Floral Jewels

From the vaults of the world's most esteemed jewelers, this lavishly illustrated treasury features gem-laden blooms that will never fade away. Throughout history, flowers have been the inspiration for jewelers and the people who wore their creations. Gabrielle Chanel's favorite flower was the camellia and since the 1920s the flower has become incorporated into every aspect of the house's designs. Christian Dior favored the lily of the valley and made it the center of his 1954 collection. This gorgeous volume highlights hundreds of examples of the finest floral jewelry ever made. Divided into four seasons--and the flowers that bloom in them--this book explores the history of flowers in the fine jewelry world and features dazzling illustrations, original sketches and gouache paintings showing how these blooms have been translated into pieces that are both priceless and ageless. The jewelry editor of British Vogue, Carol Woolton, offers expert insight into fashion history and trends. She explores the Belle Époque, styles of the 1940s, and the re-interpretations of iconic pieces. From original bejeweled botanical pieces by master jewelers such as Rene Lalique and Peter Carl Faberge, to the splendor of Cartier 's orchids and fanciful imaginative flowers by contemporary designers such as Victoire de Castellane. Joel Arthur Rosenthal, acknowledged as the world's greatest jeweler, has contributed a foreword and images for the book. These fanciful ornaments will entice collectors and dreamers alike.