A presentation of the history of earrings from prehistory to modern times. The first part of the book relates how the fashion of wearing precious earrings spread through the Mediterranean region from Ancient Egypt to Mycenae, to the Classical Greek, Roman and Hellenistic worlds, to Byzantium. From the 18th century, when the techniques of cutting coloured gemstones and diamonds were perfected, the design of earrings evolved towards its most stylish and glamorous. Extraordinary revivals of Classical and Roman motifs are shown here, the bold lines of art deco, and modern designs, created by the leading European and American designers. The great names among the designers and international jewellery houses are all represented, among them Boucheron, Cartier, Mellerio, Van Cleef and Arpels, Verdura, Andrew Grima, Bulgari, Marina B., David Webb, Harry Winston and Graff. A substantial part of the book comprises illustrations, covering every period and style from Rococo flowers to chaste Neoclassical discs.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
In spirited and informed prose, the authors take us on a historical tour of one of the oldest of human ornaments. The earliest archaeological evidence for earrings indicates an origin in Western Asia perhaps 5000 years ago. They remained a constant in fashion for women (and now and then for men, although this book does not trace male earrings except in passing) until the 11th century. Medieval fashion in hairdressing and clothing obscured the ear, so earrings virtually disappeared in Europe until the 17th century. Beginning with elegant pearl drops, earrings reappeared then and have remained a favorite form of jewelry ever since. Color and black-and-white photographs and renderings comprise perhaps half the book: clear, plentiful, gorgeous, and carefully keyed to the text. This is museum-quality work--no funky plastic baubles here (although the Victorian fishbowls, complete with fish, give one pause). It is all enchanting, the more so because the styles and shapes are so recognizably familiar over the many centuries.
- GraceAnne A. DeCandido, "School Library Journal"
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- GraceAnne A. DeCandido, "School Library Journal"
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A True Delight for Antique Jewelry Collectors,
By A Customer
This review is from: Earrings: From Antiquity to the Present (Paperback)
This book was recommended to me by my antique jewelry dealer. It is a treasure-trove of historical information with fabulous pictures and descriptions. Whether you are a collector or simply an admirer, you will not be disappointed in this well-researched book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Focused Treasury of History of Design,
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This review is from: Earrings: From Antiquity to the Present (Paperback)
As as jewelry designer, I am continuously researching the history of design. In building a library of references I have been very selective in my acquisitions for inspiration and research. This book is a wonderful history of design with exceptional photographs and bibliography. The section at the back with biographical annotations of designers of note is as precious, for me, as the photos and text of the book. I highly recommend this one!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Book,
This review is from: Earrings: From Antiquity to the Present (Paperback)
Beautiful book with very pretty pictures! I was very pleased when I received it and I highly recommend it to antique jewelry fans!
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