The Master Jewelers

Many of the stunning pieces pictured here would be more at home in a museum than adorning mere mortals. These are consummate creations of 19th- and 20th-century designers who chose gems and metals above oils and canvas as their raw materials. In 15 chapters written by as many connoisseurs and scholars, the book considers the history and productivity of various legendary jewelry firms (e.g., Cartier) and master craftsmen in the decorative and applied arts. Whether drawing their inspiration from ancient Rome, the Renaissance or Asia, these undisputed artists often fashioned the fabulous: bejeweled distaffs and diadems; translucent cloisonne enamels; glittering Faberge eggs; a flexible collar of sapphires and diamonds, courtesy of Tiffany workmen, that was 1800 hours in the making. Snowman, head of the London jewelry house Wartski, presents a serious, glitteringly detailed and seductive look at incredible artifacts. (Nov.)