Jewels from Imperial St Petersburg - Tapa blanda

Unlike most books about jewelry this actually shows a multitude of portraits of reigning monarchs, mostly male, but including four empresses. The crowd is mostly good looking, covered in a swath of silk, brocade and fur, and decked out in their finest examples of tiaras, chains and earrings. The jewelry is what could be called the regal period, hallmarked by enormous pearls, diamonds and amethysts, and tiaras including concoctions of diamonds, in the earlier (pre platinum) period set in silver and occasionally 'en tremblant' (trembles with the wearer s movements). --Metal Arts Guild" One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the variety of photographs historical portraits and paintings as well as recent shots of jewelry discussed." --Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist" While lavishly illustrated, the commentary is equally interesting, not just for collectors but for anyone who wants to fill in the blanks of old Russian history, particularly the connection with Finland and Sweden. --Crafthaus"

Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm, Ph.D., is the great-granddaughter of St. Petersburg goldsmith Alexander Tillander, a supplier to the Russian imperial court. She has been researching the uvre of the Russian jewelers for many years. Her doctoral dissertation was on the award system of imperial Russia. She lectures, serves as a consultant for art exhibitions, and writes for exhibition catalogues and art publications in Finland and abroad. She has published several books on the art of the jewelers of St. Petersburg in Swedish, Finnish, and English.