Pearls Hardcover – October 29, 2013

This book is written by a non-native speaker of English. Her English is excellent, and completely grammatical, but I believe the difference between cultures shows in the rather lush descriptions given. Nevertheless, her information is completely reliable, the photographs are superb, and her book is probably the most complete one on pearls that I've ever seen. Most pearl books deal only with the nacreous variety, and the better ones also discuss the more common non-nacreous types, such as melo and conch pearls. However, this book covers every pearl-producing shellfish there is, even if the number of pearls known to have been produced by them can be counted on one hand. The theory presented concerning the natural production of pearls seems to be very sound to me, though I am no pearl expert. It is also well-illustrated and clearly explained.I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. The only drawback for me is that I find the extravagant language a bit irritating, but that, as I have said, can be put down to cultural differences.

If you love pearls this book is a must have.

Exactly as advertised. Such a beautiful book!

The book "pearls" is a very good book which I read, it is very useful to trade,education and research,the pictures are beautiful.The shortage of this book are lack the pearl datum of different place and some scientific explannation of pearl's characterization.

Interesting read, this book tells you about the myths that we have "known" about pearls and gives you a great history on pearls. Shows great photos of pearl jewelry that through ages have made a mark on the quality of great pearls. It is a " MUST HAVE" for anyone interested in pearl jewelry.

Big coffee table book with excellent photographs to drool over. The text gives information on non-nacreous pearls, and very good information on how pearls actually form, which I've found nowhere else (and I have a lot of pearl books).

Pearls is one of the loveliest jewelry books I own. Loads of background information on pearls and on the history of pearls. I woul d recommend this to anyone who loves pearls or is interested in jewelry history. Beautiful book....

Saw this book at Victoria and Albert Museum while on vacation in London. Book is almost as beautiful as seeing the real pearls. You will love this book.

An excellent book, a possible cornerstone to any book collection and packed full of information. Was sad to see some fantastic items that were on display at the original exhibition were omitted but that does not detract from the rest which is a feast for the eyes. Both jewelers and those with a general interest in pearls will love this book.A point of order, however, the large photo on page 147 (Hardback issue) of the turban jewel...is upside down!

A beautiful book that I am very happy to own. There are however a few mistakes here and there. I read it a while ago so I don't remember all of them in detail. An example: the term "mabé" is not of polynesian origin, it is thought to be from Ryukyuan Japanese (Amami dialect) and "mabé gai" is the term used for the shell of Pteria penguin. See "The Pearl Oyster" by Paul Southgate.

Nach dem Besuch der Aussstellungen im V&A ist das Buch eine schöne Zusammenfassung der Schmuckvielfalt, welche aus Perlen hervorkommt. Schöne Abbildungen, informative Texte, handwerklich gut gemachtes Buch.

After going to the exhibition at the V & A I bought this book and I wasn't disappointed , the photographs are clear and colourful. There's a history of how pearls are made whether cultured or natural and the differences between the two.Great book for a coffee table and a must for anyone with an interest in pearls.

I urge any pearly fan out there to get this V&A publication. I'm unable to attend the exhibition in London so I thought this would be the next best thing. I'm still looking at the pictures! When I have read the text it's extraordinary and fascinating. Well worth a look.