7 Best-Selling Jewelry Collecting Books Millions Love

What makes this guide a favorite among collectors is its thorough focus on costume jewelry's history and design, revealing the stories behind key styles and renowned makers. Tracy Tolkien and Henrietta Wilkinson bring their deep knowledge together to help you identify different pieces and appreciate their cultural significance. For example, the book details hallmark characteristics that distinguish popular designers, aiding your ability to recognize authentic items. If you’re passionate about building a well-informed collection and understanding the value of costume jewelry beyond its sparkle, this book fits perfectly. It’s less about market speculation and more about enriching your appreciation and knowledge.

Jan Lindenberger's passion for uncovering undervalued artistry in plastic jewelry reshapes how you see this vibrant collectible. You’ll learn to identify and appraise a wide array of plastic jewelry pieces, navigating colors, designs, and makers with over 440 color photographs as your guide. This handbook doubles as a practical field companion, ideal for those diving into flea markets or antique shops seeking hidden treasures. If you’re curious about the evolving status of plastic jewelry within collecting circles or want a reliable price guide, this book offers insights grounded in experience without overpromising.

This tailored book explores detailed methods to identify and appraise plastic jewelry collectibles with a focus that matches your background and goals. It reveals the nuances of plastic materials, design features, and historical context that help distinguish valuable pieces from common ones. By combining widespread reader-validated knowledge with your specific interests, this book offers a personalized journey through the vibrant world of plastic jewelry collecting. You'll find clear guidance on recognizing makers, materials like Bakelite and Lucite, and understanding market trends that influence value. This tailored approach makes complex appraisal concepts accessible and relevant, enhancing your appreciation and expertise in this unique collecting niche.

What if everything you knew about art plastic jewelry was wrong? Leigh Leshner developed this guide to help collectors navigate the often confusing world of plastics like Bakelite, Lucite, and celluloid. You’ll find detailed descriptions and pricing for 600 pieces, along with historical context that clarifies why certain items hold value. This book is tailored for anyone serious about identifying and valuing art plastic jewelry, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out. Chapters on material types and market trends make it easier to distinguish authentic pieces from imitations, making your collecting smarter and more confident.

During her research into mid-20th-century American costume jewelry, Kay Oshel uncovered the rich legacy of Sarah Coventry and Emmons, two brands that made fashionable, affordable jewelry accessible from 1949 through the early 1980s. This book offers you a detailed look at their most iconic pieces, complete with vivid photographs, production timelines, and pricing insights both original and current. You'll gain practical knowledge on identifying authentic items, understanding company marks, and appreciating the cultural context behind these collectible jewels. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to vintage costume jewelry, this guide helps you build expertise with concrete examples and insider perspectives from former employees.

After analyzing the evolution of Victorian-era jewelry, Jeanenne Bell offers a detailed guide that captures the essence of 19th-century elegance and craftsmanship. You learn to identify distinct styles decade by decade, understand manufacturing innovations, and appreciate the influences of fashion trends on jewelry design. The book's over 1,000 color images and price listings provide concrete tools for collectors and enthusiasts to assess and value pieces accurately. Whether you’re an aspiring collector or a seasoned expert, this guide sharpens your ability to spot authentic Victorian jewelry and understand its historical context.

This tailored book offers a dynamic exploration of costume jewelry styles, designed to match your background and specific goals. It guides you step-by-step through recognizing iconic and subtle design elements, helping you quickly identify key styles that define the world of costume jewelry. By focusing on the aspects you find most intriguing, it blends widely appreciated knowledge with your personal interests to deepen your appreciation and enhance your expertise. Through carefully curated content, this personalized guide reveals how materials, design trends, and historical context shape costume jewelry. It empowers you to build confidence in spotting distinct styles and understanding their significance within collecting and fashion appreciation.

During their years as successful costume jewelry dealers on the West Coast, Dave Salsbery and Lee Salsbury discovered many collectors struggled with the basics of identifying and valuing pieces. This book offers you straightforward, non-technical guidance, supported by over 500 vivid color photos showcasing nearly 100 designers. You’ll learn how to recognize quality, avoid poor purchases, and properly care for your collection, all drawn from the authors’ real-world experiences. If you’re new to the hobby or a small dealer looking to sharpen your judgment, this book lays a solid foundation without overwhelming jargon.

Stefano Papi and Alexandra Rhodes challenge the notion that jewelry collecting is solely about the jewels themselves by focusing on the fascinating stories behind famous collectors. You gain insights into how social status, personal taste, and historical context shaped some of the most notable collections, from royalty to Hollywood stars. The book richly details collections like those of the Duchess of Windsor and Barbara Hutton, illustrating how jewelry reflects broader cultural and societal trends. If you appreciate the intersection of art, history, and society within jewelry, this book offers a nuanced perspective that goes beyond mere cataloging of gems.