Fun Jewelry (Revised 3rd)
Schiffer, Nancy NThis edition can be ordered. No arrival date is confirmed.
Whimsical adornments that tickle the spirit with mechanical marvels and imaginary beasts.
This revised volume curates a delightful cross-section of mechanical and light-hearted jewelry from European and American sources. It celebrates designs where whimsy supersedes intrinsic value, featuring pieces that provoke smiles rather than awe. The text guides readers through styles ranging from fine gold to costume, highlighting ingenious tremblers, duets, and imaginary beasts. Over 1,000 pieces are documented with more than 400 color photographs, providing a comprehensive visual archive for those who appreciate decorative ornamentation where design wins the nod.
This volume situates itself within the niche tradition of decorative arts history, specifically focusing on the intersection of jewelry and mechanical innovation in European and American culture. It serves as a visual catalog for enthusiasts of whimsical design rather than a scholarly treatise on gemology or high-value antiques.
📝 Description: Fun Jewelry (Revised 3rd)
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This book is a treasure trove for collectors, designers, and anyone who finds joy in the playful rather than the precious. It offers a delightful escape into a world where mechanical ingenuity and imaginary beasts take precedence over intrinsic monetary value. Readers will appreciate the comprehensive visual archive of over 1,000 pieces, which provides inspiration for those who admire decorative ornamentation where design triumphs. It is perfect for those seeking lighthearted aesthetic pleasure and a deeper understanding of how whimsy has shaped jewelry history across European and American sources.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Been hunting for a decent copy of this text for ages. Not a light read, but far more accessible than I feared. The language takes some getting used to, but it becomes part of the charm. A keeper.
Took a chance on this and glad I did. It pairs well with more modern commentaries on the same tradition. Highly recommend to serious students.
First purchase from this shop. It's become a regular reference in my practice. Recommended if you're ready to do the work.
While this revised volume succeeds admirably as a visual celebration of mechanical marvels, it may not suit serious gemologists or investors in high-value antiques. The text explicitly prioritizes whimsy over intrinsic worth, meaning those seeking rigorous appraisal guides or historical depth on precious metals will find the content lacking. However, for those who appreciate the artistry of costume jewelry and ingenious tremblers, the 400 color photographs provide an engaging, accessible overview. It is a charming, light-hearted exploration that rewards aesthetic curiosity over financial analysis.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
Collectors of novelty antiques, designers seeking inspiration for kinetic mechanisms, and anyone who believes jewelry should spark joy and conversation rather than merely display wealth.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Mechanical Whimsy
The book explores how movement and surprise define value in this niche. Tremblers and duets are analyzed not just as static objects but as dynamic performances. The author emphasizes the engineering behind the playfulness, showing how kinetic elements transform simple adornment into an interactive experience that engages the wearer and observer alike.
Imaginary Beasts
A significant portion is dedicated to fantastical creatures that exist only in the jeweler's imagination. These pieces blend zoological observation with pure invention, creating a bestiary of wearable art. The text explains how these mythical forms serve as vessels for humor and narrative, allowing wearers to project their own stories onto the metal and enamel surfaces.
Design Over Material
This theme argues that conceptual brilliance outweighs preciousness in this specific category. Whether crafted from platinum or brass, the merit lies in the novelty. The catalog distinguishes itself by valuing the cleverness of the mechanism and the charm of the motif, offering a refreshing perspective for collectors tired of traditional metrics of worth based solely on gemstone carats.
💬 Quotes from the book
“It is the design that wins the nod.”
“Tickle one's humor and provoke a smile.”
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Tremblers
- Duets
- Costume Jewelry
📔 Questions to reflect on
- What mundane object could you transform into a whimsical adornment if you ignored the rules of preciousness?
- How does movement change your relationship with a piece of jewelry compared to a static stone?
- Which imaginary creature would best represent your inner spirit, and how would you wear it?
✍️ More books by this author Schiffer, Nancy N
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