This is a great book for pictures and descriptions. It does a terrific job for those novice collectors who want or need to know descriptive terms for period pieces. Unfortunately, its value pretty much stops there. There is virtually no help given for identification. There is little reference to makers, manufacturers or designers. The most important use for this book is the pictoral reference. It is an excellent starting point to help one set aside a like piece for more in-depth research somewhere else. It is dated 2003 and there are prices, which if they are accurate for 2003, are more helpful in placing current values on our own items today than many of the older books which state prices, but you do have to go to another source to identify the item first. I was personally able to find several of my own items that fit the descriptions and seem to be pictorially correct and because of this book, I have set them aside for more research. In that way I found this book to be important. If you already have other good collectible jewelry books with pictures, then this book will most likely not interest you at all. There is a handy index, which is a positive, since many books on jewelry have no index.Read full review
Most of my jewelry books are larger in size. When this book arrived I was slightly nervous that I might have made a bad purchase. I WAS WRONG... This book has amazing jewelry pieces that you might find one day. They were not overly extravagant, they were gorgeous and felt attainable for collectors. I would say that the prices quoted seemed very inflated. The author states that the prices quoted are for pieces in excellent condition and quotes are compiled based on the rarity, and also what she had seen these pieces for at flea markets, estate sales, antique stores and online. Don't buy this book if you are looking for big colorful photos to salivate over. Instead she groups pieces and numbers them (with little round stickers, great touch) and then tells you if the piece is signed, what it's made of, where it's from and the price. Nothing more. I think it's a must have for those who collect unsigned beauties, and if some of my pieces ever sell for any of these prices quoted, I'll be a very happy woman.Read full review
I bought this book in the hopes that it would serve as a reference point for some jewelry items I may come across. I was very disappointed in the low quality photos as well as the lack of information and inflated price estimates on the pieces. The book consists mainly of photo pages on one side with a brief description of each piece and an estimated price for each piece. There is an index that would allow you to look up glass, plastic or some other word but there is no mention of signed pieces or thorough descriptions of the pieces shown. This book makes me want to write my own book. Save your money for something better.
I was a good book. It had everything I need to do my reviews. I like the photos with descriptions and other misc information.
This is a very comprehensive book on costume jewelry which I will definitely use for reference. The color pictures are very easy to review.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Antiquarian & Collectible