500 Contemporary Custom Designer Brooches Pins Gold Silver Gemstone Bead Jewelry

Description

"500 Brooches: Inspiring Adornments for the Body" by Marthe Le Van.
NOTE
:   We have 75,000 books in our library, almost 10,000 different titles.  Odds are we have other copies of this same title in varying conditions, some less expensive, some better condition.  We might also have different editions as well (some paperback, some hardcover, oftentimes international editions).  If you don’t see what you want, please contact us and ask.  We’re happy to send you a summary of the differing conditions and prices we may have for the same title.
DESCRIPTION:
Softcover.  Publisher: Lark Books (2005).  Pages: 360.  Size: 8 x 8 x 1¼ inches; 2¼ pounds.
This entry in the “500” series features the most gorgeous brooches you've ever seen. Lovingly crafted by renowned art jewelers from around the world, these one-of-a-kind pieces display technical excellence, diverse forming techniques, and unceasing beauty.  Never before has such an extensive and beautiful collection of brooches been assembled, or photographed to such perfection. Marjorie Simon, a distinguished presence in the jewelry field, chose the pieces, and every one features the fine craftsmanship of a top contemporary jeweler.
The breathtaking and provocative styles range from traditional to very avant-garde, and the brooches come not only in gold, silver, copper, and wire, but also in glass, porcelain, paper, and other more unusual materials. They're forged, soldered, chased, and cast, and surface embellishments run the gamut from enamel and metal foils to patinas and inlay. In some cases, detail images and artist's comments accompany the full-size photos. Jewelers, students, collectors, and anyone who loves exquisite items will appreciate the amazing diversity on display here.
CONDITION
:  NEW. New (albeit mildly shelfworn) oversized softcover. Lark Books (2005) 360 pages. Unblemished except for mild shelfwear to the covers. Inside the book is pristine; the pages are clean, crisp, unmarked, unmutilated, tightly bound, unambiguously unread. From the outside, the shelfwear to the dustjacket consists of faint edge and corner shelfwear to the covers, principally in the form of very faint "crinkling" to the spine head and heel, to the cover "tips" (the four open corners of the covers, top and bottom, front and back), and finally to the top edge of the front cover. In addition, the covers evidence mild rubbing/scuffing. The covers are photo-finish black, and so show rub marks very easily, even merely from being shelved between other books. Condition is entirely consistent with new stock from a bookstore environment wherein new books might show minor signs of shelfwear, consequence of routine handling and simply being shelved and re-shelved. Satisfaction unconditionally guaranteed. In stock, ready to ship. No disappointments, no excuses. PROMPT SHIPPING! HEAVILY PADDED, DAMAGE-FREE PACKAGING! #8774b.
PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTIONS AND IMAGES BELOW FOR DETAILED REVIEWS AND FOR PAGES OF PICTURES FROM INSIDE OF BOOK.
PLEASE SEE PUBLISHER, PROFESSIONAL, AND READER REVIEWS BELOW.
PUBLISHER REVIEWS
:
REVIEW
:  This compilation of 500 brooches features the work of some of the top British contemporary jewelry designers, including Catherine Hills and Elizabeth Bone. The brooches themselves are often crafted using unconventional designs and materials.
REVIEW
:  Features brooches. Lovingly crafted by renowned jewelers from around the world, this title includes one-of-a-kind pieces that display technical excellence, diverse forming techniques, and unceasing beauty.
REVIEW
:  Photographs of more than 500 pieces of jewelry from 475 artists are showcased in this extraordinary international collection.
REVIEW
:  Presents a collection of five hundred brooches crafted by renowned jewelers and made of a variety of materials, including metal, gemstones, antique glass, fabric, and plastic.
REVIEW
:  Contemporary jewelry is celebrated in this spectacular, inspiring, dramatic, and joyful collection of art brooches from designers around the world.
REVIEW
:  Marthe Le Van is a jewelry editor and curator. She is also co-owner of Mora, a designer jewelry boutique in Asheville, North Carolina. From 2000 to 2011 Le Van was a senior editor for Lark Books, where she, edited, juried, or curated more than 60 titles. The books she's authored on making jewelry include 30-Minute Earrings, 30-Minute Necklaces, Stitched Jewels, Prefab Jewelry, Fabulous Jewelry from Found Objects, and The Art of Jewelry: Paper Jewelry. Marthe has also served as the editor for all jewelry books in Lark's popular "500" series, as well as the juror for 500 Wedding Rings and the curator for 21st Century Jewelry and Masters: Gold. She is a member of the Art Jewelry Forum and the Society of North American Goldsmiths. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina.
PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS
:
REVIEW
:  Brooches are back and this book of designs gives a fresh look at a time-honored jewelry form. A collection of 500 contemporary brooches are presented to incite you imagination. Superb color photographs. [Santa Fe Jewelers Supply].
REVIEW
:  This is the latest book in Lark's revisited 500 Series - renamed the Showcase 500 and soft bound (which I believe will stand the test of time much better than the hard bound covers). I know I sound like a broken record but I truly believe that the 500 Series and the new Showcase 500 will be the most valuable tool in the Appraisers' bookshelf - these tomes hold the work of hundreds of Art Jewelers whose names the future may not recall - but whose work and passion are evident in these pages.
This volume is an excellent example of the vast array of styles and techniques that make up the "Art Jewelry" movement. The publisher of course will claim that this collection is representative of the contemporary jewelry scene but take it from someone that is literally buried in both the fine jewelry and art jewelry worlds - this really is representative of today's Art Jewelers! I would order my copy today!!!
REVIEW
:  You all probably know how I feel about these Showcase series books by Lark Books by now...I drool over them for days.  They sit endlessly on my coffee table, at least until the next one comes along.  And sometimes, when they include my own work, they sit there even longer!  Well, this time, my work was not included, but I am nonetheless thrilled with the selection that was chosen for 500 Brooches. The examples range from the traditional and beautiful to the weird and bizarre.  Some made me say "meh", but not very many!  Being wearable is not always the issue, but technical excellence most certainly is.
REVIEW
:  "500 Brooches" is a collection of art jewelry that works as a kind of book slash gallery exhibit. This book is meant to inspire versus inform. It is packed full of color photographs of finished brooches that are hand-crafted to an artistic level. Put simply, this is artwork first. [Tammy Powley, About.com Jewelry Making].
REVIEW
:  The book is really stunning. The compact size packs quite a punch of art. This book is laid out very much like a gallery exhibit: each spread reminds me of a wall space where similar works of art are hung together, and sometimes the connections are surprising. The pieces range from high-end designer diamonds and gems incorporated into meticulously detailed settings to found object creations that look like experiments gone wild. The materials, colors, patterns and styles are fantastic and completely inspiring. A book like this helps me envision what is possible. [Erin Prais-Hintz, Professional Jewelry Designer].
REVIEW
:  These tomes hold the work of hundreds of art jewelers whose names the future may not recall, but whose work and passion are evident in these pages. This volume is an excellent example of the vast array of styles and techniques that make up the Art Jewelry movement. [Robyn Hawk, Metalsmith].
REVIEW
:  A wonderland of possibilities...page after page of inspiration. [American Craft Magazine].
REVIEW
:  These photo gallery books are part of a continuing series on contemporary crafts. All feature artistic, sometimes humorous, and generally nonfunctional examples of brooches and other jewelry forms by many international artists. Captions include the artist's name, title, dimensions, medium, and photographer's credit. As compilations of the best work being done today, these visual delights are an inspiration for crafters; they do not include projects, nor do the previous series volumes. Recommended for specialized decorative arts collections. [Library Journal]].
READER REVIEWS
:
REVIEW
:  This is another gorgeous '500' title from Lark Books. More eye candy and inspiration for all kinds of creative people.
REVIEW
:  I bought this book because I thought it would be good for dipping into for inspiration to get going! It is. There are stacks of brilliant pictures. Quite often I have a pretty good idea of how things are made, but not always. Some are wow, some are delicate, original, witty, incredible - all depending on the eyes that view them- All in all, a good buy; although I freely admit that some pieces make me feel totally inadequate - but there you are - something to strive for. Inspiration or coffee table? Good for both. In any case a good buy.
REVIEW
:  Some of the brooches are beautiful....some are thoughtful. Others are just strange. But all are creative and inspiring! As in the other 500 series, the photography is flawless. When my creative muse is on vacation, I only have to pick up this book to just about any page and find some little twist of wire, or unusual use of material and it sparks a wave of ideas to take into the studio.
REVIEW
:  This is a wonderful showcase of some stunning brooches! This is a collection that moves from subtle enough for everyday to avant garde, show stoppers fit for red carpets and fashion week runways! When I first received my copy I couldn't put it down or leave home without it for weeks! It still seems that every time I open it up I find something new that I hadn't seen before!
REVIEW
:  Being a jewelry student I find books like 500 brooches useful tools used to broaden my horizons on the designing and making of jewelry. There are many excellent examples of designer brooches in this book, great photographs too. There are a few brief pieces of writing by some of the artists that appear in the book which are interesting but very short. Although there is a description of materials used under each piece, there are no technical notes. I understand that it is not a technical handbook and that some artists may not want to give away technical secrets. I still rate this book highly and recommend it to anyone who is interested in art and design. I find it a useful reference point where i can find designs and makers that interest me and see how materials can achieve unexpected effects. From this reference point one can then go on to research each designer and the materials used if desired.
REVIEW
:  A great snapshot of the creative jewelry of the early 2000. Looking through this book, one cannot help marvel at the creativity of the human mind. How can there be such a diversity and invention in an object as small as a brooch? This book is a great snapshot of where contemporary jewelry (brooches) is at in the early 2000. The pictures are beautiful, there is just enough text to understand what you are seeing and know about the creator, and the way the pieces are presented is excellent. For the jewelry designer this is a fantastic resource book, and for anyone else, it is a great introduction to an art form not always known or appreciated and to the discovery that jewelry can be far more a craft. The only thing against it: it is perhaps too heavily weighted towards American creators. I would have liked to see more Japanese, Australian, New Zealand creators.
REVIEW
:  This book is kind of part of a series ("500") by Lark. These books have served me and many people I know as a source of Inspiration. They show one of a kind, hand made pieces by artists from all over the world. Some of the pieces also have descriptions from the artist about what inspired the piece or the ideas behind it. In a classroom, students could look at these books for ideas and see where other artists take their ideas from.
REVIEW
:  The photography, the curating/jurying, the layouts, all are beautiful. All materials are identified for each piece. There are some gorgeous works of art in this book. A keeper for the art library. Highly recommend. There are lots of pictures from this book that are becoming very popular on Pinterest.
REVIEW
:  The brooches shown here are very unusual, using a variety of materials, not usually incorporated into classic designs. The pictures are both wonderful and playful. If you have a curiosity about the way designers think and their designing methods, pick up a copy of this book!
REVIEW
:  This is one of the “500” series that I consider a 'dream' book. Shares lots of ideas and 'let's try this one'. The entire series are very worthwhile, some more than others. It's nice to see how many talented people there are.
REVIEW
:  Drool... More inspiration than one person can probably implement. There is plenty for the money.
REVIEW
:  Beautiful pictures, amazing designs. The book is a great reference for jewelry artists wanting to get inspiration for their work. Great book!
REVIEW
:  My husband has several of the 500 series books. He is a jeweler and teaches jewelry classes; he uses books to let his advance-level students find projects that they would like to attempt. Wonderful!
REVIEW
:  Wonderful inventive artists are creating more than jewelry. Many if not most are really art pieces. Photography excellent. Left me wanting more than 500.
REVIEW
:  This a series of books each featuring 500-1000 pieces in each book. I think I own most by now and they are ALWAYS out at this time of year as holiday gifts are made. This is a beauty as well.
REVIEW
:  This entire series (500 Necklaces, earrings, etc.) is amazing in the breadth of materials used and design styles displayed. If you can't find inspiration here, you're doomed.
REVIEW
:  I bought this as a gift for my jewelry making mother, as inspiration. She was very happy with it. Although she mostly works with beads, she liked seeing more complex techniques.
REVIEW
:  The 500 series of books inspire even the very beginner jewelry maker. They pique your interest to learn advanced techniques to some day be able to make something as beautiful as anything in these books. Wonderful inspiration and excellent photography on beautiful quality paper.
REVIEW
:  Lark has a series of books presenting well photographed, contemporary fine crafts. This book is a good survey of what is being created in brooches. If you are teaching in art history or fine crafts areas, this is an important resource for students, collectors, museums, and libraries.
REVIEW
:  I love the Lark Series books, I have all the jewelry ones, they are a non stop source of inspiration and great value for money. You simply can't go wrong if you buy these books.
REVIEW
:  Worth getting, good value for money. A varied, contemporary compendium of high quality images, of high quality work.
REVIEW
:  Excellent source of inspiration! Amazing examples of all kind of imaginable brooches. You will start creating your own.
REVIEW
:  I have many of the 500 series books and always find them beautiful, informative, inspirational and a nice addition to my library.
REVIEW
:  Inspirational pictures of some of the most beautiful brooches ever. Could be a coffee table book but I keep it handy to inspire me.
REVIEW
:  This entire 500 series is wonderful. I own over one-half dozen in the series and use them to inspire me.
REVIEW
:  I enjoy using it as reference. Try to collect all the 500 series that relate to jewelry ideas as well as unique ideas
REVIEW
:  This book contains a collection of various works which are quite amazing. A great deal of creativity to enjoy page after page!
REVIEW
:  I buy all of these kinds of books. This one is full of inspiration and awe. I'm thrilled to have it in my collection.
REVIEW
:  This is a great book. I revisit this book often for inspiration and ideas. A good book to add to your individual home art library.
REVIEW
:  Love this book. Amazing what people think up and then make in all sorts of materials and with an astonishing array of techniques. Small pieces of art and craft. Inspirational.
REVIEW
:  This is an excellent series of books, not just for jewelry buffs. Photos are excellent and clear and I will be referring to this again and again for inspiration
REVIEW
:  Lots of clear wonderful colorful pictures...some are more like art. A must have for people who are seeking inspiration.
REVIEW
:  One of my favorites in the Lark Books 500 series, a very nice showing of contemporary jewelry artistry
REVIEW
:  Some beautiful, others impractical and just weird. Fertile ground for the eye and the imagination.
REVIEW
:  Five stars! Beautiful and informative!
REVIEW
:
REVIEW
:  I saw this book while traveling, ordering a copy as soon as I returned home and it is great for inspiration and fascinating takes on neck adornment.
REVIEW
:  Great art is to be found in the series.
REVIEW
:  I like this book. Pictures' quality is good and I can find information I need.
REVIEW
:  A book for times when you need inspiration. You can return it repeatedly to find new ideas.
REVIEW
:  Like most of the Lark books in this series, this is wonderful creative eye-candy.
REVIEW
:  What a great and inspiring book! Visual creative candy all the way! Five Stars!
REVIEW
:  Five stars! Lots of ideas in this book.
REVIEW
:  Very useful. Excellent!
REVIEW
:  Five stars!  Absolutely inspiring!
REVIEW
:  Lark Books have a winning formula with this series.
REVIEW
:  Five stars! Another good book from this series
I always ship books Media Mail in a padded mailer.  This book is shipped
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Most of the items I offer come from the collection of a family friend who was active in the field of Archaeology for over forty years.  However many of the items also come from purchases I make in Eastern Europe, India, and from the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean/Near East) from various institutions and dealers.  Though I have always had an interest in archaeology, my own academic background was in sociology and cultural anthropology.  After my retirement however, I found myself drawn to archaeology as well.  Aside from my own personal collection, I have made extensive and frequent additions of my own via purchases on Ebay (of course), as well as many purchases from both dealers and institutions throughout the world - but especially in the Near East and in Eastern Europe.  I spend over half of my year out of the United States, and have spent much of my life either in India or Eastern Europe.  In fact much of what we generate on Yahoo, Amazon and Ebay goes to support The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, as well as some other worthy institutions in Europe connected with Anthropology and Archaeology.
I acquire some small but interesting collections overseas from time-to-time, and have as well some duplicate items within my own collection which I occasionally decide to part with.  Though I have a collection of ancient coins numbering in the tens of thousands, my primary interest is in ancient jewelry.  My wife also is an active participant in the "business" of antique and ancient jewelry, and is from Russia.  I would be happy to provide you with a certificate/guarantee of authenticity for any item you purchase from me.  There is a fee for mailing under separate cover.  Whenever I am overseas I have made arrangements for purchases to be shipped out via domestic mail.  If I am in the field, you may have to wait for a week or two for a COA to arrive via international air mail.  But you can be sure your purchase will arrive properly packaged and promptly - even if I am absent.  And when I am in a remote field location with merely a notebook computer, at times I am not able to access my email for a day or two, so be patient, I will always respond to every email.  Please see our
"ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE."