Condition: Acceptable. Please see the images for more details. May show signs of wear such as:
• Shelf wear or scuffing on the cover
• Creases, marks, or tears on pages or dust jacket
• Possible remainder marks or previous owner’s name/notes inside
Blurb: “This richly illustrated volume explores the long history of personal adornment, tracing jewelry and trinkets from ancient civilizations through medieval Europe to more modern craftsmanship. Burgess examines the evolution of rings, brooches, bracelets, pendants, lockets, and other intimate objects, showing how artistry, symbolism, and social customs shaped their forms. He devotes chapters to the use of gold, silver, and enamel, as well as the art of gem-cutting and the cultural meanings attached to precious stones. Drawing on museum collections, dealers’ finds, and auction sales, Burgess combines historical detail with visual examples, offering 142 illustrations that bring the narrative to life. More than a simple catalog, the book highlights how jewelry reflects the values, fashions, and daily lives of past societies, making it both a reference work and a window into centuries of decorative art.”