Sapphire: A Celebration of Colour

Description

Sapphire is the third and final instalment in Thames & Hudson's showstopping series on coloured gemstones, created by Violette Editions. A feast for all the senses, the book features page after page of exquisite sapphire jewels and artefacts from the 4th century BC to the present day, interspersed with text exploring the history of this beautiful gemstone and its enduring popularity with style icons, past and present. Joanna Hardy, the highly regarded jewelry and gemstone expert, reviews the sapphire's history with captivating stories told in a succinct exhilarating style. She takes the reader on a journey from early trade along the Silk Route and the creation of medieval talismans, to the jewelry collections of the great royal houses of Europe and the finest designers at work today. Along the way, she showcases spectacular jewels worn by many notable figures, including Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Windsor, as well as pieces by such iconic jewelry houses as Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chaumet and Tiffany. A selection of work by 21st-century jewelry designers such as Shaun Leane, Hemmerle, Lauren Adriana, Bina Goenka and Mish is featured. There is also an exclusive insight into six major private collections, including previously unpublished pieces. With its rich, royal-blue silk cover and gold-foil blocking, Sapphire is a beautiful addition to any gem-lover's library.

Joanna Hardy is an independent gemologist and jewelry specialist, formerly of Debeers and Sothebys. She lectures widely and writes for many international journals, and also features on the popular BBC programme Antiques Roadshow. She is the principal author of Emerald and Ruby, also published by Thames & Hudson. Robert Violette is an artist, editor and publisher based in London.

'The type of coffee table book that you won't be able to put down from start to finish ... lively, informative and fascinating' - Forbes 'Beautiful' - Country Life 'A mine of information' - The Times (LUXX) 'The extensive research in this outsize format along with the number and quality of photographs make these books collector's items in their own right and one that no gem library will be without. No doubt Hardy's trio of volumes will be on every gem-hound's wish list - along with shelves strong enough to support these weighty tomes. A fail-proof gift for jewellery and gem fans just in time for Christmas' - The Jewellery Editor, of 'Ruby', 'Emerald' and 'Sapphire' 'One of the boujiest books you could have on display. The fabric binding adds an extra touch of decadance ... jewellery fans will of course be delighted with the huge pictures of incredible jewels ... and plenty for historians to get stuck into as well' - The i Newspaper 'Lavish ... Joanna Hardy takes us on a gem-spangled journey which celebrates one of the most beautiful stones ever discovered' - Savile Row Style