The Master Jewelers [Paperback]

A. Kenneth Snowman (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2002

Towards the end of the 19th century, the master jewelers of the Western world began to shed the 18th-century anonymity under which such artist-craftsmen had generally worked. They emerged as individual voices, discarding the bland, predictable standards of the earlier era in jewelry design in favour of evocative new creations. The renowned designers whose work is featured in this book can be instantly identified by their particular interests and discoveries. Carl Faberge emphasized originality of design and the quality of craftsmanship, rather than the intrinsic value of the materials used. Castellani is known for his nostalgic glances back at Etruscan gold work; Rene Lalique was irresistibly fascinated by the strange forms he adapted from nature. The searching, critical eye of a Cartier or a Boucheron lent chic to their beloved abstract patterns. In fifteen chapters each written by leading experts in the field, the world of fine jewelry, encompassing its social, aesthetic and business aspects from around 1850 to the present day, springs to life. The magnificent illustrations display extraordinary confections of gold, silver and platinum, gems cut and polished in every conceivable fashion, and enamels, translucent, opaque or as clear as stained-glass windows - all designed and executed to enhance the allure of the people fortunate enough to wear them.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Many of the stunning pieces pictured here would be more at home in a museum than adorning mere mortals. These are consummate creations of 19th- and 20th-century designers who chose gems and metals above oils and canvas as their raw materials. In 15 chapters written by as many connoisseurs and scholars, the book considers the history and productivity of various legendary jewelry firms (e.g., Cartier) and master craftsmen in the decorative and applied arts. Whether drawing their inspiration from ancient Rome, the Renaissance or Asia, these undisputed artists often fashioned the fabulous: bejeweled distaffs and diadems; translucent cloisonne enamels; glittering Faberge eggs; a flexible collar of sapphires and diamonds, courtesy of Tiffany workmen, that was 1800 hours in the making. Snowman, head of the London jewelry house Wartski, presents a serious, glitteringly detailed and seductive look at incredible artifacts.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Boucheron, Bulgari, Fouquet, Lalique, Tiffany, and Verdura are among the 16 jewelers extraordinaire highlighted in this delightful and exquisite anthology. Prominently featured are spectacular and dramatic illustrations of the legendary creations sought after by royalty and the rich and famous from the 1850s to the present. Chapter by chapter, experts in the field describe the work, the workshops, and the legacies of these world-famous artisans, noting their standards of excellence and artistic integrity above all else. Whether original or revival, inspired by classical artifacts or various cultural influences, styles from art nouveau and art deco to contemporary pieces of the 1980s are carefully delineated. Included are many historic photographs of these master jewelers' shops, famous clients, and lost works. Essential.
- Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500283869
• ISBN-13: 978-0500283868
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #401,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Precious Metals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a true gem, April 6, 2006

By 

I. Martina B. (Washington D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Master Jewelers (Paperback)

The book offers insight into the most important jewelry designs and the artistic talents of their creators. It gives an overview and biographies of the most important jewelry artists of the recent history and how their businesses got started: Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef and Arpels, Lalique, Verdura, Bulgari, Boucheron etc. The photos are wonderful; I only wish there were more of them. A great book for anyone wanting to learn more about the most important jewelry creators and jewelry pieces. It is also a great way to start your own favorite jeweler/jewelry book collection and get more specific books.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Master Jewelers purchase, May 14, 2010

By 

Alicemarie E. Mutrux (San Francisco,. Ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Master Jewelers (Hardcover)

This book was rated good condition but it was actually a new book with
a slightly torn jacket. Thank you Amazon great service as always!
Alicemarie Mutrux

18 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, March 24, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Master Jewelers (Hardcover)

It may seem an era long gone by but the art work is as vital and enthralling today. The photos are numerous and magnificent and it is a valuable addition to anyones library.