Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler [Hardcover]

Patricia Corbett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2002

A master of metamorphosis, Sicilian duke-turned-jewelry-designer Fulco di Verdura (1898-1978) studded seashells with precious gems, transformed sailor's knots into pearl-encrusted necklaces, and wrapped blazing ruby hearts with braided gold rope. Since the mid-20th century, his ultrasophisticated neo-Baroque pieces have been the status symbols of a near-secret society of European blue bloods, Hollywood royalty, and Park Avenue patricians. Verdura's by-appointment-only patrons included Wallis Simpson, Marlene Dietrich, and Diana Vreeland, who considered his Maltese Cross cuffs an essential part of her daily uniform.

In this lavish book, featuring fresh color photographs as well as vintage images, Patricia Corbett presents a deft evaluation of Verdura's work and a glimpse inside his impossibly glamorous world.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Every twentieth-century society name, from Coco Chanel to Babe Paley, is mentioned at least once in this meticulous biography of Sicilian jeweler Fulco Santostefano della Cerda, duke of Verdura. Art historian Corbett relishes details, including long descriptions of Fulco's work and play in New York, Paris, Venice, and Hollywood. Augmenting the prose are exquisite color photographs of his creations, reproductions of his drawings and miniature paintings, and illustrations of his art as shown in fashion magazines and by famous photographers. Yet this is not simply a litany of a life; Corbett spotlights Fulco's friendships, family, and personality without commentary or judgment. Plus, she factualizes a life and a name that previously were only a legend and a coveted signature. A wonderful evocation of long-gone elegance and art. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From the Publisher

"America's Crown Jeweler."-The New York Times

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (December 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810935295
• ISBN-13: 978-0810935297
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,597,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, March 28, 2006

By 

M. Tavorath (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler (Hardcover)

This book has not only wonderful pictures but also incredible biography of Verdura -- highly recommend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful yummy book, September 18, 2010

By 

A. Dugan (GAINESVILLE, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler (Paperback)

highly recommended yummy book full of pieces I will never see in my lifetime..I am not a designer. I just love the art. The photos are great
....actually a very good read but at times you have to wade thru detail about other people as it does get a little heavy on the whos-who info of designers life

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully depicted and detailed account, May 31, 2008

By 

Diana Carson (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler (Paperback)

This is a wonderfully written and illistrated account of an incredible person. I found the detail fascinating and the pictures amazing! A great addition to your wardrobe of books on REAL jewelry.