BMJ Blog

Best Coffee Table Jewelry Books

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Although no jewelry gift can quite compare to actual jewelry, these stunning coffee table books come close. Think of these tomes as the diamonds of the book world--they're gorgeous, beautifully crafted, and designed to last (both literally and figuratively--the incredible jewelry in these books depict will never be passé). 

Like a diamond, these books are an investment. However, each one educates as much as it looks pretty sitting in the center of your living room or on your nightstand. Any one of these books would make a perfect gift for a jewelry lover--or just a treat for you!

1. Vogue: The Jewellery, by Carol Woolton 

Carol Woolton is the jewelry editor of British Vogue and an expert on historic and antique jewelry. This beautiful collection highlights the most memorable jewelry moments in Vogue and features both costume and fine jewelry. Illustrating the variety of jewelry featured in the magazine over the years, 300 pieces are organized into five sections: Show-stoppers, Rock Chick, Minimalist, Exotic, and Classical.

2. The Impossible Collection of Jewelry, by Vivienne Becker

Jewelry historian Vivienne Becker captures the milestones of jewelry design from the last century in The Impossible Collection. From the Art Nouveau period to the pre-new millennium era, 100 pieces are showcased for their design and the fascinating stories behind them. Featured designers include Cartier, Van Cleef, David Webb, and Boivin.

3. Pearls, by Beatrix Chadour-Sampson

Spanning centuries and cultures, Pearls traces the history of pearls' role as symbols of status and glamour--and in some contexts, purity. The book begins with a discussion pearls in the Roman Empire and concludes with a feature on pearls (and the impact of their cultured counterparts) in the modern era.

4. Jewels of the Rennaissance, by Yvonne Hackenbrock

The European Renaissance is one of the most interesting periods for jewelry design. Written by Renaissance and world jewelry authority Yvonne Hackenbroch, Jewels of the Renaissance overflows with stunning images of some of the most creative pieces from this artistic period. Hackenbroch also weaves in the compelling stories behind the pieces--including tales about who wore the jewelry, who created it, and who commissioned it.

5. Emerald: Twenty-One Centuries of Jewelled Opulence and Power, by Joanna Hardy

Split into three parts, Emerald celebrates the green gemstone that's reported to be 20 times rarer than a diamond. The first section features emerald jewelry worn by celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Princess Diana, and Elizabeth Taylor. This section also illustrates how emeralds have been featured in art and advertising. The second section covers historic emerald pieces--some created millennia ago, others created by the likes of Cartier, Boucheron, Bulgari, and Harry Winston. The final section discusses the emerald trade and features specially commissioned photos from four continents. 

6. Bejewelled Treasures: The Al-Thani Collection, by Susan Stronge

This book features 100 of the most spectacular pieces of a single Victoria & Albert jewelry collection, the Al-Thani Collection. Enjoy gorgeous photos of pieces previously owned by the great maharajas, nizams, sultans, and emperors of India from the 17th to the 20th century. Bejewelled Treasures also examines how Indian jewelry influenced theAvantee-Garde pieces of European jewelry designers (including Cartier). 

__

Which of these jewelry coffee table books is on your wishlist?

You may also be interested in: How to Sweetly Hint for Gifts

7 Lovely Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Eco-Friendly Jewelry: DIY Spoon Rings

__

Photos: Amazaon

Posted in books, celebrities, design, gems, gemstones, gifts

Why Do Diamonds Come in Different Colors?

Posted on June 04, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Colored diamonds can occur naturally, but they can also be the result of lab irradiation (i.e. cooking the stones). If you’re in the market for a colored diamond, it’s important to know the difference between the two since the source of the stone’s color may affect its value.

Continue Reading →

Posted in black diamonds, colored diamonds, diamonds, gemological institute of america, gems, gemstones, gia, informative

The Ideal Length-to-Width Ratio for Pear Cut Stones

Posted on April 09, 2015 by Mary Hood | 1 Comment

Pears are one of the trickiest cuts to shop for because it can prove challenging to find one with the right length-to-width ratio.

Continue Reading →

Posted in Diamonds, fancy cut, fancy cut ratio, gemological institute of america, gems, gemstones, informative, jewelry, length to width ratio, pear cut, pear shaped diamond

Gemstones in the Bible

Posted on April 02, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

The breast piece was part of a collection of adornments commissioned by God to signify the dignity of Aaron, a Jewish priest noted for his love of peace.

Continue Reading →

Posted in ancient gems, bible, breastplate, gem lore, gems, gems in the bible, gemstones, jewelry, jewelry history

Bugs in Amber Fossils

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Mary Hood | 1 Comment

natural black diamonds, have fascinating, prehistoric origins and serve as a reminder of the layers of time (and mystery!) between their formation and our present day. Amber is one of these stones.  In fact, it often gives us a peek at life on earth as it was millions of years ago.

Continue Reading →

Posted in amber, fun, gemstones, Informational, jewelry