Floral jewels - Carol Woolton

Throughout history, flowers have been the inspiration for jewellers and the people who wore their creations. Gabrielle Chanel's favourite flower was the camellia and since the 1920s the flower has become incorporated into every aspect of the house's designs. Christian Dior favoured the lily of the valley and made it the centre of his 1954 collection. The rose de noel, which blooms in winter, has become synonymous with van Cleef and Arpel. This gorgeous volume highlights hundreds of examples of the finest floral jewellery ever made. Divided into four seasons - and the flowers that bloom in them - this book explores the history of flowers in the fine jewellery world and features dazzling illustrations, original sketches and gouache paintings showing how these blooms have been translated into pieces that are both priceless and ageless. The jewellery editor of British Vogue, Carol Woolton, offers expert insights into fashion history and trends. She explores the Belle Epoque, styles of the 1940s and the re-interpretations of iconic pieces. From original bejewelled botanical pieces by master jewellers such as Rene Lalique and Peter Carl Faberge, to the splendour of Cartier's orchids and fanciful imaginative flowers by contemporary designers such as Victoire de Castellane. The book also features magical floral pieces by Joel Arthur Rosenthal, acknowledged as the world's greatest jeweller, who has contributed a foreword for the book. These fanciful ornaments will entice collectors and dreamers alike.