Product Description

A master of metamorphosis, Sicilian duke-turned-jewelry-designer Fulco di Verdura (1898-1978) studded seashells with precious gems, transformed sailor's knots into pearl-encrusted necklaces, and wrapped blazing ruby hearts with braided gold rope. Since the mid-20th century, his ultrasophisticated neo-Baroque pieces have been the status symbols of a near-secret society of European blue bloods, Hollywood royalty, and Park Avenue patricians. Verdura's by-appointment-only patrons included Wallis Simpson, Marlene Dietrich, and Diana Vreeland, who considered his Maltese Cross cuffs an essential part of her daily uniform.

In this lavish book, featuring fresh color photographs as well as vintage images, Patricia Corbett presents a deft evaluation of Verdura's work and a glimpse inside his impossibly glamorous world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #488467 in Books
• Published on: 2002-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

From Booklist
Every twentieth-century society name, from Coco Chanel to Babe Paley, is mentioned at least once in this meticulous biography of Sicilian jeweler Fulco Santostefano della Cerda, duke of Verdura. Art historian Corbett relishes details, including long descriptions of Fulco's work and play in New York, Paris, Venice, and Hollywood. Augmenting the prose are exquisite color photographs of his creations, reproductions of his drawings and miniature paintings, and illustrations of his art as shown in fashion magazines and by famous photographers. Yet this is not simply a litany of a life; Corbett spotlights Fulco's friendships, family, and personality without commentary or judgment. Plus, she factualizes a life and a name that previously were only a legend and a coveted signature. A wonderful evocation of long-gone elegance and art. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From the Publisher
"America's Crown Jeweler."-The New York Times

About the Author
Patricia Corbett is an art historian and curator, and has written for the New York Review of Books, Atlantic Monthly, Condé Nast Traveler, and the New York Times. Amy Fine Collins is a Special Correspondent to Vanity Fair.

Customer Reviews

Amazing
This book has not only wonderful pictures but also incredible biography of Verdura -- highly recommend it.

A wonderfully depicted and detailed account
This is a wonderfully written and illistrated account of an incredible person. I found the detail fascinating and the pictures amazing! A great addition to your wardrobe of books on REAL jewelry.