Inside the Jewelry Box: A Collector's Guide To Costume Jewelry, Identification And Values (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book is based on the author's informative and interesting news column that has run in antique publications across the country since 1997. These articles are presented here, along with photographs of hundreds of pieces of vintage costume jewelry with descriptions, designer names, and current collector values. A section on costume jewelry on the Internet is also included, which profiles in detail, the best costume jewelery sites on the web, including biographies of each dealer and a synopsis of what makes the sites special. There are also hints for those wishing to sell their jewelry at auction. There are even vintage costume jewelry advertisements to add pizazz to the book. Finally, an informative section on where to buy replacement stones, how to restring beads and pearls, how to repair costume jewelry, and how to join vintage costume jewelry clubs rounds out the book. 2004 values. REVIEW: This book is useful for those who know little about shakers as well as those who are diehard collectors. It is organized by company, shapes, and patterns. Large, full-color photographs are presented, with current collector values given for every shaker shown.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574323911
• ISBN-13: 978-1574323917
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #293,091 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happiness is being the author of this book, September 4, 2004

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

This is one of the most fun vintage costume jewelry books you can have in your reference library. It features 1,053 full color clear, concise photos, including some with back views of a selection of the jewelry, SO important in learning about vintage costume jewelry. Claudette, Volupte' and Calvaire get extensive coverage, something no other book in this category has ever covered. Many other companies are included, such as Juliana, Les Bernard, Mazer Bros., Hattie Carnegie and Hobe' and more. Values on the jewelry pictured go from $10.00 to $2,000.00 so there is something here to please every collector or dealer. One chapter features 35 of the best current websites offering vintage costume jewelry, including some with extensive reference materials such as ads and patent information. There is a chapter featuring some contemporary jewelry sure to become future sought after vintage jewelry. The chapter with vintage ads shows some that have not been publicly seen since they first appeared in the 1940's or 1950's. I know you will love it and be glad you added it to your reference library.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Informative Book About Vintage Jewelry, November 17, 2004

By	Bebe Benz (Historic Southland) - See all my reviews

Ann Pitman's first book is not only a feast for the eyes with it's beautiful photography and charming page design, it is also a great read, packed with interesting tidbits and details. I particularly liked the informal way "Inside the Jewelry Box" is written and enjoyed the personal remarks and memories of the author. I was amazed by the amount of jewelry shown in this book! It is loaded with hundreds upon hundreds of color photos that a collector can use to learn more about what to search for when buying for personal collections or re-sale. I also really enjoyed the section on web sites that sell vintage jewelry on the internet and am having a blast visiting every single one of them! Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting to learn about vintage jewelry, I think this book will become a favorite resource. If you love vintage jewelry, this book is for you!

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Very Best Jewelry Resource Published In 2004!, August 5, 2005

By	Elizabeth Cooper "Ajewelintime Collector" (Choo-Choo City, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ann Pitman's book, "Inside the Jewelry Box" is an indispensable reference. I have over 20 reference books including both books by Brunialti which I like very much. However, I continue to order other books of the quality and caliber of Ms. Pitman's book. Her book,"Inside the Jewelry Box" is my standard for ordering future reference books.

Ms. Pitman's book is the ONLY book that I will not loan or check out to acquaintances. I'm afraid that it might never be returned! And it is my favorite reference.

My hope is that Ms. Pitman will write a series of books like her first book. Her sequels will be added to my reference library as soon as off the press.

FIVE STARS FOR MS. PITMAN'S, "Inside the Jewelry Box"!