Table of Contents
Our Notes:
This would be an excellent book for the newly beginning collector, or for collectibles dealers whose trading covers a broad range of vintage items. The book does an excellent job of providing a detailed, documeneted, photographed overview of the broad range of jewelry collectibles, chapter by chapter.
Topics covered include Necklaces, Pins, Hatpins, Brooches, Matchsafes (some really ornate silver Repousse ones!), Compacts (Evans and others), Cases, Lighters, Novelties, Snap Links, Mesh Purses (Lots of Whiting & Davis shown) and more. The Matchsafe section is really one of the best I've seen -- there are 21 pages with 3 or 4 shown per page. One of the notable characteristics is that the examples shown here are generally what I would call "best in class" for each type shown -- such as the mult-color mesh bead purses, ornate metalwork necklaces, etc. This book is an interesting read! -- Collector Bookstore staff -- John K.
Publisher's Review
Jewelry manufacture had its American beginnings in the late 18th century and grew, over the course of the next 200 years, to be a dominant force in the world market. Being of the highest quality, this jewelry and related accessories made their way around the world and now are found in collections everywhere.
This new book explores a vast variety of buttons, jewelry, match safes, cufflinks, mesh purses, compacts, and more, from Victorian period through the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras, and on to the 1960s. Over 300 color photographs illustrate the beauty and the quality of the jewellers art.
In addition the book offers insight into the companies and people who made up the jewelry industry. During much of this period, Attleboro, Massachusetts was the hub of American jewelry manufacture. The trademarks and product information includes over 200 manufacturers located there. Because their products are becoming a strong collecting subcategory today, this book will be of great assistance to collectors.
Lovers of fine jewelry and the historians of design will find this a welcome addition to their library and a thorough resource for their collecting interests.
298 color photos/267 b&w illustrations
