Bulgari Magnifica

Bvlgari’s new high jewelry collection pays tribute to the pioneering visions of indomitable women who blazed their own paths, broke boundaries, or shattered cultural norms. In keeping with the inspiration for the jewelry collec-tion, this book is an ode to women, as suggested by the female name “Magnifica.” This launch marks the start of a new chapter in a history filled with energy, impact, and daring creativity, with a collection of outstanding pieces at the height of High Jewelry, creativity, and artisanship, conveyed through exper-tise and craftsmanship. In a male-dominated world, Bvlgari’s muses have helped forge a new perception of women thanks to their courage, resilience, and talent. Whether they may be artists, art patrons, or intellectuals, they have shared the same ability to think outside the box, reimagining their future in an unapologetic way. Based on the three pillars of stunning gems, inspiring muses, and the gifted hands of artisans and designers, Bvlgari’s Magnifica book is divided into three sections—Head, Heart, and Hands—and outlines Bvlgari’s new jewelry ecosystem. In addition to gorgeous photographs of jewels, the voices of the contributors to this volume, who are all women, will trace a path of encouragement and provide an example for today’s women to pursue their intuitions and cultivate their talent.

From 2006 - 2009, the design think tank Platform21 inspired new ways of thinking about design, and new ways of interacting with the design objects around us. The group was founded as a collaborative project that would eventually lead to the creation of a

- Brings together in one volume identification and dating of jewelry made in the last 200 years - Almost 1,000 superb color illustrations to help facilitate identification and understanding - Written in straightforward, non-technical English - A standard work of reference Understanding Jewellery is a comprehensive guide to 19th and 20th Century jewelry. From the methods used to identify and date pieces, to the factors that can affect their value, this volume contains an abundance of expertise relating to precious stones and metals. With almost 1000 magnificent color illustrations accompanied by straightforward but thorough explanations, this publication offers a richer and more accessible reading experience than traditional text-dominated books. Including introductions to precious and semi-precious stones, and details of the stylistic developments of jewelry over the last 200 years, this volume is a standard work of reference and an invaluable tool for collectors and dealers alike. "... a delightful and presentation worthy coffee table book, Understanding Jewellery also, in the truest sense, serves as an inviting educational tool with exhaustive encyclopedic explanations of jewelry starting in the late 18th century to the present." - New York Journal of Books

A "cool" guide to Rome, with an emotional tour of the city's key historical sites and monuments revisited through the inspiration behind Bvlgari's jewelry. Since 1884, the majestic beauty of the Eternal City and its rich archaeological, artistic, and cultural heritage have represented an inexhaustible source of inspiration for Bvlgari. Yesterday as today, Rome's monuments and artistic details are gracefully evoked in the brand's jewelry creations. For example, the design of the iconic B-zero1 ring was inspired by the Colosseum, the ultimate symbol of the city, and likewise the recurrent octagonal geometries watch dial refers to the coffered ceiling of the Basilica of Maxentius. This handy, pocket-sized volume takes us on an unprecedented historical, artistic, and emotional tour of the city. In addition to an actual guide to the monuments, the narration is enriched by short stories by some of the best-known Roman authors from the world of contemporary Italian literature, inspired by the most iconic locations in the city. The book is further enhanced by contributions from figures linked to the city by birth or by adoption, including renowned names from fashion, cinema, sport, and music. The Bvlgari jewelry and the places in Rome that inspired it are photographed in stunning images with artistic direction by Jan Králícek.

From the prizewinning author of HHhH, “the most insolent novel of the year” (L’Express) comes a romp through the French intelligentsia of the twentieth century. Paris, 1980. The literary critic Roland Barthes dies—struck by a laundry van—after lunch with the presidential candidate François Mitterand. The world of letters mourns a tragic accident. But what if it wasn’t an accident at all? What if Barthes was . . . murdered? In The Seventh Function of Language, Laurent Binet spins a madcap secret history of the French intelligentsia, starring such luminaries as Jacques Derrida, Umberto Eco, Gilles Deleuze, Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, and Julia Kristeva—as well as the hapless police detective Jacques Bayard, whose new case will plunge him into the depths of literary theory (starting with the French version of Roland Barthes for Dummies). Soon Bayard finds himself in search of a lost manuscript by the linguist Roman Jakobson on the mysterious “seventh function of language.” A brilliantly erudite comedy, The Seventh Function of Language takes us from the cafés of Saint-Germain to the corridors of Cornell University, and into the duels and orgies of the Logos Club, a secret philosophical society that dates to the Roman Empire. Binet has written both a send-up and a wildly exuberant celebration of the French intellectual tradition.

There is more to appraising jewelry than just being parable sales and a value determination. Then, all this able to put a dollar value on an item. The title of ap information, with clear jewelry descriptions, must be praiser distinguishes the individual who is able to iden succinctly put together with photographs and deliv tify, witness, estimate status, excellence, or potential ered to the client. ity, and to determine the authenticity of an article. Today's jewelry appraiser should also be cognizant Many factors impact on a thorough appraisal, espe of the vicissitudes of fashion, how changes impact the cially on estate and period jewelry. jewelry market in a substantial and vital manner in both design and style. A careful look must be given to Developing all this expertise is a lot to ask of practi tioners who only a decade ago were barely making a study of color psychology with an awareness of why specific gemstones and their colors and enamels of cer distinction between a well-written sales receipt and a professional appraisal report. tain colors were used in different periods. Industrial In the past few years bold changes have taken place developments, from machine stamped jewelry, the use in this field. It is now understood that standard ap of aniline dyes in clothing, and development of the praisal concepts and principles can be applied to the electric light, have influenced design and use of gem stones.