Author(s): Alba Cappellieri

Art

An extraordinary repertoire of jewellery from the mid-18th to mid-20th century

From the diamond aigrettes adored by Marie Antoinette to the opulent coral and cameo parures preferred by Pauline Bonaparte, from the micro- mosaic masterpieces of the Grand Tour to the sentimental jewellery of Queen Victoria or the diamond ring bearing the monogram of Emperor Franz Joseph, to the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau brooches, the sophistication of Art Déco bracelets, the platinum and diamond splendour of the Mode Blanche and the delicacy of the 1950s bouquets crafted by the great jewellers, this volume celebrates three centuries of high jewellery, from 1750 to 1950, enshrined in the precious jewellery case of the Pennisi collection. A journey through time and style, fashions and trends, rare materials and age-old techniques, in the company of extraordinary jewellers and legendary women, guiding us to these incomparably beautiful masterpieces of the goldsmith's art.