Looking at Jewelry

Looking at Jewelry is a concise history and glossary for jewelry making and adornment from prehistory to the modern era. The introductory chapter defines and develops the definitions of adornment, the differences between jewelry and clothing, style and materials, and methods of construction.

Due out 25th June 2019 from the J. Paul Getty museum, it's 132 pages and available in paperback format.  The introductory chapter (~12% of the page content) is followed by a glossary/dictionary (75%), and a bibliography/further reading list, illustration credits, and short index complete the content.

The book is perhaps not as lavishly illustrated as it might have been (not a coffee table book), though the illustrations and photographs which are included are interestingly chosen and eclectic in their variety. The book also shows an impressively diverse treatment of the subject with no particular emphasis on western or European art. There is a wide variety of adornment from a broad selection of cultures including native peoples and Eastern cultures. The glossary and definitions are correct and well defined.

I think this would make a good library book, or perhaps a good addition to an artist/craftsman's design inspiration collection. There are a number of pieces in the book which had me doodling out designs and alternatives immediately. Just the cover piece provides a rich selection of design elements.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.