Scottish jewellery. A Victorian passion. Ediz. illustrata - Tapa dura

This is a spectacular monograph celebrating the history of jewellery in Scotland through 360 outstanding examples from the renowned Ghysels Collection. Through the centuries, the distinctive character of Scottish jewellery has enchanted collectors from around the world. In the mid-19th century, demand for the Highland specialties was so high that the supply from local craftsmen had to be supplemented by versions made in England in the same materials and patterns. In this beautifully illustrated volume, leading jewellery historian Diana Scarisbrick presents treasures from the renowned Ghysels Collection. Examples of this title include brooches, kilt pins, bracelets, earrings, tie pins, buttons, and belt buckles, many made by renowned designers such as Rettie & Sons of Aberdeen, Jamieson, and Ellis. One hundred beautiful illustrations highlight the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Scottish designs executed in local materials - agates, cairngorms, amethysts, garnets, freshwater pearls - set in silver or gold to harmonize with the bright colors of the clan tartans. The book also traces the history of jewellery in Scotland and explains the significance of the various motifs - Celtic, heraldic, sporting, religious, naturalistic, military, and sentimental.

Diana Scarisbrick who is a historian specializing in jewellery and cameos has published many books and articles of which the most recent are Rings: Jewellery of Power, Love and Loyalty (London 2007) and A Heart of Gold: Jewels of Sentiment (Paris 2008). She has been the curator of exhibitions in France, the U.S. and in Japan where her The Art of Gem Engraving: From Alexander the Great to Napoleon III was shown in 2008. Her interest in the Scottish tradition which began when she collaborated on the exhibition The Art of Jewellery in Scotland held at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh in 1991 has continued ever since.