The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery takes the reader on a tour from the 1930s through to the early 1980s, scouting out the most desirable, collectable and enduring styles of the time.
Beginning the tour with the later part of the Art Deco period, the book then guides the reader through the three periods of Retro jewellery during prewar, wartime and post-war optimism. Then were off to the cocktail suburban lifestyle of the 50s, the rebellious 60s, the glitter and glamour of the 70s disco era, and the new career-woman style of the 80s. On our journey, we visit stars from Hollywoods Golden Era and beyond, and the renowned jewellers who designed for them and became legends in their own right.
Whether you are a novice or consummate collector, a starter vintage dealer, shop owner, burgeoning jewellery historian or student of jewellery making, this book is a must-read for all enthusiasts and collectors of vintage jewellery. The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery will show you how to identify the most popular gemstones, materials, styles and collectible pieces in the market today, as well as divulging invaluable information from dealers and experts.
Chapter 1: What is Vintage Jewellery
Chapter
2. East Meets West
Chapter 3: My Style is My Signature
Chapter 4: Screen Gems (legends of Hollywood)
Chapter 5: Retro Active (1930s to early 1950s)
Chapter 6: Cocktail Hour (early to mid-1950s)
Chapter 7: Isn't it Charming (1950s; types of charms)
Chapter 8: Breakfast at Tiffany's (late 1950s to early 1960s)
Chapter 9: Make Love Not War (1960s; hippie culture in USA)
Chapter 10: The Times They are a Changing (late 1960s to early 1970s)
Chapter 11: The Feminine Mystique (early 1970s)
Chapter 12: The Last Days of Disco (1970s)
Chapter 13: Working Girl (1980s)
Chapter 14: Rocks on the Block (auctions houses)
Beth Bernstein is a jewellery historian, author, journalist and one-time jewellery designer. Her books include Jewelry's Shining Stars: The Next Generation (ACC Art Books 2024),The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery (ACC Art Books, 2022), If These Jewels Could Talk (ACC Art Books, 2015), Jewelrys Shining Stars (Fine Points Publishing, 2013) and a memoir, My Charmed Life (Penguin, 2012). Beth has contributed to many magazines, journals and publications including Forbes.com, Jewelry Connoisseur, Rapaport Magazine, The Jewellery Editor (online), Accent Magazine, Elite Traveler and Four Seasons Departures. She has worked as a senior editor for two leading national jewellery magazines, and in 2017 launched her own online jewellery magazine, bejeweledmag.com. Beth also lectures and organises and participates in seminars and educational events. Throughout the 1990s, Beth designed a jewellery collection under the brand name Bethany B, which sold to over 250 stores throughout the USA and overseas.
