500 Brooches: Inspiring Adornments for the Body

500 Series

by Marthe Le Van (Editor), Marjorie Simon (Introduction), Lark Books

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.

Genres: Jewellery, Nonfiction, Jewellery Making

360 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and this book in the series was particularly interesting to me as I'm not one to wear, or even be curious about, brooches. As a crafter who is just getting into jewelry, I appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity of many of these pieces. The photos are beautiful but I passed on much of the artists' statements (much as I do curator's remarks posted in museum exhibits) — too much navel-gazing! Much inspiration to be had here.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is kind of part of a series by Lark (500 ________). 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.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites in the Lark Books 500 series, a very nice showing of contemporary jewelry artistry

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some beautiful, others impractical and just weird. Fertile ground for the eye and the imagination.

[Kimber]

Beautiful and informative!