20th Century Jewelry & The Icons of Style - Hardcover

Stefano Papi; Alexandra Rhodes

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0500516871 ISBN 13: 9780500516874

Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2013

Synopsis

For many centuries the collecting of precious jewels was the preserve of kings and queens, emperors and maharajahs. But in the aftermath of the First World War, with the fall of several European monarchies, royal gems passed into the hands of a different kind of elite that included celebrities from the silver screen and a coterie which revelled in a new-rich social whirl. Eleven of these rich and glamorous women, who built up astonishing jewelry collections in the early and mid-20th century, are profiled in this book. The authors, both international jewelry experts, reveal the stories behind the jewels and their collectors. Not only do they bring to life the worlds in which these women moved, but they also describe the gems in detail and provide a portrait of the work of the leading jewelers of the day. The book is illustrated with close-up shots of the jewels as well as wonderful drawings of the original designs, and includes portraits of the women by Beaton, Horst and other leading photographers of the time.

About this title

Review:

Marvel at glorious close-ups. --Elle Decoration

Leaves readers dreaming of a bygone era. --Harrods Magazine

The combination of images of beautiful/stylish women of a bygone, glamorous era and sumptuous, close-up shots of the most gorgeous, covetable jewelry, makes for a heady mix. --The Jeweller

About the Author:

Stefano Papi has worked as senior European specialist in the jewelry department of both Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses. His previous books include Famous Jewelry Collectors, Stage Jewels and Jewellery of the House of Savoy.

About this edition

• Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0500516871
• ISBN 13: 9780500516874
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272