Collect Contemporary: Jewelry

A great little book (208 pages, in a convenient size for carrying) from two industry insiders, Collect Contemporary Jewelry presents the work - and biographical sketches - of 40 contemporary jewelers. Each gets 4 pages of profile text and nice color illustrations of a range of their work, giving a nice snapshot of contemporary jewelry designers. There's an introduction on how to go about buying and/or commissioning contemporary jewelry, some basic information on caring for pieces, and a summary guide to relevant museums and galleries and fairs, even jewelry schools. There's also a section of short biographical summaries on the 40 artists, listing their education, exhibitions, major collections - and their websites and rough price ranges, making it easy to locate people you're interested in and figure out if you can afford their work. This is an international volume, and there were only a few people included whose work I was already familiar with. It covers a good range, including fairly conservative to fairly radical designs and materials, some playful and some formal. A really nice, useful, inspiring volume!

This is an inexpensive slightly bigger than pocket book sized compendium of the best contemporary art jewelry being done today. The photos are large and clear enough to allow you to see the quality and ingenuity that the jewelry display. Each artist is given a critical assessment in a biographical essay that delves into what motivates them, how they technically produce the work and wonderful bits of personal information that gives you a sense of who they are. This is the best new book for jewelry collectors and lovers on the market today.

An interesting collection and information on contemporary jewelry. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in this or wanting to learn more.

I work with silver and found this book to be 'inspirational' with some very unusual items. I shall enjoy dipping into it in future.

Wonderful photos perfect text, superb. All the pages are covered with excellent photos and explanations and the colors are wonderful.

Informative and stylish from an expert that really knows her stuff....excellent reference.