Gioielli. Breve storia dall'antichità a oggi

From the simple shell pendants of Palaeolithic hunters to the splendours of Renaissance gold craftwork and the richness of Art Nouveau enamels, this is an exhaustive and fascinating guide on the evolution of the goldsmith's art in the Western world up to the experimental and avant-garde developments of the last thirty years. The book, a concise summary of the entire sector of the goldsmith's craft, analyses the evolution of styles, social context and masculine and feminine uses. It describes the reaction of artisans to the new sources for gems - emeralds from the New World or diamonds from South Africa - and the use of metals such as platinum and aluminium. The masterpieces of unknown artisans and pieces designed by single artists - ranging from Holbein to Pugin and Calder - are illustrated alongside the dazzling pieces created by the main jewellery producing companies.