Tiaras: Past and Present [Hardcover]

Geoffrey Munn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0810965941 | ISBN-13: 978-0810965942

Any woman who's ever wanted to be queen for a day understands the appeal of that most magnificently impractical of accessories, the tiara. Once an aristocratic status symbol, more recently seen mainly in the bridal trousseau, the tiara today is enjoying a tongue-in-cheek style revival. In this gem of a book, Geoffrey Munn, jeweler by appointment to the British monarchy, presents both classic and contemporary interpretations of diadems and headdresses spanning two centuries. The featured designers include Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef, and Versace. From priceless pieces commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria to a punk-rock acrylic creation by Vivienne Westwood, the sumptuous photos and accompanying histories are sure to thrill royal watchers and riot grrls alike. Tiaras: Past & Present is published to accompany an exhibition, curated by the author, at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Jeweller by Royal Appointment, and BBC Antiques Road Show expert Geoffrey Munn traces the history of tiaras from ancient times, through designs by Faberg , Cartier and Boucheron to the extravagant contemporary creations of Vivienne Westwood and Versace. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Geoffrey Munn is Managing Director of Wartski jewellers by appointment to the British Royal Family, with many artistocratic clients. He is also a well known media personality. He frequently appears on television and radio in addition to giving popular lectures. He is the jewellery expert on the BBC's antiques roadshow. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Victoria & Albert Museum (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810965941
• ISBN-13: 978-0810965942
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,239,672 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, August 12, 2005

By 

B. Weaves - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tiaras: Past and Present (Hardcover)

Wow! I just got this book, and G.Mann's huge other tiara book. This one is based on the exhibit that was done at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and contains not only old tiaras, but modern ones done just for the exhibit. There is very little overlap between the two books, so I was not disappointed. The photos are huge, clear, and show lots of detail. There's also lots of good information. The other, bigger book is a better deal at $47, but this one's no slouch either, and the price and size would make it a great gift.

[...]

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They Go To Your Head!, November 6, 2002

By 

Rene J. Gonzalez (Tampa, Fl United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tiaras: Past and Present (Hardcover)

Having been fortunate enough to see the actual display this summer at the Victoria and Albert in London made me appreciate this book even more so.
I had actually puchassed the book months before my trip and was therefore "preped" for what I was to see. The minute descriptions and rich illustrations in the book make it a perfect companion for the exhibit. And for those that love royalty and all of its trappings, there is no finer book.
Close up views; intimate anecdotes; historical perspective; the provinance and present whereabouts of the pieces could not be better.
No doubt about it, when you finish reading it (or constantly refer to it for sheer pleasure) the book -like the tiaras it describes-will go to your head!

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fabulous!, June 20, 2003

By 

Lizzy (New Orleans, LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tiaras: Past and Present (Hardcover)

So wonderful I had to buy copies for all my women freinds- and we can't shut up about it still. This is a nice overview of the tiara's form and history, and while it doesn't cover the serious art history that Munn's other big fat tiara book does, it's mighty pretty to look at. And it'll make girl a lot pickier about the rhinestone crowns she buys to go to dance clubs! I recommend this, and then buy yourself a few tiaras to wear with your jammies- every girl needs one or two ;-) .