The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery - by Beth Bernstein (Hardcover)

About the Book

Part travelogue, featuring the most influential shops in New York, LA, London, Paris, and Amsterdam; part educational guide, with anecdotes from dealers and experts; and part celebration of historical jewelery, this book is a helpful and accessible reference. Topics covered include (but are not limited to): how to identify the most popular gemstones, materials, styles, and collectible pieces in the market today, and how to select antique jewelery to complement your lifestyle. This book reveals what to look for and where to locate rare finds, as well as how the experts score the pieces that decorate the fingers, ears, necks, and wrists of the collector.

Book Synopsis

"It imparts the type of educational information that all stages of jewelry collectors, as well as jewelry enthusiasts from students to dealers, will go back to again and again." -- Beth Bernstein, Instore Mag

"The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery will make a collector of you yet" --Annie Davidson, JCK

"...filled with fun factual titbits that are presented in a witty, conversational style, with lively narratives exploring each piece's history."-- Solitaire International
"The ultimate go-to guide."--Retail Jeweller World

The ultimate go-to guide, The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery takes the reader on a tour through time, venturing from the 1700s all the way through to the early 20th century. From how to look chic while wearing jewelry that outdates you by 100 years, to how to spot and score the best pieces, this book is a must-read for all enthusiasts and collectors who have an affinity for the jewels of the past.

Fun factual tidbits are presented in a witty, conversational style, and lively narratives explore each piece's history. Part travelog, featuring the most influential shops in New York, LA, London, Paris and Amsterdam; part educational guide, with anecdotes from dealers and experts; and part celebration of historical jewelry, this book is an invaluable and accessible reference.

Topics covered include (but are not limited to): how to identify the most popular gemstones, materials, styles and collectible pieces in the market today, and how to select antique jewelry to complement your lifestyle. The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery will reveal what to look for and where to locate rare finds, as well as how the experts score the pieces that decorate the fingers, ears, necks and wrists of the collector.

Review Quotes

"noted author and jewelry historian Beth Bernstein"--1stDibs

"Along with photos of beautiful jewelry, the book features anecdotes about the provenance of prized examples, as well as expert information from an array of "top-notch" dealers Bernstein knows --independent sellers and high-end stores both in America and abroad."--Phyllis Schiller

"Author Beth Bernstein's new book The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery explores the ever-evolving trend towards symbolic jewels, one-of-a-kind pieces and those with a storied past."--Jessica Bumpus

"Bernstein is particularly fond of Georgian jewelry and that of the early Victorian period. Both eras are amply explored in her latest book, A Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery."--1st Dibs

"Bernstein's book acts as both an educational guide, celebrating the history of antique jewels, as well as a travel guide, pinpointing the best places to shop for these pieces in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Amsterdam."--Lenore Fedow

"Beth Bernstein has been on the forefront of the jewelry world for more than 20 years as a historian, author and journalist."--Anthony DeMarco

"Beth Bernstein's new book 'The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery' is filled with fun factual titbits that are presented in a witty, conversational style, with lively narratives exploring each piece's history."--Solitaire International

"It does live up to the expectations outlined in the introduction: it is a practical guide to the history, collecting and maintenance of antique jewellery. Several traders speak and share knowledge and preferences with the reader."--Sieradenmuze

"It imparts the type of educational information that all stages of jewelry collectors, as well as jewelry enthusiasts from students to dealers, will go back to again and again."--Beth Bernstein

"Must have book."--The Jewellery Editor

"The ultimate go-to guide."--Retail Jeweller World

"The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery will make a collector of you yet"--Annie Davidson

"The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery, will take you on a 'tour through time, venturing from the 1700s all the way through to the early 20th century.'"--JZA Magazine

"This book is an invaluable and accessible reference."--Arts & Collections

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About the Author

Beth Bernstein has over 20 years of experience in all facets of the jewelry industry. A jewelry historian, author and journalist, her books include If These Jewels Could Talk (ACC Artbooks, 2015), Jewelry's Shining Stars (Fine Points Publishing, 2013) and My Charmed Life (Penguin, 2012). Bernstein has contributed to many magazines, journals and publications including Forbes online, The Plunge.com, Accent, Forum, Departures, Newsday and The Huffington Post, and was Senior Editor for two national jewelry magazines. She launched her own online jewelry magazine in 2017, Bejeweledmag.com. Bernstein lectures at, runs and participates in seminars at various jewelry fairs and educational events.