Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification and Values

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource for Vintage Jewelry Buffs
Review: I love this book!. It's chock full of excellent pictures and information for the vintage jewelry collector, whether a novice or one of long-standing. The book is well organized in its layout. I've discovered it's a 'collectible' book in its own right. Author, Marcia Sparkles Brown, has a video, which I also own and recommend.

Rating:
Summary: Vintage Costume Jewelry-Unsigned and Still Beautiful!
Review: I think the book is worthy of it's name. It recognizes the beauty of unsigned pieces and their value. Each page includes colored photos of unsigned costume vintage pins, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The pictures are bright, clear, and vibrant. The only set back to this book is that the author has listed the value of the pieces a little to high. This is relative across the board though, so I wouldn't skip on purchasing this book. If you by vintage because you admire it's beauty and not it's maker, than this book is for you. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Full of color and sparkle
Review: Most of "Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values," by Marcia "Sparkles" Brown, consists of labeled, full-color photographs of pieces of jewelry: brooches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. The book also contains an introduction and sections discussing such topics as rhinestone history and tips for starting a collection. A glossary, bibliography, and index further add to the book's usefulness.

But it's the stunningly beautiful photographs that really give this book its punch. Brown has assembled an eye-popping collection of pieces that employ many different motifs: butterflies, floral designs, fish, birds, mythological/fantasy figures, whimsical characters, fruit, patriotic motifs, abstract geometric forms, pieces reminiscent of military medals or heraldic insignia, etc. Pictured are rhinestones of a rich variety of shapes and colors. Every page brings new and marvelous treasures.

In her author's notes at the start of the book, Brown notes that she considers rhinestone jewelry to be "the true 'American art form.'" Her passion for the subject really shines through in this visually pleasing compendium.

Rating:
Summary: Full of color and sparkle
Review: Most of "Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values," by Marcia "Sparkles" Brown, consists of labeled, full-color photographs of pieces of jewelry: brooches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. The book also contains an introduction and sections discussing such topics as rhinestone history and tips for starting a collection. A glossary, bibliography, and index further add to the book's usefulness.

But it's the stunningly beautiful photographs that really give this book its punch. Brown has assembled an eye-popping collection of pieces that employ many different motifs: butterflies, floral designs, fish, birds, mythological/fantasy figures, whimsical characters, fruit, patriotic motifs, abstract geometric forms, pieces reminiscent of military medals or heraldic insignia, etc. Pictured are rhinestones of a rich variety of shapes and colors. Every page brings new and marvelous treasures.

In her author's notes at the start of the book, Brown notes that she considers rhinestone jewelry to be "the true 'American art form.'" Her passion for the subject really shines through in this visually pleasing compendium.

Rating:
Summary: Good Pics
Review: This is a decent book for prices and examples but didn't give much description on identifying. For instance it explains the different metals used to make the jewelry, but not how to identify which metal you have in your piece. Good for pics but not too good for identifying/dating pieces.

Rating:
Summary: Good Pics
Review: This is a decent book for prices and examples but didn't give much description on identifying. For instance it explains the different metals used to make the jewelry, but not how to identify which metal you have in your piece. Good for pics but not too good for identifying/dating pieces.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and Informative!
Review: This is a great book with beautiful pictures and helpful information! Well worth my money.