Vintage-style jewelry is hugely popular. Antiqued metals, cameos, pearls . . . I always wonder how many people creating this type of jewelry have a background in it? I know I don't.
I don't know a lot about art history. Unlike many designers I know, I didn't go to art school. (I was an English major in college.) So I was very happy to receive this book from Lark Crafts and get a mini-education on the major styles of jewelry.
Vintage Jewelry Design by Caroline Cox covers from 1890 to the present time. I was expecting the book to only cover a narrow range, like the 1940s, so this was a pleasant surprise. (Although the jewelry pictured for the 1980s does underscore my embarrassment at having lived through that decade.) I especially liked the "key looks of the decade" pages where you could quickly see all the trends of that time period.
I want to be clear that this is not a how-to project book. You're not going to learn how to make the fabulous necklace and earrings on the cover, but if you're an experienced beader, you'll enjoy seeing the photos and figuring out how you might use the design as a springboard for your own original creation.
You'll Enjoy This Book If
- You want to know what other designers are talking about when they say "The Edwardian Era" or "Miriam Haskell."
- You want to see the roots of some of today's popular designs such as the enamel flowers from the 1960s or some of the major companies or designers. (There's a brief history of Swarovski crystals, for example.)
- You're in the theater or you write historical fiction where jewelry plays an important role. There are many photos of jewelry being worn, so you can get a sense of hairstyles and clothes of the times.
- You're a jewelry collector who wants to know what to look for when shopping. There's a wonderful section on "fakelite" (Fake Bakelite) and other hazards. Plus, there's a nice list in the back of the book of international shops and boutiques, including thrift stores and antique markets.
This book is a must-read for anyone who is serious about jewelry. (Although you'll probably giggle at the expressions, hairstyles, and makeup of the oh-so-serious fashion models wearing it.)
Standard Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from Lark Books. My review is my honest opinion. I have received no compensation for my review.
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