Understanding Jewellery, by authors David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, is often described as the must-have jewellery book of our time – a 'Bible' in the jewellery trade. First published in 1989, it has remained in print ever since, amassing a loyal following of devotees who admire its detailed information and stunning imagery. In this new work, Bennett and Mascetti have taken the original concept of Understanding Jewellery a stage further. Now, with the benefit of 20 years of hindsight, they have concentrated on the 20th century alone by conducting a detailed survey of each decade, identifying the key players, trends and movements.
The book is an encyclopedic history of the various forms, techniques and materials employed by the companies and individuals who defined jewellery in the 20th century. Most significantly, this book includes a new set of photographs, which make Understanding Jewellery: The Twentieth Century one of the most dazzling, absorbing and varied collection of jewellery images ever assembled in a book. This large format hardback volume is a perfect gift for all lovers of jewellery and the definitive guide for those who desire a deeper understanding of the subject.
About the Authors
David Bennett is the Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby's International Jewellery Division and the Chairman of Sotheby's Switzerland. He has sold four out of the five most expensive jewels in auction history. Having worked as an auctioneer at the firm since 1978, Bennett is renowned internationally as an authority on jewellery. He played a key role in numerous illustrious sales, such as the 'Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor' (1987), a tiara from the Collection of Princess Katharina Henckel von Donnersmarck (2011) and Henry IV of France’s Beau Sancy (2012).
Daniela Mascetti is Sotheby's Chairman of Jewellery in Europe. She joined Sotheby's in 1980, opening the firm's Milan-based department. She is one of Sotheby's most experienced scholars in the history of jewellery, and has collaborated extensively in the sales of historic collections. Her research has assisted with several notable auctions, from The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor to the collections of Elton John and Gina Lollobrigida.
Industry Reviews
"[A] beautifully illustrated book by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti..." - Phyllis Schiller, Rapaport
"Understanding The Jewellery is a love letter to glorious pieces from the last hundred years." - M. J. Rose, The Adventurine
"An enjoyably scholarly romp through the past and a feast for the eyes for the novice and the consummate jewelry fan and collector." - Beth Bernstein,, Forbes
"The new volume covers the most distinguished designers of the 20th century-including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co.-and is sure to be a reference for years to come." - Victoria Gomelsky, JCK
"A must-have coffee table book for jewellery aficionados, ACC ART BOOKS' new Understanding Jewellery: The 20th Century offers a comprehensive overview of the brands, trends and techniques that defined the jewellery world in the century past." - Elisa Vallata, Departures International
"As with stocks, education is the way to begin. There are many excellent books on the jewelry market, but start with Understanding Jewellery, the industry bible by two former Sotheby's jewelry executives, David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti." - Kristen Shirley, Bloomberg
"More than a coffee table book, the authors take the reader on a journey through the ages with a lesson in history, focusing on fashion and jewellery." - The Australian Gemmologist
"Understanding Jewellery, The 20th Century is a monumental book by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti." - Hedendaagse sieraden
