Review
[Review of previous edition:] A mind-boggling feat, this survey of 7000 years of glittering memorabilia of lost empires, royal egos, superstition and sentiment. (New York Times Book Review)
Historical, inspiring and beautiful, my copy is filled with post-it notes and sketches tucked between the pages, taking up permanent residence on my nightstand. (Barb Switzer Simply Beads)
This is a very powerful book for all jewelers — one that many would see as a concise history of the evolution of jewelry….. It’s the successor to the original catalogue for the 1976 British Museum exhibition “Jewellery Through 7000 Years,” which was once primarily illustrated in black and white. In this revised version, the pieces have been superbly photographed and printed in color. (In reality, many illustrations look better than the actual objects although the museum cases are well lit.) The book designers have created an attractive layout, and the figure captions are informative…. Some revisions have been made in this version to account for new research discoveries, and the section on Europe from 1700 to 1950 has been completely rewritten with new illustrations that come with the museum’s contemporary acquisitions…. The book weighs nearly three pounds (1.36 kg), which is substantial but still light enough to carry on a visit to the museum, and is an incredibly good value.
Jewelers and gemologists will find it an interesting read and an attractive reference volume for their shelves. (Alan Jobbins, Caterham, United Kingdom Gems and Gemology)
