The Jewelry Wardrobe

Choosing jewelry is an art—and here, a leading expert sharpens the eye, illuminates the classics, and reveals the This treasure-box of a book explores the idea of a jewelry wardrobe: a personal, evolving collection shaped not by rules or trends, but by taste, meaning, and daily life. A jewelry wardrobe is not about owning everything; it is about recognizing which pieces stand the test of time, and which feel Celebrating jewels that have shaped style across generations— the shimmer of a Bulgari coin necklace, the assured charm of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra, the saturated glow of Jean Schlumberger’s paillonné enamel, or the quiet authority of a Cartier Tank watch—the book brings together touchstones of adornment that endure, delight, and express individuality. Illustrated with more than 350 photographs of works by 80 jewelers, the book spans the Victorian era to the present day. Legendary houses such as Cartier and Ti?any appear alongside in?uential twentieth-century designers including Verdura, Harry Winston, Aldo Cipullo, and Elsa Peretti, as well as exceptional contemporary makers such as Hemmerle, Ta?n, Organized by accoutrement—from earrings and necklaces to bracelets and watches—and complemented by a curated list of icons and a concise glossary, this elegant and endlessly engaging book is a modern classic for anyone who loves jewelry—and wants to understand it a little more deeply. Ruth Peltason is an editor, jewelry historian, and lecturer. She writes regularly for Air