Starting to Collect Antique Jewellery (Starting to Collect Series) Hardcover – Illustrated, 1 Jan. 1999

If you are thinking of investing in, or treating yourself to antique jewellery, or have any kind of collectors interest in the subject, then this book is great. Have you ever been drawn to an item description that includes words like 'Victorian', 'Georgian', 'fine antique' or 'vintage classic'? How many sapphires on the market are claimed to be 'Kashmir' or 'Ceylon'? There are a swathe of sellers who describe their second-hand jewellery with terms like this. This book gives a very good broad-based idea of what to look for to weed out the genuine from the not-quite-so-antique. The pictures are very good and very varied. The text is informative without being dull. If you are looking for a book of mega-expensive jewels to drool over, then look elsewhere. (There are huge, glossy coffee-table books out there with massive close-ups of the Crown jewels, etc.) This book does include some stuff that is waaaaay out of my novice league, but also includes more 'entry-level' items that give a real feel for what you might find for sale. The author clearly has a wealth of experience and the book reflects that well.

Super buy! Certainly not another pretty "picture book" on the same topic. Lots of usefully informations and beautiful illustrations. Worth the money and worth the wait. (Waited for this book for a month!) Highly recommended!

After attending a John Benjamin lecture day I was in awe of his knowledge. When he mentioned that he'd written a book I had to have it. I wasn't disappointed. The quality and variety of colour pics is excellent. I can hear John talking when I read the text. I can thoroughly recommend this book to experts and amateurs alike.

Great book. Very helpful resource to keep returning to and a very enjoyable read. Nice pictures.

Great condition and wonderful reference book.Ideally I am looking for Victorian/Edwardian jewelleries reference book, which this has some detail in.Anyone have any other ideas of reference books I could look into?

very handy

Beautifully photographed book with great advice

Excellent. Super reference book.Condition perfect because New!I am glad..