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

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #61316 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

From Library Journal
Bell, an appraiser for PBS's Antiques Roadshow and the author of collectible jewelry guides and videos, has released another update to her 1996 work of the same title, now in its fifth edition. An identification and value guide for a century's worth of collectible American and English jewelry, this title consists of three main sections: "When Was It Made and What Is It Worth?," "100 Years of Cameos," and "Manufacturing Techniques." Each of six chapters in the first section covers a specific time and stylistic period; historical information introduces each of the chapters. The entries provide the date, a brief written description, and the price value of each piece, augmented by more than 1700 photographs, some in color. Prices are either from an auction house, collector, or dealer, with the source used indicated for every entry. Helpful appendixes cover how to date jewelry, distinguish metals, authenticate pieces, and identify designer and trademarks. The unfortunate absence of an index limits access; however, the table of contents is detailed. Useful for serious jewelry collectors and casual hobbyists alike, Bell's work is a nice complement to Christie Romero's Warman's Jewelry (Warman's: Krause, 1998) and is recommended for larger public libraries.
-Jennifer Mayer, Univ. of Wyoming Libs., Laramie
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
C. Jeanenne Bell, G.G., is an avid collector and retailer and does appraisals for the PBS program, Antiques Roadshow. She is a member of the Society of Jewelry Historians, and Jewelers of America, National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Manufacturers Jewlers and Silversmiths of America, The Alumni Association of Gemological Institute of America, and The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

Customer Reviews

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.