Jewels & jewellery - Clare Phillips

This sumptuous book, now updated to mark the opening of the spectacular new Jewellery Gallery at the V&A in May 2008, features exquisite early medieval pieces and superb examples of jewellery design from the Renaissance up to the present. Exceptional photographs illustrate not only rare precious stones but elaborate techniques such as chasing, enamelling and cameo. Famous jewels are featured alongside rings, brooches, pendants, earrings and tiaras, all revealing the beauty and technical virtuosity of their maker's art.