Archive - Jewellery books by Material - Non-metallic
The following titles have been noted by Jewellery History Today. Titles with a reference to JHT at the end are reviewed in that issue. To read the review (members only), click here.
Gems and other stones
(for engraved gems, see publications archive - uses.)
Diamonds
The Splendour of Diamond: 400 Years of Diamond Jewellery in Europe.
Tokyo National Museum, 2003.
278 pages, paperback, Japanese, English.
ISBN: 978-4901357395
Diamonds Across Time: Facets of Mankind.
The World Diamond Museum, 2021, £95.
432 pages, hardback, 17.7 x 32.74 cm.
ISBN: 978-1838048402
Great Diamonds of India.
India Book House, 1999.
144 pages, paperback, 17.3 x 20.1 cm.
ISBN: 978-8175083264
Botswana's Diamonds - Prospecting to Jewellery.
Michael C. Brook, Notwane, 2012.
297 pages, hardback, 28 x 22 cm.
ISBN: 978-9991294186
Botswana Diamond Jewellery.
Michael C. Brook, 2016, $75.
136 pages, hardback, 11.7 x 8.3 inches.
ISBN: 978-9996804182
Koh-i-Noor. The History of the World's Most Infamous Diamond.
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2017, £16.99.
352 pages, hardback, 21.6 x 13.5 cm.
ISBN: 978-1408888841. JHT 31.
Diamonds: The Quest from Solid Rock to the Magic of Diamonds.
Roli Books Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, 2008, £80.
432 pages, hardback, 32.3 x 32.5 cm.
ISBN: 978-8174366733
Romance of the Golconda Diamonds.
Grantha Corporation, 1999.
125 pages, hardback, 21.5 x 26.4 cm.
ISBN: 978-1890206109
Diamond Street: The Hidden World of Hatton Garden.
Hamish Hamilton, 2012. £20.
368 pages, hardback, 23.6 x 15.8 cm.
ISBN: 978-0241142875. JHT 16
The Magic of Diamonds.
Hammond, Hammond & Company, London, 1955.
191 pages, hardback, 22.4 x 14.6 cm.
Diamonds: Their History, Sources, Qualities and Benefits.
Firefly Books, 2021, $49.95.
272 pages, hardback, 9 x 11 inches.
ISBN: 978-0228103318
Diamonds: An Early History of the King of Gems.
Yale University Press, 2018, £35.
408 pages, hardback, 17.1 x 23.8 cm.
ISBN: 978-0300215663
Rocks, Ice and Dirty Stones: Diamond Histories.
Reaktion Books, 2017, £25.
272 pages, hardback, 15.2 x 22.9 cm.
ISBN: 978-1780237527. JHT 31.
Diamond Jewelry: 700 Years of Glory and Glamour.
Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2019, £49.95.
256 pages, hardback, 23.4 x 31.5 cm.
ISBN: 978-0500021507
Diamond Cuts in Historic Jewellery 1381-1910.
Art Books International, 1995.
248 pages, hardback, 22.9 x 30.5 cm.
ISBN: 978-1874044079
Adamas. Diamanten in Geschichte und Geschichten.
Verlag Die Wirtschaft, Berlin, 1984.
328 pages, hardback, 22 x 15 cm, German.
Rubies
Ruby, Sapphire & Spinel: an Archaeological, Textual and Cultural Study.
Brepols Publishers, 2016, €150.
452 pages, hardback in 2 vols, 22.5 x 30 cm.
ISBN: 978-2-503568089. JHT 29
Royal Rubies.
Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2018, €38.
184 pages, hardback, 22 × 28 cm.
ISBN: 978-3897905184
Published in association with an exhibition at Koldinghus Castle, Kolding, Denmark.
Ruby: The King of Gems.
Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2017, £75.
328 pages, hardback, 26.2 x 35.3 cm.
ISBN: 978-0500519417
Other stones
The Smithsonian National Gem Collection―Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels.
Abrams, 2021, £21.99.
192 pages, paperback, 21.97 x 25.53 cm.
ISBN: 978-1419745805
Gems in the Early Modern World: Materials, Knowledge and Global Trade, 1450-1800.
Palgrave Macmillan, 2018, £89.99.
380 pages, hardback, 15.9 x 21.6 cm.
ISBN: 978-3319963785
Gems.
Flammarion, 2020, £35.
304 pages, hardback, 19.61 x 25.17 cm.
ISBN: 978-2081512955
Gemstones in the First Millennium Ad: Mines, Trade, Workshops and Symbolism.
Romisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, 2017, $55.
250 pages, paperback, 8.3 x 11.7 inches.
ISBN: 978-3795432393
The Eduard Josef Gübelin Story: The Art and Science of Gems.
Unicorn Press Ltd, 2015, $60.
306 pages, hardback, 6.7 x 9.6 inches.
ISBN: 978-1910065402
Gemstone/Art: Renaissance to the Present Day. Edelstein/Kunst: Renaissance bis heute.
Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2016, £45.
352 pages, hardback, 25.1 x 31.2 cm, English, German.
ISBN: 978-3897904651
Sapphire: A Celebration of Colour.
Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2021, £85.
328 pages, hardback, 34.5 x 25.2 cm.
ISBN: 978-0500024775
Final instalment in series on coloured gemstones.
Svet minerálov/The World of Minerals
Európske drahoopálové ložiská v Dubníku/European Precious Opal Deposits at Dubník
Granit Ltd., 2017, €40
224 pages, hardback, 8.3 x 11.7 inches
ISBN: 978-8072961061
Krása drahokamu/The Beauty of the Gem
Európsky drahý opál z Dubníka/European Precious Opal from Dubník
Granit Ltd., 2015, €40
224 pages, hardback, 8.3 x 11.7 inches
ISBN: 978-8072960972
The Story of European Precious Opal from Dubník
Granit Ltd., 2011, €30
216 pages, hardback, 8.3 x 11.7 inches
ISBN: 978-8072960798
The New Stone Age: Ideas and Inspiration for Living with Crystals.
Crown Books for Young Readers, 2020, £26.
256 pages, hardback, 19.8 x 26.2 cm.
ISBN: 978-1984856593
Gold, Jasper and Carnelian. Johann Christian Neuber at the Saxon Court.
Paul Holberton Publishing, 2012. £100.
400 pages, hardback, 28.7 x 24.6 cm.
ISBN: 9781907372360.
Emerald: Twenty-one Centuries of Jewelled Opulence and Power.
Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2013, £75.
256 pages, hardback, 35 x 26.2 cm.
ISBN: 978-0500517208
Grenats de Perpignan, bijoux du Roussillon.
Sasl Des Pyrénées-Orientales, 2006, €40.
195 pages, hardback, 30.5 x 22 cm, French.
Traditional garnet jewellery of the Pyrenees.
Dreher Carvings: Gemstone Animals from Idar-Oberstein.
Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2017, £48.
240 pages, hardback, 23.2 x 45.2 cm.
ISBN: 978-3897905078
Devonshire Marbles: Their Geology, History and Uses.
Geologists' Association Guide No. 72.
Vol I: Understanding the marbles, Vol II: Recognising the marbles.
Geologists' Association, 2015, £12 each.
484 pages, spiral-bound paperback, 21 x 16.5 cm.
ISBN: 978-0900717765 (vol I), 978-0900717819 (vol II)
Includes much useful information on the hardstone jewellery of Devonshire and Derbyshire.
Jade, des empereurs à l’Art déco.
Somogy Editions/Guimet, 2016, €38.
288 pages, hardback, 30.8 x 23.8cm, French.
ISBN: 978-2757211489.
English-language version €45, ISBN: 978-2757211779
Published in association with an exhibition at the Museé Guimet, Paris.
A Taste for Green: A global perspective on ancient jade, turquoise and variscite exchange.
Oxbow Books, 2019, £45.
192 pages, hardback, 21.6 x 27.9 cm.
ISBN: 978-1789252743
Lapis Lazzuli. Magia del blu.
Sillabe (Florence), 2015, €35.
391 pages, paperback, 23.5 x 27.5 cm, Italian
ISBN: 978-8883477980
Published in association with an exhibition at the Museo degli Argenti in the Palazzo Pitti, and the Museum of Natural History, at Florence.
Marcasite Jewellery. History, Designers and Manufacturers.
Lane Hartley Publishing, 2016, £25.
175 pages, paperback, 21x 29.7 cm.
ISBN: 978-0957636712
Marcasite Jewellery: Including Irish Iron Pyrites Jewellery and Czech Glass Marcasite Jewellery. History and Price Guide.
Lane Hartley Publishing, 2013, £17.99.
125 pages, paperback, 29.7 x 21 cm.
ISBN: 978-0957636705
Glass
Strass: Modeschmuck aus zwei Jahrhunderten.
Heyne Verlag, Munich, 1990. 240 pages, hardback, 24 x 32 cm, German.
ISBN: 3453043588.
Strass - Due secoli di gioielli di fantasia.
Italian edition. Rizzoli libri illustrati, Milan, 1991.
ISBN: 978-8817246415
Amoroma. Una raccolta di gioielli in micromosaico.
Pagine d’Arte, 2015, €32.
120 pages, paperback, Italian.
ISBN: 978-8896529843
Currency : Contemporary Studio Glass Jewelry and Beads.
Bullseye Glass Company, 2004. $25. 32 pages, paperback, 8.80 x 9.50 inches. ISBN: 978-1935299080
Published in association with an exhibition of the work of 28 international artists working in glass at the Bullseye Gallery in Portland, Oregon.
GlassWear: Glass in Contemporary Jewelry.
Arnoldsche, 2007. £35.
176 pages, hardback, 20.8 x 23.3 cm, English, German.
ISBN: 978-3897902749
Glass in Jewelry: Hidden Artistry in Glass.
Schiffer Pub Ltd, 1991.
200 pages, paperback, 8.5 x 11 inches.
ISBN: 978-0887402951. Numerous later reprints.
Swarovski: Celebrating a History of Collaborations in Fashion, Jewelry, Performance, and Design.
Rizzoli International Publications, 2015, $85.
352 pages, hardback, 10 x 12.5 inches.
ISBN: 978-0847844180
Glass Jewellery.
Bee Books, 2002.
54 pages, paperback, 24.8 x 23.6 cm.
ISBN: 978-4896158885
Gablonzer Glas und Schmuck. Tradition und Gegenwart einer kunsthandwerklichen Industrie.
Verlagshaus Sudetenland, Munich, 1979.
104 pages, paperback, 20.5 x 14.5 cm, German.
ISBN: 978-3922423072
Brilliant Impressions. An Exhibition of Antique Paste and Other Jewellery.
S.J.Phillips, London 2010. £30. ISBN 9780199237517. JHT 9
Linda MacNeil. Jewels of Glass.
Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2016, £25.
128 pages, hardback, 22 x 28.5 cm.
ISBN: 978-3897904712
Organic materials
Amber
Ambra. Dalle rive del Baltico all'Etruria.
Gangemi Editore, 2013, €20.
96 pages, paperback, 24.2 x 22.4 cm, Italian. ISBN: 978-8849225358
Published in association with an exhibition at Rome.
Ambre: Mémoire du temps.
Thalia Edition, 2009, €25.
322 pages, hardback, 28.8 x 22.4 cm, French. ISBN: 978-2352780472
Amber: Jewelry, Art, and Science.
Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 2009. £24.95. ISBN: 978-0764331688.
Amazing Amber.
NMSE - Publishing Ltd, 2013, £7.99.
48 pages, paperback, 24 x 17 cm. ISBN: 978-1905267798
Published to accompany an exhibition at The National Musuem of Scotland in Edinburgh. A concise guide to identifying the age, origins, inclusions and simulants of amber, as well as its uses in jewellery.
Along the Amber Route: St Petersburg to Venice.
C. J. Schüler.
Sandstone Press Ltd, 2020, £16.99.
320 pages, hardback, 16.2 x 24 cm.
ISBN: 978-1912240913
History of the origins, myths and uses of amber.
Hair
Collector's Encyclopedia of Hairwork Jewelry: Identification & Values.
Collector Books, 1998.
335 pages, hardback, 8.8 x 11.2 inches.
ISBN: 978-1574320497.
Art of Hair Work: Hair Braiding and Jewelry of Sentiment.
Lacis, 1996.
208 pages, paperback, 8.8 x 11.2 inches.
ISBN: 978-0916896317.
Reprint of book published in 1875, supplemented by material from Godey's Lady's Book from years 1850 - 1859.
Les Ouvrages en cheveux : leurs secrets.
Éditions de l'Amateur, 1986.
115 pages, hardback, 24.8 x 18 cm, French.
ISBN: 978-2950112217.
Published on the occasion of the author's donation of his collection to the Musée national des arts et traditions populaires, and an accompanying exhibition.
Schmuck und Bilder aus Haaren: Ein europäisches Kulturerbe.
SKN, 1995.
152 pages, hardback, 28.5 x 21 cm.
ISBN: 978-3928327206.
Pearls
Pearls
Qatar Museum Authority/Skira, 2010. $85.
ISBN 978-8857200880. JHT 11
Pink Pearl: A Natural Treasure of the Caribbean.
Skira, 2007, £29.95.
176 pages, hardback, 10.1 x 12 inches.
ISBN 978-8861300132.
Merveilleuses Perles : Répertoire raisonné des perles célèbres.
Argus Valentines, 2006. €25.
317 pages, hardback, 28 x 21.6 cm.
ISBN: 978-2919769186
Sea of Pearls. Seven thousand years of the industry that shaped the Gulf.
Arabian Publishing Ltd, 2012. £95.00.
364 pages, hardback, 25 x 33 cm.
ISBN: 978-0957106000. JHT16
Pearls.
V & A Publishing, 2013, £25.
160 pages, hardback, 2.45 x 2.1 cm.
ISBN: 978-1851777556. JHT 19
People And Pearls: The Magic Endures.
Harper, 2000.
240 pages, hardback, 7.5 x 10 inches.
ISBN: 978-0060193317.
Angels Tears or Gems of the Ocean — Pearls in the History of Jewellery.
Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim, 2013, €42.
96 pages, paperback, German, English.
ISBN: 978-3933924155
Published in association with an exhibtion at the Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim.
The Book of the Pearl: Its History, Art, Science and Industry.
Dover Publications Inc, latest edition 2002.
672 pages, paperback, 23.39 x 15.6 cm.
ISBN: 978-0486422763.
Pearls, People, and Power (Indian Ocean Studies Series).
Pedro Machado, Steve Mullins, Joseph Christensen.
Ohio University Press, 2019, $90.
428 pages, hardback, 6 x 9 inches.
ISBN: 978-0821424025
Perles: Une histoire naturelle.
RMN, 2007, €15.
104 pages, paperback, 27.6 x 20.8 cm. ISBN: 978-2711853960.
Catalogue of an exhibition at the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution, Paris
American Baroque: Pearls and the Nature of Empire, 1492-1700.
University of North Carolina Press, 2018, $39.95.
304 pages, hardback, 6.5 x 9.5 inches.
ISBN: 978-1469638973. JHT 34
Published in association with the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture.
Other marine materials
Shell Gorgets: Styles of the Late Prehistoric and Protohistoric Southeast.
Peabody Museum Press, 1996.
544 pages, paperback, 8.9 x 11.5 inches.
ISBN: 978-0873658126
Seduzione senza tempo. Corallo e cammei tra memoria e modernità.
Timeless seduction. Coral and cameos between memory and modernity.
Centrobanca, 2015, €5.
42 pages, paperback, 22 x 22 cm, Italian, English.
Published in association with an exhibition at Vicenza.
The Timeless Cowrie. Its Significance the World Over.
Bead Society of Greater Washington, 2007.
31 pages, paperback, 22 x 22 cm.
ISBN: 978-0972506632
Published in association with an exhibition at the Bead Museum in Washington DC.
Parures de la mer.
Musée Océanographique, Monaco, 2000.
173 pages, paperback, 25 x 20 cm.
ISBN: 978-2726002162.
Catalogue of an exhibition at Musée Océanographique, Monaco.
Other organic materials
Jewelry from Nature: Amber Coral Horn Ivory Pearls Shell Tortoiseshell Wood Exotica.
Thames & Hudson, 2010, £24.95.
224 pages, hardback, 23.3 x 26 cm.
ISBN: 978-0500515334
Nature Transformed: French Art Nouveau Horn Jewelry.
Macklowe Gallery, 2013, $35.
90 pages, paperback, 22.6 x 25.1 cm. ISBN: 978-0985429409
Published in association with an exhibition at the Macklowe Gallery in New York.
Schmuck und Gerät aus "Bein" Vom Eiszeitalter bis zur Gegenwart.
Prähistorische Staatssammlung, Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte, Munich, 1997.
207 pages, paperback, 23.2 x 17.4 cm.
ISBN: 978-3927806191
Published in association with an exhibition at the Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte, Munich.
Decorative and Symbolic Uses of Fossils: Selected Groups, Mainly Invertebrate.
Oxford University Pitt Rivers Museum, 1985.
110 pages, paperback, 9.5 x 7.5 inches.
ISBN: 978-0902793170
Roman jet in the Yorkshire Museum.
Yorkshire Museum, 1996.
55 pages, paperback, 21 x 27 cm.
ISBN: 978-0905807171
Jet Jewellery and Ornaments.
Shire Publications, numerous editions.
32 pages, paperback, 14.5 x 20.4 cm.
ISBN: 978-0852635032
Tortoiseshell.
Robert Hale Ltd, 2021, £25.
192 pages, hardback, 13.79 x 21.59 cm.
ISBN: 978-0719831447
Plastics
Collecting Art Plastic Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide
Krause Publications, 2005.
256 pages, paperback, 8 x 10.5 inches.
ISBN 978-0873499545
Peter Chang: It's Only Plastic.
Arnoldsche, 1999.
176 pages, hardback, 24.6 x 26.7 cm.
ISBN: 978-3897901728
The Bakelite Jewelry Book
Abbeville Press, 1988.
156 pages, hardback, 9.4 x 10.5 inches.
ISBN 978-0896598676
Bakelite Jewelry
Book Sales, 1996.
128 pages, hardback, 9 x 11.5 inches.
ISBN 978-0785802761
Bijoux Bakélite. Le Guide du Collectionneur des Bijoux en Bakélite. Styles, Formes, Couleurs
Serges Média/Books Co, Paris, 2001, €21.
128 pages, paperback, 21.7 x 28.5 cm, French.
ISBN 978-2845840317
Other
Good as Gold. Alternative Materials in American Jewelry.
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, 1981.
32 pages, paperback.
ISBN: 978-0865280137
Precious Paper. Paper Jewellery Design.
Skira Editore, 2018, €25.
120 pages, hardback, 26 x 26 cm, Italian, English.
ISBN: 978-8857236681
Antique Photographic Jewelry: Tokens of Affection & Regard.
Carl Mautz Publishing, 2005.
256 pages, hardback, 11 x 13 inches.
ISBN 978-1887694513.
Forme implicite. Gioielli di Faïences/Unearthed shapes. Faiences jewels.
Allemandi, October, 2011. 25 euro.
ISBN 978-8842220626.