(Repost: Originally June 28, 2009)
My summer stay has netted me the benefits of the local library… that’s where I found “A Collector’s Guide to Costume Jewelry, key styles and how to recognize them” by Tracy Tolkien and Henrietta Wilkinson.
Now, this is book is not meant as a price guide or collecting guide. It is a history of costume jewelry starting at the 18th century (including paste jewelry) all the way through to modern styles. It is wonderfully written, netting an enjoyable read that although includes historical data, is not history-heavy.
As the title suggests, key styles are discussed along with their principal traits and the historical background from which they appeared. There is a lot of page space dedicated to pictures, and the pieces depicted (as well as the photos of them) are gorgeous.
My copy is borrowed, but this is definitely a book to buy. Not only is it a pleasant read with pretty pictures, but a reference book for identifying costume jewelry pieces and placing the period that produced them.
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