Frequently bold in design and swift to reflect changing vogues of fashion, Costume Jewellery has a status and appeal of its own. Its immense variety and versatility have been key elements in attracting collectors and enthusiasts. In the course of six heavily illustrated chapters Costume Jewellery illustrates a wide range of pieces, many from major names such as Lalique, Chanel, Lanvin and Schiaparell. The introduction provides an overview of the history, the manufacture and components. Deanna Farneti Cera, the author, is a leading expert on the subject. Based in Milan she travels extensively through Europe and the States for her research. She is the author of The Jewels of Miriam Haskell above. Costume jewellery is the mirror of our sociological history. In it we see the liberation of women by Chanel, their subsequent feminisation by Dior, the power of the cinema, and the communication and pictorial revolution that produced the motor driven, mechanised uni-world we live in today.
