Costume Jewelry -- Favorite Reference Books?

There are plenty of costume jewellery experts at VFG, but I'm going to leap in and offer a lovely book that I've found really useful - Costume Jewelry by Judith Miller (DK Collector's Guides):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Costume-Jew...=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260790010&sr=8-9

If you want a big, glossy book full of gorgeous eye-candy that also appears to be a credible source of info on types, styles, materials, makers and so on, this one is great. I don't think its the most comprehensive guide, but its very user-friendly and a good start to getting a handle on things.

Sarah :xmas3:
 
Sarah -

A word of caution about the Judith Miller book. It is truly gorgeous and full of wonderful eye candy but there are a number of errors in the book. The author relied on the dealer who owned or was offering each piece in the book for her information. Some sections are totally inaccurate in terms of dating the pieces, and some of the plastics and a few pieces are not identified correctly.

I have found that many books have errors - some because more information has become available since the book was written. The absolute best books are the Brunialti books about high end American costume jewelry. They are now available in English.

Linn
 
Originally posted by Linn
...
A word of caution about the Judith Miller book. It is truly gorgeous and full of wonderful eye candy but there are a number of errors in the book. The author relied on the dealer who owned or was offering each piece in the book for her information. Some sections are totally inaccurate in terms of dating the pieces, and some of the plastics and a few pieces are not identified correctly.
...
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Hear, hear! I didn't want to say it, but it's true. Miller is best with furniture and those areas that she specializes in. It's a beautiful coffee table book, but there are glaring errors, from beginning to end.

You can't go wrong with the newer Brunialti books (but would probably avoid the first translation of their early Italian works) or you may want to get the Warman's by the now late (and very lovely person) Christie Romero -- which is a very good basic first book.
 
Ha ha! I should have been a bit more cautious about that one. Let's say that its a nice, glossy coffee table book but should not be relied upon for accurate information!

Thanks for weighing in Linn and Laura!

Its always good to find out what is actual credible and reliable information, and I'm happy to be corrected on this since it is outside my field.

I feel the same about John Peacock's clumsily drawn fashion reference books. They are inaccurate and misleading and have no place in anyone's library! Off-topic, sorry, but be warned!

Sarah
 
Originally posted by TinTrunk
I feel the same about John Peacock's clumsily drawn fashion reference books. They are inaccurate and misleading and have no place in anyone's library! Off-topic, sorry, but be warned!
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Too funny Sarah! :lol: I had purchased the Peacock book awhile back, before being warned. I wish I knew you then -- you could have saved me some good money, lolol!
 
Oh man! That sounded a bit harsh, didn't it! Sorry Laura and Linn! :BAGUSE:

I remember Peacock's books being vilified by our tutors when I was studying design history - we were warned that he was not a reliable or accurate source of information and to avoid him at all costs. In fact we were threatened with lower marks if our essays had any of his pictures or references!

The major lesson was to always check the credentials of the author (and the publisher in fact) when consulting publications. If you're relying on the research of someone else, make sure they are rigorous and thorough, are experienced and respected in their field, and that they carefully cite all their sources.

So I'm so grateful for your recommendations of the Brunialti and Warman books, which I shall definitely seek out. It really is a minefield when you are not familiar with a subject and want some good honest information!

Sarah :christmas3:
 
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