Collecting Victorian Jewelry

Queen Victoria of Great Britain made a tremendous impact on the world, so much so that the era of her reign was given her name. Items from the Victorian period have a reputation for beauty and elegance, which is why they are such popular collectibles. This one-of-a-kind reference covers the beautiful jewelry of the Victorian Age, from 1837 to 1901. Gemologist C. Jeanenne Bell offers collectors this fascinating all-color exploration of the illustrious age and the elegant jewelry that is produced. Decade by decade, Bell reveals how the fashion of the time influenced the style of jewelry, and how innovations in manufacturing affected jewelry production. Jewelry listings provide current marketplace values, and also cover American and French jewelry styles from the time. Over 1,000 color pictures and illustrations convey the true beauty of Victorian era jewelry it produced.

All phases of Emmons and Sarah Coventry jewelry sold at in-home party fashion shows from 1949 to 1984, and Sarah Coventry International department store jewelry and accessories from the late 1980s to 1990s. Also the brief home party plan of 1994, pieces sold on the television Home Shopping Network in 2002, and current production. Described with production dates, identification names, and numbers provided by both companies.

Long before now and for all centuries past, jewelry has celebrated human beauty and has betokened love. Sweet Romance presents their antique jewelry collection which answers the desire to be magically transported back in time to luxuriate in treasures of the romantic baroque era. Graceful images and mythical beasts find expression in vintage elements, natural pearls, gemstone beads and inimitable metalwork. This catalog is directed to retailers for the purpose of wholesale ordering Sweet Romance Jewelry. Entirely designed and made in the USA, Sweet Romance imparts a blend of history, beauty and imagination in each design. Jewelry signed Sweet Romance isn't intended to fit momentary fashion trends. Produced in our California, USA factory, our methods of fabrication are true to the original American concept and manufacture of fashion jewelry. Each piece is created with the highest level of talent and care by a staff of artists. Exquisite sculptural detail is our hallmark in a never-ending portfolio of intriguing themes and silhouettes.

This down-to-earth information-packed book is the very best kind of collecting companion. Among its practical features are recommendations for choosing, evaluating and caring for a collection, how to negotiate the best possible price, and a glossary bristling with facts and definitions. Rose Leiman Goldemberg learned, bought and wrote this book through her own practical and passionate love of antique jewelry.

Decade by decade, the lavishly illustrated Vintage Jewellery recounts over 100 years of history, from Lalique's Art Nouveau enamelling at the turn of the century to Cartier's gemstones and Christian Dior's mid-century costume pieces, to Harry Winston's diamonds. Accompanied by archive images, fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of period pieces, the most collectible and beautiful bracelets, necklaces, rings and brooches are showcased. An invaluable reference as well as a visual delight of times past, the book explores the key designers and jewellery houses, technical developments and cultural influences that have shaped jewellery design. Each chapter begins with a historical introduction to the era, offering an overview of the jewellery houses and designers of the time and their key influences. The chapter then develops along themes - such as materials, shapes, advances in technology and information about the gemstone industry. Each decade ends with a 'key looks' spread showing an at-a-glance view of the important designs that defined the era. The book concludes with a shopping guide, which offers pointers on sourcing and caring for original antique pieces.