Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery

"It imparts the type of educational information that all stages of jewelry collectors, as well as jewelry enthusiasts from students to dealers, will go back to again and again." — Beth Bernstein, Instore Mag

"The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery will make a collector of you yet" —Annie Davidson, JCK

"...filled with fun factual titbits that are presented in a witty, conversational style, with lively narratives exploring each piece’s history." — Solitaire International
"The ultimate go-to guide." — Retail Jeweller World

The ultimate go-to guide, The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery takes the reader on a tour through time, venturing from the 1700s all the way through to the early 20th century. From how to look chic while wearing jewellery that outdates you by 100 years, to how to spot and score the best pieces, this book is a must-read for all enthusiasts and collectors who have an affinity for the jewels of the past.

Fun factual tidbits are presented in a witty, conversational style, and lively narratives explore each piece’s history. Part travelogue, featuring the most influential shops in New York, LA, London, Paris and Amsterdam; part educational guide, with anecdotes from dealers and experts; and part celebration of historical jewellery, this book is an invaluable and accessible reference.

Topics covered include (but are not limited to): how to identify the most popular gemstones, materials, styles and collectible pieces in the market today, and how to select antique jewellery to complement your lifestyle. The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery will reveal what to look for and where to locate rare finds, as well as how the experts score the pieces that decorate the fingers, ears, necks and wrists of the collector. 

Beth Bernstein is a jewellery historian, author, journalist and one-time jewellery designer. Her books include Jewelry's Shining Stars: The Next Generation (ACC Art Books 2024),The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery (ACC Art Books, 2022), If These Jewels Could Talk (ACC Art Books, 2015), Jewelry’s Shining Stars (Fine Points Publishing, 2013) and a memoir, My Charmed Life (Penguin, 2012). Beth has contributed to many magazines, journals and publications including Forbes.com, Jewelry Connoisseur, Rapaport Magazine, The Jewellery Editor (online), Accent Magazine, Elite Traveler and Four Seasons Departures. She has worked as a senior editor for two leading national jewellery magazines, and in 2017 launched her own online jewellery magazine, bejeweledmag.com. Beth also lectures and organises and participates in seminars and educational events. Throughout the 1990s, Beth designed a jewellery collection under the brand name Bethany B, which sold to over 250 stores throughout the USA and overseas.