Customer Reviews

Rock Crystal Treasures

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This is a really spectacular book that provides rich illustrations of carved quartz works of art from all ages of mankind. The text offers insight into the fascination that quartz has held over humanity for millennia as well as its many cultural, spiritual, and religious roles in many eras and areas. Anyone interested in lapidary art would find this book a true gem among a collection of books, as well as those interested in cultural anthropology, archaeology, art, or the spiritual study of gemstones.

The objets d'art that are pictured range from Aztec ear studs to modern jewelry, crystal skulls to ornate crystal dragons. Many rich traditions of lapidary artwork are included, from Faberge to the people of Fatimid, and many others. Artifacts from the Greeks, Aztecs, ancient Egyptians, continental Europe, pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, the Orient, and many more are used to demonstrate the many uses that quartz crystal has served. a handful of illustrations of raw quartz, including crystals weighing more than 2000 kg, are also used for reference.

Overall, this is a wonderful book for anyone with an eye for aesthetics or an interest in all things crystalline.

As other reviewers have notes, this book is a highly satisfying journey through the globe and through time of all things rock cystal.

Superb illustrations here, most of them full-page. The greatest compliment I can pay Raulet's work here is that the text illuminates the images and the images illuminate the text.

This a large format hardback: cloth over boards with a sewn binding; 238 pp; almost four pounds. In a heavy dustjacket. Bibliography. Indexed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Analysis of a Mineral and Topography of Its Deposits

Symbolic and Medicinal Properties in Society

From Rome to Fatimid Egypt: Cut Crystal as Art
The Western World: From Merovingian Times to the Renaissance
Curiosity Cabinets: Royal Collections at the Courts of Europe from 1400 to 1700
19th and 20th Centuries: The Rebirth of Rock Crystal

I have long held a fascination for decorative objects made of Rock crystal, but never found a book that focused so extensively on this often-overlooked material. "Rock Crystal Treasures from Antiquity to Today" is therefore a great find. While numerous titles are available that explore crystals from the mystical or scientific standpoint, "Rock Crystal Treasures" provides a wonderful overview of beautiful objects crafted from rock crystal. Jewelry, vases, religious objects, clocks, chandeliers and other decorative items are shown.

Lavishly illustrated with many large clear photos accompanied by insightful text, the book provides a wonderful resource for designers, jewelers or anyone with an interest in rock crystal quartz objects. It is inspirational to see so many items crafted from this translucent stone, worked and sculpted into pieces of such enduring beauty. I found the authors text to provide a great deal of useful details regarding both the historic and modern production of rock crystal. A beautiful book and a great addition to my design reference library.