Many of the most imaginative designs by the world's great jewelry houses and artisans take inspiration from the animal kingdom. From Cartier's iconic panthers to Bulgari's snakes and JAR's butterflies, these spectacular objects dripping with precious stones are akin to wearable art. Beautiful Creatures depicts some of the most spectacular beasts ever transformed into sparkling treasures and accompanies a forthcoming special exhibition in the American Museum of Natural History's Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
The 120 pieces featured date from the mid-1800s to the present, representing species from the realms of land, air, and water. Gorgeous studio photography of the jewelry is complemented by images of iconic personalities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Twiggy, and the Duchess of Windsor wearing famous animal-
inspired jewels. Guest curator Marion Fasel relays the stories behind the individual pieces through entertaining anecdotes and reveals the colorful histories and fascinating symbolism of these remarkable creatures in precious gems and metals that intrigue and delight and that we never tire of wearing.
Marion Fasel is a jewelry historian and author of several books on twentieth-century jewelry. She is the founder of the online jewelry magazine The Adventurine. In 2018 Fasel was the recipient of the GEM Award for Media Excellence and the Jewelry Champion Award from Town & Country magazine.
"Beautiful Creatures by Marion Fasel is smaller than the typical coffee table book, which means it’s more portable and affordable too. But still utterly gorgeous: this would make a fantastic gift for a jewelry lover or animal aficionado in your life." — DIAMONDS IN THE LIBRARY.COM
"Fasel showcases the incredible creativity and diversity of animal-themed jewels and takes us through the history of influences and cultural shifts of the last 150 years....This menagerie of precious creatures is organised into the different habitats in which they dwell and is peppered with amusing and insightful gems of jewellery knowledge." — THEJEWELLERYEDITOR.COM
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