Precious Reading for Christmas
These books, with their stories about jewelry, allow us to dream and enrich our culture by revealing anecdotes that are as unimaginable as they are fascinating. From monographies to collectible volumes, here are 5 books to consult, read or even just browse through for a dip into precious fantasy through the most iconic jewelry that has marked the centuries of our society.
Silvia Furmanovich
From Assouline Publishing, a monograph that offers a first in-depth glance into Silvia Furmanovich’s vast production, highlighting the intricate beauty of her work through the stories of the artisans who contributed to creating some of the Brazilian designer’s most important pieces. From master painters of miniatures in India to the women who produce intricate edging and a Brazilian craftsman who continued to practice the ancient art of marquetry in his small Amazonian community.
Fragile beauty: art and contemporary goldsmithing
A new book on gold art in Valenza, published by Silvana Editoriale, edited by Domenico Papa and jewelry historian, Lia Lenti. Originally meant as an exhibition catalog, it became an accurate documentation of the experimental encounter between art and craftsmanship that occurred through a series of exhibitions held in and around Valenza and through original collaborations between artists and local companies.
Jewels That Made History: 101 Stones, Myths, and Legends
Published by Rizzoli New York, an informative book, ideal for history lovers and fashion, fame and pop culture followers. Jewelry expert, Stellene Volandes, Editor in Chief of Town & Country magazine, aims to revolutionize the way in which jewelry is seen today by placing it at center stage and making it the focus of our society. She offers an enthralling read about the history of the world – triumphs and tragedies, breakthroughs and breakups – through the most iconic jewels.
Once Upon a Diamond: A Family Tradition of Royal Jewels Hardcover
Empires, nobility and jewelry: a complex triangle, imprinted into popular imagination, that even now reveals interesting ideas to be thrashed out. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia speaks about it a luxury volume that takes a close look at the history of jewelry through the fascinating events in the royal families of Italy, Greece, Belgium, Russia and Yugoslavia.
Beautiful Creatures: Jewelry Inspired by the Animal Kingdom
Written by jewelry editor Marion Fasel, this new volume brings together the most beautiful creations inspired by the world of animals: from the iconic panthers by Cartier to the snakes by Bulgari, up to the butter ies by JAR. The guest curator tells the stories hidden behind every single piece, 120 in total, revealing amusing anecdotes and their fascinating symbolism.
Antonella Reina, Editor VO+
