Publisher's Synopsis
This is the first time this topic has been investigated in such a comprehensive manner, having previously only been dealt with limited to specific producers or production areas. Following the evolution of an art that has developed over thousands of years, this volume contains over three hundred images illustrating jewellery produced between 1900 and 1990. The chapters follow a chronological order and systematically look at the political and economic events influencing the fate of jewellery, as well as the fashion, the role of women, the artistic and architectural experiences, and the tastes of the time. Alongside the most prominent maisons feature less-known jewellers of doubtless creativity and artistic quality. Detailed biographies of each of the jewellers mentioned are included at the end of the volume.
