3 Must-Read Books for Antique Jewelry Enthusiasts: A Comprehensive Guide to the History, Art, and Craftsmanship of Jewelry

Antique jewelry is not just a fashion statement, it is also a reflection of history and culture.

Collecting antique jewelry can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby. It is an opportunity to learn about the art, craftsmanship, and symbolism of different eras and cultures. If you are interested in learning more about antique jewelry, here are my 3 favorite books which I highly recommend (they all can be found easily on Amazon)

1. "Starting to Collect Antique Jewellery" by John Benjamin

This book is designed specifically for beginners who want to start collecting antique jewelry. It introduces you the different styles in the jewelry history and provides useful advices on how to identify them without going into too much detail.

It is short and easy to read (you may probably finish it over a weekend!), but it is very practical and provides you some very basic knowledge when you just start, so you will not get lost right away. This is also the first antique jewelry book I’ve ever read!

2. "Understanding Jewellery" by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti

I call this book the bible of any antique jewelry books all time! The author David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti both worked in Sotheby's Jewelry Division and they provided a comprehensive guide to the 19^th and 20^th century jewelry, based on their professional expertise. You will learn how to identify different styles and periods of jewelry, and how to determine the value of a piece. With almost 1000 magnificent color illustrations accompanied by straightforward but thorough explanations, this publication offers a richer and more accessible reading experience than traditional text-dominated books.

At the beginning of the book, there is also a chapiter introducing the precious and semi-precious stones, and details of the stylistic developments of jewelry over the last 200 years.

It is an essential guide for anyone who wants to deep dive into the world of antique jewelry or become a dealer one day.

3. "Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty" by Diana Scarisbrick

Rings have always been a symbol of power, love, and loyalty. This book explores the history and symbolism of rings, from ancient times to the present day. It covers different types of rings, including engagement rings, wedding rings, and signet rings. The book also includes beautiful photographs of rings from different periods and cultures.

These three books are my picks for anyone who wants to learn more about collecting antique jewelry. They provide valuable information on the history, art, and symbolism of antique jewelry, and are an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced collectors.

Let me know in the comment if you have any recommendations on jewelry books so we can all take benefits from the experiences of each other!

Happy reading!