Jewels and the woman: The romance, magic and art of feminine adornment

A comprehensive survey traces the development of personal jewelry from ancient civilizations through modern times, detailing changes in style, technique, and cultural function. A systematic catalog describes individual gemstones — diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls and many others — with attention to their properties, varieties, and visual effects. A section outlines traditional associations such as birthstones and zodiac links, and discusses seasonal and daily correspondences. Practical chapters offer guidance on selecting, setting, and styling pieces for different facial shapes, hair tones, and occasions, plus notes on metals and basic designs. Numerous illustrations and original designs accompany the text to support both historical understanding and practical use.