Page Turners: The Best Jewellery Books of 2024 – Part One
Each year, as Christmas approaches, we curate a list of our favourite jewellery books, sharing our top picks for the season. With so many brilliant publications launched over the past 12 months, we’re bringing you our review in not one but two parts! From fascinating jewel stories to insights on up-and-coming designers and gemstone encyclopaedias, these books are perfect for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Consider this your festive reading wish list…
If Jewels Could Talk by Carol Woolton
As a jewellery historian, British Vogue contributing editor, and podcast host, Woolton brings her expertise to life by exploring the stories behind seven key types of jewellery—hoops, rings, beads, charms, brooches, cuffs, and headpieces—featuring examples from ancient and contemporary cultures like Viking silver torques, Roman cameos, and Hindu wedding jewellery. The book highlights the universal role jewellery plays in human connection, with Woolton reflecting on its timeless significance: “Whatever time or culture you were born into, we all essentially wear the same things.” It is an interesting read that sparks curiosity and keeps you entertained throughout.
Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color by Kevin Ferreira and Katerina Perez
Picture a gemstone that glows with the same intensity as the neon-blue waters of a hidden lagoon, a stone so rare and captivating that it almost seems too beautiful to be real. Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color invites you to embark on a journey into the heart of this magical gem. Co-authored by Katerina Perez and gem expert Kevin Ferreira, this book offers fascinating stories of mining, history, and design. From its electric colour that mesmerises the eye to its place in the hands of top designers, the book offers an intimate look at how Paraiba has inspired jewellery that graces red carpets and auction houses alike. Through its pages, you'll uncover the mystique of one of the rarest gemstones to ever exist.
Precious:The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time by Helen Molesworth
Did you know that the life of a gemstone is as interesting as it is dazzling? From its discovery deep in the earth to its final home in a regal jewel, each gem travels on a remarkable journey through trade, turmoil, and triumph. Helen Molesworth brings these stories to life, tracing the paths of ten of nature’s most radiant creations, where gemstones are fought over, worn by emperors and kings, then later lose their popularity, only to sell for huge amounts in a new era. Rich with stories of history, politics, archaeology, chemistry, and romance, Molesworth weaves together the fascinating journey of these gems, capturing the essence of their life in human story. An entertaining and engaging exploration of the life of gemstones.
Jewelry's Shining Stars: The Next Generation by Beth Bernstein
Imagine a treasure chest filled with the untold stories of 45 remarkable female jewellers, each piece showcasing the depth of their skill and creativity. This book is not merely a collection of jewellery; it is a celebration of those who shape both metal and tradition, crafting modern heirlooms that bridge the past and the future. Through candid reflections, it offers a front-row seat to the creative journeys of these designers—whether they're reviving ancient techniques or boldly rewriting the rules. This book provides a glimpse into the future of jewellery, offering a preview of what's to come and the trailblazers shaping the industry's next chapter.
No Stone Unturned by Richa Goyal Sikri
I've always been fascinated by the hidden stories and trade secrets of the gemstone world; there's something undeniably thrilling about exploring the intricacies of this industry. If you share this passion, then this book will take you on an exhilarating journey through the African gemstone trade. Written by jewellery journalist Richa Sikri, it offers short stories about gem hunters, mine owners, and brokers, detailing their daily struggles, the politics they navigate, and the risks they face. As informative as it is engaging, the book sheds light on the complex web of trade practices, policies, and the personal and professional lives of those at its heart. It's a compelling read, revealing the lesser-known realities of the gem trade.
Divine Jewels The Pursuit of Beauty by Kazumi Arikawa
Exploring a collector's collection is always intriguing, as it reveals the stories, passions, and personal tastes behind their treasures. And when the collection is as vast as Kazumi Arikawa's, it's an experience you won't forget. Known for his vast and rare assortment, Arikawa has amassed everything from royal jewels to historical tiaras, with a focus on pieces of exceptional artistic and historical value. Divine Jewels offers us a look at his treasures, guided by the expert eye of historian Diana Scarisbrick. The book blends Arikawa's personal stories with scholarly insight, showcasing his deep spiritual connection to jewellery and its place in Japanese culture. Each page reveals the passion and dedication behind the collection, making it more than just a visual journey—it's a celebration of beauty, history, and craftsmanship.
Gempedia by Rui Galopim Carvalho
The world of gemstones is vast, ancient, and mysterious, and for anyone new to the industry, an encyclopaedia of sorts is essential to navigate its complexities. Even seasoned professionals sometimes find it difficult to stay on track! This is where Gempedia comes in, serving as a sophisticated and comprehensive dictionary. Compiled by Rui Galopim de Carvalho FGA DGA, a distinguished gemmologist and consultant with over 30 years of expertise in gem testing, education, and science communication, GemPedia features more than 7,300 terms and definitions gathered over decades. It has earned the endorsement of Gem-A, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, and the support of the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), both leaders in the field of gem education. This extensive gem glossary spans technical, ancient, and modern information, making it an invaluable resource for anyone serious about understanding gemstones and their world.
As the pages of these books turn, you’ll uncover stories that mesmerise, educate, and inspire. From hidden gems to iconic collections, these reads are more than just pages—they’re windows into the heart of the jewellery world. If you’re still looking for more, stay tuned for part two, where we’ll reveal even more literary treasures.
WORDS
Hirshi Sujanti began her career in marketing for luxury jewelry brands in India. However, she soon realized that her true calling lay in the art of storytelling. This epiphany led her to take on freelance projects as a writer for an Indian fashion brand and later for KaterinaPerez.com.
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