Reviews (3)

Good book, but...
With a huge background in costume jewelry, I was looking forward to this book. The information in it was great with makers and designers I had never heard of, that made me very happy. I was NOT happy though with the 'size' of this book, it is VERY small. The photos were wonderfull when they were close up enough to see detail, but most of the photos of multiple pieces or sets were too small to see any detail. I would suggest this book for the information and details about designers, but not really for the photos.

Must have for collectors
This is one of the most amazing books written about vintage costume jewelry.The examples shown are ones most collectors can only dream of one day owning.The photography is fabulous, and the jewelry is world class.This compact book is easy to take anywhere, and more interesting each time you pick it up.

A wonderful pictorial & educational Jewelry Source!
This book by Dena Farnetti Cera has the most fabulous color pictures of jewelry spanning from the early 1900's thru the early 70's. Every single page is packed with insightful information on the designer, construction,craftsmanship, identifiable marks, and date of jewelry piece. Some of theexamples in here are truly exquisite. A must have for any serious jewelryenthusiast to hardcore collector/dealer. It is very easy for one to perusethru - whether you are looking for a particular designer/ manufacturer orstyle - you are sure to find it. It gives you a taste of many differentdesigners. It is well organized & written - the picture quality issuperb. The only thing it is lacking is prices. For someone looking toidentify & educate themselves it is a Must Have! If you are trying tovalue your pieces -and need a price guide - this book does not offerthat. Overall, this would be an important book to add to any costumejewelry library! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Costume jewelry    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. General    7. History    8. Jewelry    9. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    10. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    11. Reference works   

Reviews (1)

Another winner...
I'm amazed at how wonderfully this, and similar books are crafted. The color reproduction, detail, and information, is superb. Kudos to the staff who produced this wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Clocks & Watches    5. Design    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Reference - Price Guides    8. Antiques & Collectibles / Clocks & Watches   

Reviews (1)

The title says it all
"The best projects from a year of Bead&Button"!
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Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts   

Reviews (2)

Deals with many aspects of beadwork
I bought this book because i was attracted by the colorful beads,andalso because i liked the idea that i was ready to start beding since i had all of the equipment that was necessary to begin with. In fact the items that come algong with the book, needles, thread, beads, pins, etc are very usefull to people like me who dont know how to make a knot to start bedding and dont have the basic stuff at home. However,there weren�t too many instructions for the projects that could be carried out with that stuff. I was expecting a larger amount of things to do and more creative as well. Instead, there is an extensive Introduction where the culture and customs of the African people are described and the importance of the beads is emphasized. It was not what I was looking for since it wasn�t concentrated on instructions but instead on historical facts.

Excellent book for those who loves handcrafts
People who love doing unique and exotic handicrafts will find this book terrific. The art of beading is described from the simplest to the most sophisticated ones. Beginners are given a step-by-step guidance: from thebasic to the most complicated techniques in creating spectacular work ofart; while learning about the beauty of this African art. This book will bea marvelous gift for people who like to keep themselves busy at home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa, Sub-Saharan    2. American - African-American    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Folk & Outsider Art    7. History    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Jewelry    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (7)

The foundation for the study of Gemstone Lore
This book ought to be required reading for all studying the occult aspects of gemstones, and even those that are interested in crystal healing. The material presented in this book is very informative, albeit outdated in some respects. Nonetheless, it is necessary to learn what the formative principles are in this field of study, and this book is an excellent look into the earlier work published solely on the topic of gemstones.

Classic on Gemstone Lore
I bought this book because Kunz's work has been the basis for much of what we know about ancient gemstone lore.Kunz's lifelong passion for rocks and gemstones began in childhood and as a gemologist and geologist, he was able to collect and organize vast amounts of gemstone lore. He was also a collector of stones, amulets and magical charms, many of which were donated to the American Museum of Natural History.His enthusiasm for the subject is evident and even though this bookis nearly 100 years old, I found it surprisingly easy to read.

A precious book
Interesting book dealing about precious stone and their lore in the past. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - General    2. Folklore    3. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    4. Gems    5. General    6. Jewelry    7. Occult sciences    8. Philosophy    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Superstition    12. Gold & silversmithing    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making    14. Science / Earth Sciences   

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Design - Decorative    5. History - Modern (Late 19th Century to 1945)    6. 20th century    7. Art / Design / Decorative    8. Gold & silversmithing    9. Modernist design & Bauhaus    10. USA   

Subjects:  1. 1881-1972    2. 20th century    3. Antiques & Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Exhibitions    7. History    8. Jewelry    9. New York    10. New York (State)    11. Schepps, Seaman,    12. Antiques & Collectibles / Jewelry    13. Individual artists    14. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry    10. Handicrafts    11. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (11)

For All Levels of Gemaholics
An excellent guide for what to look for in a gemstone, how to identify a gemstone, and lots of info on the listed gemstones throughout the book.

excellent resource
Loads of information, nicely illustrated. More info on origin,judging clarity / transparency / quality and more on pricing than Smithsonian Gemstones, naturally, cause its called "buying guide". Althugh I am not a hound, and cannot afford to buy the stones, I am very happy to have bought the book.

great introduction to gemstones
This is a great introduction for the beginner.Lots of color photographs of both cut gemstones and finished jewelry make this a beautiful book.The author goes over shape and cutting style, carat, color, clarity, cut quality and treatments.She also explains the difference between synthetic and natural stones.The last part of the book has entries for various gemstones with detailed descriptions of the qualities of each.Again with lots of photos.After reading this I do feel comfortable comparing stones and prices. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Carving    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Precious stones    4. Purchasing    5. Consumer guides & advice    6. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (3)

Seed Bead Chains
This book helped me to learn spiral seed bead chains.Some of the directions were too basic for me and some of the directions weren't clear enough for me. The key word here is patience.If you have the patience to read and re-read and re-read again and again to figure things out, this might be an okay booklet for you.If not, you might want to seek out another book with clearer directions.Just my opinion.I am an intermediate beader so I am writing this to beginners who might buy this and be disappointed if they have to struggle to get a project complete.It's a good booklet for intermediate and advanced seedbead workers

great patterns
I bought this book last Fall and made two different types of necklaces for Christmas gifts...everyone loved them!The patterns are easy to follow and fun to make.Worth the money!

Easy-Does-It but Beautiful!
First time I've managed to make necklaces with seed beads and not give up after the first hour! Great directions - easy to follow even though I'm left handed. Have made two different necklaces and can't wait to make the others. Great fun and everyone loves them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry   

Reviews (6)

Good book to teach canes and give examples
The author shows how to make canes and that is pretty much all that is in this book.Not much if you are looking for other techniques.

5stars for us beginners
Im new at polymer clay and this book is just perfect.Ive loaned it out but kept track of it so no one forgets to bring it back too..I really couldnt have learned so much about canning and the craft of beads in polymer clay without this book..ITs a must add to your clay library.Mrs.C.

Love it!
My friend gave me this book last Xmas (2003) and I love it! It teaches you the basics of making your own jewelry from polymer clay. I would've never thought of making jewelry myself, but with this book it soon became a hobby of mine. They have detailed instructions with gorgeous pictures--perfect for any beginner or expert. Recommend! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Handicraft    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Polymer clay craft    10. Art techniques & materials    11. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    12. Handicrafts    13. Jewellery & jewellery-making    14. NATURE - NATURE WRITNG TRD HC   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Asia, Southeastern    6. Asian    7. Jewelry    8. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    9. Southeast Asia    10. Antiques & Collectibles / Jewelry   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Clock And Watch Making    6. Clocks & Watches    7. Antiques & Collectibles / Clocks & Watches    8. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Reviews (5)

Perfect!
it is perfect for any girl who likes to be elegant. personally, i think this book will make each girl look fabuolously unique.

Great!
This is an excellent book.It is a very small book but what is inside is great!The pictures are beautiful.The projects range from simple to more complex.Instructions easy to understand.Great job.I just received book and have already completed one of the bracelets!!

Sorry a bit difficult
I did like the book but found it very hard to understand being a visual person for me it was hard to understand some of the project without the pictures.But fill with beautiful projects ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Jewelry making    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Wire    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    11. Crochet   

Reviews (1)

A truly well-rounded treasury
Totems To Turquoise: Native North American Jewelry Arts Of The Northwest And Southwest is a lavish artbook filled cover-to-cover with full-color photographs not only of beautiful Native American jewelry, but also portraits of the individual artists crafters who create it. Brief descriptions of each piece and broader essays enlighten the reader as to how and why these visually stunning articles were created, and the symbolism underlying their design. Many pieces feature short commentaries by the creators themselves. A truly well-rounded treasury and a welcome addition to contemporary Native American art shelves.
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Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Exhibitions    5. Indians of North America    6. Jewelry    7. Northwest, Pacific    8. Southwest, New    9. Themes, motives    10. Antiques & Collectibles / Jewelry    11. Art of indigenous peoples    12. Decorative arts & crafts    13. USA   

Reviews (2)

Love the whole series!
This is a gorgeous book that will delight and inspire.The photos are beautiful and the accompanying captions, located in the back of the book, provide a good background on each piece.I recommend this entire series very highly (bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces).

Breathtaking!
This is a breathtaking, beyond-beautiful book of ethnic bracelets. If you're a jewlery artist, you will gain a tremendous amount of inspiration from this coffee-table (NOT a how-to) book. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Bracelets    5. Catalogs    6. Design - Textile & Costume    7. Ethnic jewelry    8. History - General    9. Jewelry    10. Private collections    11. Antiques & Collectibles / Jewelry    12. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    13. Individual artists    14. Jewellery & jewellery-making    15. Photography / Fashion   

Reviews (4)

Beautiful and Informative Book
This book far exceeded my expectations for the price!The only minor criticism I have is that I wish ALL the photographs had been in color.A great deal......

FANTASTIC!!
Beautiful book, this book was much more than I expected.The pictures of jewellery and the information contained within was worth every penny.

Art Nouveau Jewelry
This is a gorgeous book with fine high quality photos and great history, but it lacks a price guide which would add greatly to the appeal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Art nouveau    5. Decoration and ornament    6. History    7. History - Modern (Late 19th Century to 1945)    8. Jewelry    9. Antiques & collectables: gold & silver (other than jewellery)    10. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    11. Art Deco    12. Europe    13. Gold & silversmithing    14. Jewellery & jewellery-making    15. USA   

Reviews (4)

Senior Citizen Style
I too believe that the instructions are vague but the pictures are nice.One star for effort and one for the pictures.I also think that all the designs are for old ladies.Yuck, wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.Well, unless I didn't like them.

Not what I had hoped for
The photos, illustrations, and layout are beautiful, and at first flip through I found several pieces that I wanted to make, but when I began working on them I found the directions to be incredibly vague. This is not a good book for a beginner to learn from. I am generally very good at learning new skills from books, but the information just isn't there. I found I had to refer to other publications to figure out techniques and then guess at how to make the pieces shown here.

DISAPPOINTED
I recieved the book yesterday. Alot of the designs and projects are relatively simple to make. I find that the same designs are repeated throughout the book. As with lariats, chokers, and simple strung neclaces. The instructions are vague, and many times are left up to the student to figure out. There are diagrams, but no threadpath to find out where to start or end. In many cases there is NO threadpath at all. There are better designs and instructions in bead magazines.
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Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jewelry    7. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    8. Jewelry making    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Jewelry   

Reviews (1)

The best book in English or Chinese available.
I used this book to train myself in judging the quality and authenticity of Chinese silver last year in markets throughout China (especially in Beijing). The book really teaches you what you need to know to understand the symbolism contained in the objects you encounter and it is really a book rooted in Anthropology. The examples in the book range from typical examples of things up to museum pieces . The photography is first rate and far better than that in Chinese books on the subject. The time and effort which went into writing this book as wel as the collecting of these objects is clearly a labor of love . If you want to understand Chinese Silver this book has no equal . And even if you don't collect silver this book may be the best available analysis of typical Chinese Symbolism regardless of its focus on silver . ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Asian    4. General    5. Antiques & collectables: gold & silver (other than jewellery)    6. China    7. Gold & silversmithing   

Reviews (1)

Wildly charming, with luscious photographs!
This is simply a jewel of a book.
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Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Charms (Ornaments)    6. Commercial - Fashion Design    7. History - General    8. Jewelry    9. Antiques & Collectibles / Jewelry