If you love jewels as much as we do, here are ten books that you should read to learn about the history of the most fabulous jewellery pieces and the designers behind them so that your knowledge will sparkle as bright as the diamonds you wear. Because let’s face it, jewellery and knowledge are the two things one can never have too much, so why not unite both in fabulous books? Besides, these books are so beautiful they look fantastic on your coffee table and are great conversation-starters.
So, you will see in our selection books to read about the life and work of famous high jewellery houses and designers, ancient jewels, and the history of diamonds. Additionally, you can find here excellent gifts for knowledge-seeking book worms who appreciate beauty, art, and fine jewellery.
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Jewels of Renaissance
Do you want to learn about the overflowing creativity and boundless spirit of the Age of the Renaissance? Then, this book written by the German historian of jewellery and British Museum curator, Dr Yvonne Hackenbroch is for you. Besides her specialized knowledge of history and jewellery, the book Jewels of Renaissance brings fabulous images that will make you dream.
Chanel
Assouline and Chanel celebrate in this trilogy the timeless spirit and heritage of the house of Chanel. A must-read book to know more about the visionary designer who changed jewellery and fashion in the 20th Century. Chanel 3-Book Slipcase Set consists of three Mémoire volumes. It includes all about Mademoiselle Chanel’s “Bijoux de Diamants” High Jewelry collection. And also the history of the Chanel Jewelry Creation Studio from 1932 to today.
The A to Z of Victoire de Castellane
The A to Z of Victoire de Castellane is an illustrated dictionary showcasing whimsical and luxurious pieces of recent years. Discover the designer behind the lavish pieces of Dior Jewellery in this book. In it, the imaginative designer celebrates her twenty years as creative director of the French luxury house.
Cartier Panthère
Enrich your knowledge about the famous menagerie in jewellery, especially the iconic panther in the book Cartier Panthère. Read about the 100-year history of Cartier Panthère and understand why feline jewels have become so popular throughout the years. Additionally, this book also shows rarely-seen preparatory drawings of the French jewellery house.
Coveted
The book Coveted Art and Innovation in High Jewelry showcases a collection of today’s most exclusive jewellers. It is the perfect book for contemporary jewellery lovers who want to know more about the conceptual approach and workmanship of more than seventy designers who see jewellery as an art form.
Diamond Jewellery: 700 Years of Glory and Glamour
The book Diamond Jewellery: 700 Years of Glory and Glamour is a a great source of knowledge about diamonds. It explores the social history of the precious diamond jewels through the stories of rulers and socialites who have worn them from the mid-fourteenth century to the present.
The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire
The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire is a captivating book about the Cartier brothers who turned their grandfather’s small jewellery sop into a luxury icon. The great granddaughter of one of these brothers reveals never-before-told dramas, romances, intrigues, and betrayals around the iconic jewellery house.
Looking at jewelry
Want to talk like a jewellery expert? Read Looking at Jewelry to learn about the cultural history of personal adornment and all the key terms used in the jewellery world. This book is a guide to all those wanting to increase their knowledge and understanding of the art of jewellery.
Jewellery: From Art Nouveau to 3D Printing
The book Jewellery: From Art Nouveau to 3D Printing takes you on a journey through the jewellery world from France to Russia, from Britain to Germany, and from the USA to Italy. You will follow masterpieces of the 20th century, from Lalique’s Art Nouveau to the Dutch Avant-Garde of the ’60s to contemporary wearable art pieces.
Stoned
An entertaining journey about the human desire for what is rare and precious, the book Stoned is full of fascinating details. In short, it is a great read that weaves together pop culture and history about eight jewels that have shaped the course of history; for example, a necklace that sparkled the French Revolution.
