Free Downloads Unsigned Beauties Of Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values
This book is the first book of its kind, concentrating not only on costume jewelry, but also on those pieces that are unmarked or unsigned by the manufacturer. Over 1,000 photographs featuring 3,500 pieces of antique and collectible costume jewelry highlight this beautiful book. Brown carefully illustrates and discusses such details as the types of metal finishes used, the different cuts of stones, and stone setting techniques. Easy to read charts covering time lines, fashion dates, and jewelry introductions are provided for ease in identification of pieces. All photographs are indexed for easier research, and a helpful glossary has been included. 2005 values.
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Collector Books; 1st edition (April 15, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 157432182X
ISBN-13: 978-1574321821
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #441,805 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #132 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Jewelry #354 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Antiques Care & Reference > Reference #456 in Books > Arts & Photography > Decorative Arts & Design > Textile & Costume
I think the book is worthy of it's name. It recognizes the beauty of unsigned pieces and their value. Each page includes colored photos of unsigned costume vintage pins, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The pictures are bright, clear, and vibrant. The only set back to this book is that the author has listed the value of the pieces a little to high. This is relative across the board though, so I wouldn't skip on purchasing this book. If you by vintage because you admire it's beauty and not it's maker, than this book is for you. Enjoy!
This is a decent book for prices and examples but didn't give much description on identifying. For instance it explains the different metals used to make the jewelry, but not how to identify which metal you have in your piece. Good for pics but not too good for identifying/dating pieces.
SAVE YOUR MONEY! The book title is deceiving if you are looking to "IDENTIFY" an unsigned Miriam Haskell, a Weiss bracelet, or a Trifari parure. Marcia "Sparkles" Brown provides pages upon pages of "sparkling" costume jewelry. However, there is no piece of jewelry in the book which is "identified" by designer or manufacturer. She describes;" SHE DOES NOT IDENTIFY - those are two very different things. Of course, if you do not know the difference between earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pins - or you just like pretty pictures, the book is a bargain. The book is also helpful if you want to learn the lingo, i.e. "cabachon, "parure." Her descriptions are excellently and accurately phrased. She also provides suggested prices per item or set. BUY ONLY if you want a suggested value or help in describing your own pieces. AGAIN, NO INDIVIDUAL ITEM IN THE BOOK IS IDENTIFIED BY DESIGNER OR MANUFACTURER.
Most of "Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values," by Marcia "Sparkles" Brown, consists of labeled, full-color photographs of pieces of jewelry: brooches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. The book also contains an introduction and sections discussing such topics as rhinestone history and tips for starting a collection. A glossary, bibliography, and index further add to the book's usefulness.But it's the stunningly beautiful photographs that really give this book its punch. Brown has assembled an eye-popping collection of pieces that employ many different motifs: butterflies, floral designs, fish, birds, mythological/fantasy figures, whimsical characters, fruit, patriotic motifs, abstract geometric forms, pieces reminiscent of military medals or heraldic insignia, etc. Pictured are rhinestones of a rich variety of shapes and colors. Every page brings new and marvelous treasures.In her author's notes at the start of the book, Brown notes that she considers rhinestone jewelry to be "the true 'American art form.'" Her passion for the subject really shines through in this visually pleasing compendium.
I love this book!. It's chock full of excellent pictures and information for the vintage jewelry collector, whether a novice or one of long-standing. The book is well organized in its layout. I've discovered it's a 'collectible' book in its own right. Author, Marcia Sparkles Brown, has a video, which I also own and recommend.Although not a whole lot on each designer, some mention is better than none. To find references to Judy Lee, BSK, LaRoco, Park Lane, Avon, Capri, Art, JJ, Les Bernard, Capri, etc. was of interest to me when I first started collecting jewelry because of the scarcity of volumes on these names. Other designers, such as Lisner, Coventry, Napier, Monet, etc., also included in this book, were more easily found when doing searches for designers.The book has no index, so this may be a concern to others. But the designer names are presented in alphabetical order.Gail Gupton, Author: The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth.
I was looking forward to receiving this book because as a collector I did not have a book on unsigned costume jewellery. However I was disappointed with the copy I received.My main complaint is the quality of the illustrations. For the most part the photos are dull, too dark and the colours are distorted. Some pages have a definate brownish tint and other pages are quite grey. In comparison to other books on the suject the photos lack colour and clarity but this may be due to the printing and perhaps I received a particularly bad copy.The book has 3 chapters that give insight into the birth of costume jewelry, the metals, stones, shapes and settings and also how to start a collection, date and restore pieces.For the price the book covers the subject well.
A Sensational book on the topic of "unsigned" that is way over do. With hundreds of pieces featured and color pictures. I love the way the author formatted the book by categories ... makes looking up pieces easier. A very welcomed addition to my personal library books on Costume Jewelry!
Ordered this very helpful book on July 7, 2012 and received it July 11, 2012. Most impressive for shipping time.Contents of book are very much what I need for my costume jewelry business. Many photos and tons of information for newbies like myself. Easy to understand text and references.Am grateful to have found and ordered it and especially for such a great price.Seller is awesome and I thank you so much. Hope to do business with you again for additional items.Thanks so much :0)
Unsigned Beauties Of Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values DIY Jewelry: Step-By-Step Guide On Creating Wonderful Beaded Jewelry: (Handmade Jewelry For Women, Jewelry Making Books) (Make Jewelry, Beaded Jewelry Making) Jewelry Making: Jewelry Making Instructions to Easily Create Beautiful Pendants, Bracelets, Earrings, and Necklaces (Jewelry Making Books, jewelry making for dummies, jewelry making tools) Jewelry Making: 33 Tips and Advices For Making Unique Earrings (jewelry making, jewelry making books, jewelry making kits) Costume Jewelry Making & Making Jewelry With Beads : A Complete & Step by Step Guide: (Special 2 In 1 Exclusive Edition) Inside the Jewelry Box: A Collector's Guide to Costume Jewelry Warman's Costume Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: Basics of Starting, Building & Upgrading, Identification and Value Guide, 2nd Edition Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building & Upgrading (Identification & Value Guide) Toy Car Collector's Guide: Identification and Values, Identification and Values for Diecast, White Metal, Other Automotive Toys & Models, Second Edition Hot Wheels Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides Hot Wheels: Values & Identification) Warman's Matchbox Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides Matchbox: Values & Identification) 2nd (second) Revised Edition by Larson, Tom published by KP Books (2008) Warman's Bean Plush Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides Bean Plush: Values & Identification) Warman's U.S. Stamps Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides U.S. Stamps: Values & Identification) Warman's U.S. Coins & Currency Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides U.S. Coins & Currency: Values & Identification) Costume Design 101 - 2nd edition: The Business and Art of Creating Costumes For Film and Television (Costume Design 101: The Business & Art of Creating) Jewelry Making and Other Easy Past Time Craft Hobbies (incl Parachord): Handmade Jewelry and Homeade Jewelry Making Guide Costume Jewelry a Practical Handbook & Value Guide Silver & Costume Jewelry Making : A Complete & Step by Step Guide: (Special 2 In 1 Exclusive Edition) Bawdy Bisques and Naughty Novelties: German Bathing Beauties and Their Risque Kin (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
