Minimal Rings (Hardcover)

by Arch Gregory (Author)
Key Phrases: Martha Connell, Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim, Austria Gold (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher
The following is descriptions of "Minimal Rings" from a few international designers taken from their comments.

"Fantastic" – Abrasha

"Magnificent" – Joël Degen

"Impressive" – Paul Derrez

"Great" – Alan Revere

"Excellent" – Palle Ruders

"Inspiring" – Glenda Arentzen

"Wonderful" – Etsuko Sonobe

"Beautiful" – David Butler

"Outstanding" – Heidi Schulze-Merian

"Terrific" – Joe Wood

"Splendid" – Kirsti Doukas

"Gorgeous" – Jan Peters

"Brilliant" – Helfried Kodré

"Superb" – Marc-Jens Biegel

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Alexander Books (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974767301
• ISBN-13: 978-0974767307
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #467,644 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Minimal Rings, August 21, 2006

By	Gini Rollins "jewelry artist" (St. Petersburg, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a "must" for anyone with a love of jewelry! It is a beautifully done book to stir and inspire the imagination of the viewer.

Becoming prevalent in the 1930's, the minimal art movement encompassed sculpture, painting, architecture, jewelry and other art forms, following Mies van der Rohe's statement that "Less is more". However, Gregory discovered there were no books written on the movement as it affected the design of jewelry. This book is a chronological and pictorial history of minimal design in jewelry, as exemplified by the work of 140 international artists. One will be amazed to discover that a ring made by Fritz Schwerdt in 1930 looks as current in design as one by Fritz Maierhofer made in 2003. Gregory's own definition of "minimal", which he applied in writing this book, is " a limited amount of ornamentation or embellishment". The works include materials both precious (gold, silver, gems) and common (acrylic, iron, rubber), and show amazing variation despite their simplicity. A special threat is the author's own work that is included.

The presentation of the work stays true to Gregory's minimal philosophy. Most of the rings are shown on a black background, including only the most pertinent information, allowing the rings to speak for themselves. Of special interest is the index, which pictures the rings next to photos of the artists who made them.

By all means, treat yourself to this elegant book showing ring design in it's purest form.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration to create Less is More, January 7, 2007

By	R. Eberhard "Eclectic Studio" (Australia) - See all my reviews

Not being a fan of the current swathe of "bling bling", it was a treat to discover this beautiful book. If your seeking instructions and how to directions don't buy this book, if however you wish to gaze at the work of universally acknowledged artisans spaning 7 decades, this is a brilliant book. The book in itself is minimilist in verbiage, however it amply pays homage to one of my favourite pieces of jewellery, the ring. Proving that good design is timeless and speaks for itself, this book will be at home in any jewellery designers home or studio.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference, October 22, 2006

By	J. Nickerson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This has turned out to be one of the books I keep in my studio at all times. The work shown is of that of notable, internationally known, jewelry makers and metalsmiths. Much of the work is so achingly gorgeous that it makes my teeth hurt!

John Nickerson