The History of Jewelry

Book excerpt: This book offers a unique way of exploring the world of vintage jewelry for experts, newcomers, and anyone with an interest in the topic. Every piece of jewelry tells a story, and none more so than the exquisite pieces in this book, which have passed through several notable owners before arriving at Joseph Saidian & Sons, an antique jeweler’s shop nestled in the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center. Each chapter is centered around a particular piece of jewelry and the way in which it is emblematic: a previous owner, an exemplary design or dominant material. From an array of historic pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels to a discussion of Indian royalty and its relationship with jewelry to pages filled with exquisite pearl jewelry, this book satisfies both the casual fan and the devotee with full-color photographs and informative themed chapters. The eclectic choice of jewels and objets makes this a book unlike any other, with myriad entry points to larger discussions on broader themes and trends that the pieces figure into. This publication features beautiful full-color photographs of jewelry from various historical eras up to the present day, with a wide range of materials and styles. Each piece offers a different entry point for discussing the history of jewelry and various design elements, techniques, materials, and societal implications.