Jewels & Jewellery

An impeccably researched and inspiring insight into the evolution of jewellery through the ages, explored through exquisite photography of pieces drawn from the V&A’s outstanding collection

Jewels and Jewellery surveys splendid early medieval and Renaissance pieces and superb examples of Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and 21st-century jewellery. Exquisitely detailed photography reveals both rare and precious stones as well as the elaborate techniques of the jeweller’s craft such as chasing, enamelling and cameo. Among the ‘star’ pieces are the diamond and sapphire coronet designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, and the Papillon ring by London jeweller G, donated to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2018 by Beyoncé, alongside a multitude of dazzling rings, brooches, earrings and tiaras.

Clare Phillips considers the history of Western jewellery in three parts, first exploring the materials used by jewellers, then turning to the development of styles in jewellery from the Middle Ages to today, before examining the ways in which jewellery has been hallmarked, distributed and worn over recent centuries. Showcasing pieces by Cartier, Tiffany and Liberty, this beautiful volume is the ultimate guide to the history of Western jewellery.

Contents List

Introduction • 1. Part I: Materials • Part II: Chronology of Style: The Middle Ages to 1700 • The Eighteenth Century • The Nineteenth Century • The Twentieth Century • The Twenty-first Century • Part III: Manufacturing and Distribution

About the Author

Clare Phillips is a curator in the Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass Department at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Her publications include Jewelry: From Antiquity to the Present and contributions to Art Nouveau 1890–1914 and Silver.