teaghantique

Jewel: The Definitive Visual Guide is an essential read for antique jewellery enthusiasts and gemmologists alike. The foreword is written by the late Judith Miller; a formidable figure in the world of antiques, co-author to the world-renowned Miller’s Antiques Price Guide and antique specialist on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Miller’s incredible wealth of knowledge is on full display in this book and it has quickly become a “bible” in my book collection. Covering the vast world of jewellery from metals, gemstones and significant jewels, the book is an essential reference guide for the professional or enthusiast.

The format of the book is structured via the mineral groups of popular gemstones including silicates, oxides, carbonates and phosphates. This creates the overarching framework that the topic of gemstones requires due to the vast scale of the subject. As the book moves through the classifications of individual gemstones, from the obscure to the well-known, the authors skillfully curate the history of jewellery with the inclusion of the most significant examples from all around the globe. To keep the reader on-track basic gemmological concepts are broken down with fantastic visual references. Historical timelines are included at the beginning of chapters to bring context to relevant world events and discoveries.

This is a reference book that any gemmologist or jewellery enthusiast will use time and time again. It serves as a fantastic visual guide that artfully combines the subjects of gemmology and antique jewellery. This is an essential addition to any jewellery collector’s library.