Product Description: Many people are curious about old jewelry. Usually they have some tucked away somewhere or have inherited jewelry passed down from previous generations. This book helps readers accurately circa date their pieces, authenticate and identify metals, and determine the value of treasured items made form 1840 to 1950. With 2000 updated prices, this revised edition is a key reference for dealers, collectors, and appraisers. Sections include jewelry styles from 1840 to 1950, an overview of 100 years of cameos, and the answers to questions about jewelry manufacturing and construction techniques.
*2000 updated prices *Additional information includes Mexican jewelry, Bakelite, and makers' marks
Good condition ^ This book was a gift for my Mother and she got it in wonderful condition. Thank you.
Another GREAT book from this author! ^ Another GREAT book from this author! Wonderful pictures and information. This book has already helped me to buy and sell on eBay and has paid for itself. I have lots of jewelry books and this one is not a re-hash of other old books, as so many out there are. I am a very satisified and happy customer.
Excellent information, cheap binding. ^ Yet another excellent jewellery book by C. Jeanenne Bell. This book is primarily a pictorial pricing guide to jewellery dating from 1840-1950, but the photos are interspersed with detailed pieces of information on topics such as jewellery makers, precious metals, imitation gemstones and the historical context of the jewellery, all of which are likely to be of value to most jewellery collectors.
The main criticism I have of this book is that it is extremely cheaply produced. With the exception of two sets of color plates, the majority of the pictures in this book are in black and white. Furthermore, even though I always handle my books with extreme care, and my copy of this book is only about a year old, the color plates have started to come adrift from the binding. The index is also very brief and not detailed enough for my liking.
This is an excellent book and would be a valuable addition to any jewellery library, but make sure you handle it with care.
On the boring side ^ Book was not put together very good. It was also very boring in alot of areas. The middle section that has pictures...fell completely out of the book and into my hands. Very bad binding job and cheaply made book. Would not recommend this book to anyone.
Questions about Old Jewelry: Covers 1840-1850 ^ Didn't provide the type of information I was looking for but had some helpful hints.