Understanding jewelry

This essentially practical book, Understanding Jewellery, now available in a revised and fully updated third edition, is unique in explaining why jewellery values vary and the individual points important for each category. A major section is devoted to the identification of the principal gem-stones and the testing methods to assess quality and detect fakes.
Explanations are given in a straightforward, uncomplicated manner with a text largely linked directly to specific illustrations. This makes the assimilation of the information much easier than in traditional text dominated books. The authors, both Sotheby's jewellery experts, evaluate many millions of pounds' worth annually and thus handle a complete cross-section of what is available on the market. They have specially selected the hundreds of superb colour illustrations to show what to look for and, equally important, what to avoid.
Whether interested in the history of fashion, deciding what to buy or simply to enjoy a visual feast of beautiful objects, this book will serve as an invaluable reference and represents outstanding value.
“This book is an excellent guide to some finer points of both antique and contemporary jewellery, not least because of the vast quantity of photographs and illustrations included, and will be of great use to dealers and collectors, as well as anyone wanting to invest in a particular piece”
Antiques Bulletin

“This newly revised, updated edition of a classic work presents a volume featuring the identification, dating and valuation of jewellery ordinary people can still locate and collect today. Sotheby's own experts use their evaluation techniques and expertise to provide a clear layman's volume on the process of jewellery collecting”
The Bookwatch