Retailers must grab this! It is good for you, good for your business, good to give to your customers.
Gemologist Diana Jarrett leaves no stone unturned in her sweeping revision of the classic reference guide “Cameos Old & New, 4th Edition” by GemStone Press. Jarrett combines her training as a gemologist and appraiser and her passion for uncovering “the story behind the stone” to this lavishly illustrated compendium on the topic of cameos. From classical motifs to abstract modern interpretations; from traditional materials to recently discovered gemstones; from ancient stone carving techniques to modern machine carving production – it’s all there in rich detail and technical but easily understood prose.
Jewelry professionals and collectors as well as anyone interested in gemstone carvings will find what they want to know in this well organized and thoroughly entertaining book.
This latest 4th edition of “Cameos Old & New” provides a comprehensive cultural and historical context upon which these miniature sculptural works of art are placed. The beautifully illustrated black and white and color plates, 75% of which are new to this edition, present a mind blowing collection to satisfy the cravings of any seasoned collector or whet the appetite of those new to gem carving and cameos. Unlike some reference books that are used a page or chapter at a time to answer a question, this book is best enjoyed from cover to cover.
Diana Jarrett writes for both the casual and experienced collector of cameos, as well as dealers, appraisers, and jewelry historians and those interested in a captivating volume about this curious art-form – the cameo. “Cameos Old & New” is not just a reference but it is the reference for cameos. Starting with the historical perspective of ancient cameos, Jarrett develops the story of who those gifted gem carvers were and where and how they carved. Tales unfold of scarabs and Greek gods – of ancient fashions of the rich and royal. The development of stone carving techniques and use of other materials are set against the background of the rise, the fall, and the re-emergence of this ancient craft. The cameos themselves reveal powerful messages expressed in stone that have passed through the hands of queens and popes, through generations of collectors, down through history and finally end up today in museums and private collections.
This comprehensive edition is a valuable handbook for discovering how to distinguish important qualities in the cameos one collects or sees. Not only does this volume present a detailed timeline of ancient to modern cameos, materials, subject matter and carving techniques – but it offers chapter upon chapter of up-to-date resources and contact information that is available online for contemporary cameo artists, the modern masters, and suppliers.
For more information or to get a copy of the book contact author Diana Jarrett at info@dianajarrett.com.
