Capolavori dei grandi gioiellieri

Around the end of the nineteenth century the master jewellers of the western world began to emerge from the obscurity under which they had generally worked up until that time. They came forward as individuals each with clearly recognisable voices of their own. It was also in this period that the insignificant, predictable models of the previous era disappeared. The result of this was that the renowned jewellers, whose works are to be seen in this volume, are immediately recognisable thanks to their particular interests and discoveries. Castellani, for example, is famous for his nostalgic revival of Etruscan jewellery; Carl Fabergé shifted the emphasis onto original design and quality craftsmanship rather than the intrinsic value of the materials used. René Lalique had an irresistible fascination for those strange forms he adapted from the natural world. And the bewitching, critical eye of Cartier or Boucheron could instil elegance into their favourite abstract forms.
The magnificent illustrations in this volume are faithful reproductions of extraordinary creations in gold, silver and platinum, gems cut and polished in every way imaginable, enamelled, translucid, opaque or transparent like glass; indeed all designed and crafted with the aim of enhancing the charm and magnetism of those fortunate enough to wear them.
Fifteen richly illustrated chapters, written by the leading authorities on the subject, examine the world of luxury jewels including social, aesthetic and commercial aspects from the mid-nineteenth century up to modern times.