Jewellery Books: Sparkling Holiday Reads to Gift this Season

December 4, 2023

By Livia Primo Lack

8 min read

It’s that special time of year when we are all pouring over our gift list, trying to figure out the best and brightest presents for the jewellery aficionados in our lives. Here is a selection of jewel-centric books that will educate and amaze any gem lover.

The holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the exciting yet daunting task of purchasing a gift that your loved ones will enjoy for many years to come. A piece of jewellery or a beautiful watch is always a great choice. However, the luxury connoisseurs in your life may also enjoy learning more about their passion this winter. Take a look at the six Assouline and Rizzoli books below, which cover a wide selection of the jewellery and watch luxury market. To give the gift of knowledge with some added sparkle, let’s turn the pages of these marvellous manuscripts.

Inside the Cartier Impossible Collection book by Assouline

Inside the Cartier Impossible Collection book by Assouline

Bulgari: Beyond Time

For the jewellery watch lovers out there, Bulgari’s Beyond Time coffee table book is the perfect gift. Composed of eight chapters detailing the greatest Bulgari horological feats from the 1920s to the present, this is the only official publication that the brand has been involved in that retraces its entire horological history. Brand ambassadors, friends and other great Bulgari names gather together to explain their role in the brand’s development, what they love most about Bulgari watches and how the Italian luxury brand looks to the future to develop its horological sciences. Famous watches mentioned include the recent Giardino dell’ Eden Tourbillon, This Divas’ Dream from 2013 and the famous Serpenti Tubogas.

Bulgari: Beyond Time book published by Assouline

Bulgari: Beyond Time book published by Assouline

Cartier, the Impossible Collection

One of the world’s first internationally renowned luxury brands, Cartier has been famous for creating one-of-a-kind pieces for royalty and the elite since it was established in 1847. In The Impossible volume, Cartier lets us peek behind the curtain at some of its most incredible creative feats, from the historic Cartier Panthère emblem to the iconic Tutti Frutti sapphire, emerald and ruby motif. This is the dream gift for the jewellery lover in your life who is looking to learn more about the creative history of the Cartier brand, and its jewellery highlights through engaging texts and beautiful drawings.

Front cover Cartier The Impossible Collection book, published  by Assouline

Front cover Cartier The Impossible Collection book, published by Assouline

 The Cheich watch by Cartier developed in 1981

The Cheich watch by Cartier developed in 1981

 Image of actress Carlotta Monterey, wife of playwright Eugene O'Neill, wearing a diamond bandeau, emerald teardrop earrings, and diamond clasp pearl necklaces, all by Cartier

Image of actress Carlotta Monterey, wife of playwright Eugene O'Neill, wearing a diamond bandeau, emerald teardrop earrings, and diamond clasp pearl necklaces, all by Cartier

 Left: Oiseau libérée brooch, Right: images of crowds cheering as American troops enter Paris in 1944

Left: Oiseau libérée brooch, Right: images of crowds cheering as American troops enter Paris in 1944

 Images of magnificengt opal and diamond jewels created by Cartier

Images of magnificengt opal and diamond jewels created by Cartier

 Opening pages in Cartier The Impossible Collection book, published by  Assouline

Opening pages in Cartier The Impossible Collection book, published by Assouline

The Spirit of Chaumet

The Spirit of Chaumet by jewellery historian and journalist Gabrielle de Montmorin is a guidebook to the core design values, motifs and techniques of the House of Chaumet. Using 450 illustrations and stories, the book takes you on a tour of the Maison’s stylistic principles and multifaceted history, dating to 1780. As you peruse the book, you will discover one-of-a-kind high jewellery creations, iconic tiaras, the historic clientele of the Chaumet brand, and the importance of nature in Chaumet creations. In fact, this is a theme Montmorin has previously written about for the Maison during its Végétal exhibit in Paris, for which she was a key contributor. Organised into 12 chapters in honour of Chaumet’s famous Place Vendôme address, this book is for the lover of all things flora, fauna and fabulous.

The Spirit of Chaumet book

The Spirit of Chaumet book

David Webb: Jewelry and Culture

Jewellery designer David Webb arrived in the big city of Manhattan at the ripe old age of seventeen. With a big dream and a lot of talent, he opened his New York City store in 1948, inspired and determined to create jewels that represented the beautiful architecture and culture that surrounded him. The Art of David Webb: Jewelry and Culture by Ruth Peltason is a collection of Webb’s pieces set against the painters, sculptors, photographers and architects that inspired his work. Full of captivating imagery and stimulating dialogue, the reader delves into the depths of his inspiration, experiencing his works through the cultural references of the time. If you love jewellery and art through all mediums, look no further than this beautiful literary creation.

The Art of David Webb, Jewelry & Culture book, written by Ruth Peltason, published by Rizzoli

The Art of David Webb, Jewelry & Culture book, written by Ruth Peltason, published by Rizzoli

 Inside The Art of David Webb, Jewelry & Culture book, written by Ruth Peltason, published by Rizzoli

Inside The Art of David Webb, Jewelry & Culture book, written by Ruth Peltason, published by Rizzoli

Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Gioielleria: Masterpieces of High Jewellery

Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Gioielleria is a tell-all that explains in detail the creation of the high jewellery facet of the Italian brand. From setting up gem labs to honing an in-house style that Carol Walton dubs “a new storied style of jewellery”, this book puts the reader inside the minds of Domenico Dolce and Stephano Gabbana. Each chapter dissects the duo’s love for Italian artistry and culture, educating us on ancient forms of Sicilian lacework, Roman myths and legends, as well as the flora and natural landscape of the country, from the warm colours of Tuscan villas to deep blue hues of the Ionian Sea. Engaging and beautifully illustrated, this is the perfect gift for those looking to gaze at magnificent jewels whilst also learning more about different forms of Italian artisanal work.

Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of High Jewellery book by Carol Woolton, published by Rizzoli

Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of High Jewellery book by Carol Woolton, published by Rizzoli

 The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of high Jewellery book includes indepth interview with Domenico Dolce and Stephano Gabbana

The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of high Jewellery book includes indepth interview with Domenico Dolce and Stephano Gabbana

 Inside the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of High Jewellery book by Carol Woolton, published by Rizzoli

Inside the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of High Jewellery book by Carol Woolton, published by Rizzoli

 A Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of High Jewellery high jewellery set published in The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria book

A Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of High Jewellery high jewellery set published in The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria book

 Inspiration set against the rendered jewel in Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of High Jewellery book by Carol Woolton

Inspiration set against the rendered jewel in Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Masterpieces of High Jewellery book by Carol Woolton

Francesca Amfitheatrof: Fantastical Jewels

Fantastic Jewels by Louis Vuitton takes the form of a scrapbook written by none other than its powerhouse creative director, Francesca Amfitheatrof. Driven by her love of travel and passion for rare gems, Amfitheatrof takes the reader on a tour of each of her high jewellery collections for the Maison, including the entire journey of a Louis Vuitton high jewellery piece, from pitching her theme to the global team to the ‘why’ behind her settings for larger stones. With a forward written by one of Amfitheatrof’s greatest sources of inspiration, Cate Blanchett, Fantastical Jewels celebrates the power of the female creative mind and the history of this great brand. Buy this book for the travel-obsessed jewellery lover in your life!

Cover of Louis Vuitton Francesca Amfitheatrof Fantastic Jewels book published by Rizzoli

Cover of Louis Vuitton Francesca Amfitheatrof Fantastic Jewels book published by Rizzoli

 Inside the Louis Vuitton book Francesca Amfitheatrof Fantastic Jewels published by Rizzoli

Inside the Louis Vuitton book Francesca Amfitheatrof Fantastic Jewels published by Rizzoli

 The book includes renderings and detailed descriptions of important pieces in each of Amfitheatrof's collections for Louis Vuitton

The book includes renderings and detailed descriptions of important pieces in each of Amfitheatrof's collections for Louis Vuitton

 Amfitheatrof explains her settings decisions for larger important stones as well as her creative journey through each collection

Amfitheatrof explains her settings decisions for larger important stones as well as her creative journey through each collection

Lydia Courteille – A Jeweller’s Odyssey

Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld’s A Jeweller’s Odyssey deep dives into the lives of one of the great French jewellers of our time – Lydia Courteille. With her Cabinet of Curiosities shop a short walk away from the famous Place Vendôme, Courteille is famous for her unique aesthetic that combines a vintage and antique aesthetic with bold gems and artefacts found during her global adventures. This beautiful pink coffee table book takes us through each of the designer’s collections, inspired by important women of history as well as her celebrity A-List clients, the likes of Nicole Kidman. If you are looking for a great jeweller’s biography full of vivid colours and interesting stories, this is the book for you.

Cover of the book Lydia Courteille: A Jeweller's Odyssey

Cover of the book Lydia Courteille: A Jeweller's Odyssey

 Lydia Courteille: A Jeweller's Odyssey includes images of the designer's jewellery as well as the stories behind her inspiration

Lydia Courteille: A Jeweller's Odyssey includes images of the designer's jewellery as well as the stories behind her inspiration

 Readers are given detailed product descriptions of each piece with the materials and carat weights of important stones

Readers are given detailed product descriptions of each piece with the materials and carat weights of important stones

Pharrell: Carbon, Pressure & Time: A Book of Jewels

Last but not least, musician and fashion icon Pharrell Williams has released a book about his relationship with jewellery. Carbon, Pressure & Time: A Book of Jewels reveals conversations between the artist and other jewellery designers, such as Jacob & Co. and Lorraine Schwartz, alongside other artists who have also started to create their pieces of high jewellery, such as Tyler, The Creator. Each of Pharrell’s pieces marks an important achievement in his life, such as deeply personal music albums, his family and his closest friends. High jewellery is the canvas he uses to capture his life’s story, often through extremely rare gemstones, including coloured diamonds. If you are a fan of hip-hop culture and want to learn more about the larger-than-life jewellery pieces rappers wear, this will explain it all.

Front over of Pharrell: Carbon, Pressure & Time: A Book of Jewels

Front over of Pharrell: Carbon, Pressure & Time: A Book of Jewels

This year has no shortage of jewellery-centric publications, and all of them include beautiful bindings, ornate drawings and interesting stories. Let us know which ones make your Christmas list!

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Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

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Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

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Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

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Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

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Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

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Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

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Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

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Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

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Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

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