an auction house, collector, or dealer, with the source used indicated for every entry. Helpful appendixes cover how to date jewelry, distinguish metals, authenticate pieces, and identify designer and trademarks. The unfortunate absence of an index limits access; however, the table of contents is detailed. Useful for serious jewelry collectors and casual hobbyists alike, Bell's work is a nice complement to Christie Romero's Warman's Jewelry (Warman's: Krause, 1998) and is recommended for larger public libraries.
-Jennifer Mayer, Univ. of Wyoming Libs., Laramie
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

C. Jeanenne Bell, G.G., is an avid collector and retailer and does appraisals for the American PBS programme, Antiques Roadshow. She is a member of the Society of Jewelry Historians (USA), and Jewelers of America, National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Manufacturers Jewelers and Silversmiths of America, The Alumni Association of Gemological Institute of America, and The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 6 edition (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087349556X
• ISBN-13: 978-0873495561
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,224,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5th Edition Of The Great Guide For Lovers Of Old Jewelry, February 9, 2000

By 

Irvin Goodman - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Answers to Questions about Old Jewelry, 1840-1950 (Paperback)

A very complete reference work covering the period 1840 to 1950, with prices updated for 1999. There are over 1,700 large, sharp, black and white photos and 32 page full color sections with superior, sharp, large photos. The 3 major sections are: When was it made and what is it worth?; 100 Years of Cameos; and Manufacturing Techniques. Each section is loaded with photos and information. It tells how jewelry is made, how to determine what kind of metal an item is made from, determining whether a stone is synthetic, a listing of maker's marks to help you identify and date pieces. A complete glossary is included. A must have book for the jewelry collector !

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of Information, November 17, 2004

By 

G. Gupton "Author of spiritual growth books." (Georgia, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry 1840-1950 (Paperback)

You might say I'm a novice when it comes to vintage jewelry. I learn as I go and every book I buy has some tidbit of excellent information. My feeling is that one can never have too many books as they become our reference guides. Jeanenne Bell did an excellent job and I refer to this book regularly. I'm glad I bought it.

Gail Gupton, Author: The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enhanced with over 2,000 photographs and prices of jewelry, October 18, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry 1840-1950 (Paperback)

Now in an updated sixth edition with New Bakelite, Costume, and Mexican Jewelry sections, Answers To Questions About Old Jewelry compiled by antique jewelry expert C. Jeanenne Bell is a superbly organized and comprehensive price and identification guide designed especially for collectors and jewelers. Covering jewelry crafted from 1840 to 1950, and enhanced with over 2,000 photographs and prices of jewelry (along with meticulous descriptions and an inset section of color pictures) Answers To Questions About Old Jewelry is confidently commended as being a collector's reliable price guide, reference and resource. Professional dealers and dedicated collectors in antiques and collectbles should obtain the free Krause catalog for a complete listing of their up-to-date price guides.