As the end of the year approaches, the time for rest and relaxation draws near. For many of us, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind and immerse ourselves in the books and stories we have been meaning to explore. If you’re anything like me, the holiday period offers a rare and precious chance to settle down with a good read, uninterrupted, and truly savour the experience from cover to cover. And if I’m being honest, it also serves as the perfect excuse to gracefully retreat from some of the more energetic pursuits of my ‘active relaxer’ family members. For those who share my passion for jewellery, I’ve curated a list of books that will inspire, educate, and captivate you during those quiet holiday moments. So, if you’re ready to indulge in some glittering reads, here are a few that will make your summer shine even brighter.
For the Scholars
Understanding Jewellery by David Bennett & Daniela Mascetti
Understanding Jewellery is often hailed as “the jewellery bible,” written by two of the most respected experts in the field, David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti. First published in 1989, it has remained in continuous print, serving as an indispensable reference for beginners, enthusiasts, and specialists alike. This comprehensive guide delves into 19th and 20th-century jewellery, offering historical context on shifts in design and craftsmanship, along with the methods for identifying, dating, and valuing pieces. Packed with a wealth of expertise, it offers deep insight into the captivating world of jewellery.
Far from a light read, Understanding Jewellery is a substantial hardback—perfect for leisurely browsing during a holiday at home, or as a thoughtful gift for the jewellery lover in your life. I received my copy from my father when I first expressed an interest in jewellery as a young teenager, and it has journeyed with me from New Zealand to Europe and now resides with me in Sydney. Even after reading it cover to cover many times, I still find myself reaching for it nearly every month.
For the Historians
The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire by Francesca Cartier Brickell
Francesca Cartier Brickell, the great-granddaughter of Jacques Cartier, was rummaging through her attic one day in search of a bottle of champagne, when she stumbled upon some old trunks. Inside, she uncovered a treasure trove of letters that vividly detailed the lives and histories of her ancestors, the Cartiers. Driven by curiosity, she embarked on a global journey to research her family’s legacy, tracking down individuals connected to her relatives and piecing together long-lost fragments of the story along the way. The Cartiers is the fascinating chronicle of a jewellery dynasty spanning four generations, from revolutionary France to the 1970s. At the core of the tale are the three Cartier brothers, united by their motto, “never copy, only create,” who propelled the family firm to international fame in the early 20th century through their exceptional, complementary talents. Louis, the visionary designer who revolutionised men’s watches by creating the first wristwatch for an aviator friend, Pierre, the brilliant dealmaker who famously acquired the New York headquarters on Fifth Avenue in exchange for a double-stranded natural pearl necklace, and Jacques, the expert gemmologist who travelled extensively to India, securing access to the world’s finest rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, which inspired Cartier’s iconic Tutti Frutti collection.
For the Dreamers
The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams by M.J Rose
The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams is a spellbinding tale inspired by the real-life legend of renowned jeweller Suzanne Belperron. Told through the first-person perspective of the protagonist and entries from Suzanne’s diary, this novel weaves a mesmerising narrative of magic, mystery, romance, and revenge. It follows the lives of two fiercely passionate women, separated by decades but connected by a shared vision. One is Suzanne Belperron herself, struggling to protect her jewellery business while attempting to save the man she loves. The other is a young auctioneer with extraordinary abilities, whose discovery of a hidden secret threatens her very existence.
By Lauren Boustridge, Senior Jewels & Timepieces Specialist
Top Image: Blanche Augustine Camus (French, 1881-1968) Reading in the Garden, oil on canvas, 63 x 79cm. Sold for $4,960
November 2024