Understanding Jewellery: The 20th Century: The Twentieth Century, Hardcover Book, By: Daniela Mascetti (Author), David Bennett

An exciting new reference work on 20th century jewelry Provides a detailed history of jewelry design and development from 1900 to 2000 Over 500 new, high quality, full color photographs The perfect gift for jewelry lovers, scholars and professionals Understanding Jewellery, by authors David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, is often described as the must-have jewelry book of our time - a ‘Bible' in the jewelry trade. First published in 1989, it has remained in print ever since, amassing a loyal following of devotees who admire its detailed information and stunning imagery. In this new work, Bennett and Mascetti have taken the original concept of Understanding Jewellery a stage further. Now, with the benefit of 20 years of hindsight, they have concentrated on the 20th century alone by conducting a detailed survey of each decade, identifying the key players, trends and movements. The book is an encyclopaedic history of the various forms, techniques and materials employed by the companies and individuals who defined jewelry in the 20th century. Most significantly, this book includes a new set of photographs, which make Understanding Jewellery: The Twentieth Century one of the most dazzling, absorbing and varied collection of jewelry images ever assembled in a book. This large format hardback volume is a perfect gift for all lovers of jewellery and the definitive guide for those who desire a deeper understanding of the subject. About the Author David Bennett is the Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby's International Jewellery Division and the Chairman of Sotheby's Switzerland. He has sold four out of the five most expensive jewels in auction history. Having worked as an auctioneer at the firm since 1978, Bennett is renowned internationally as an authority on jewellery. He played a key role in numerous illustrious sales, such as the ‘Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor' (1987), a tiara from the Collection of Princess Katharina Henckel von Donnersmarck (2011) and Henry IV of France's Beau Sancy (2012). Daniela Mascetti is Sotheby's Chairman of Jewellery in Europe. She joined Sotheby's in 1980, opening the firm's Milan-based department. She is one of Sotheby's most experienced scholars in the history of jewellery, and has collaborated extensively in the sales of historic collections. Her research has assisted with several notable auctions, from The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor to the collections of Elton John and Gina Lollobrigida. Regarded internationally as a leading authority in the field of precious stones and jewellery, David Bennett spent 42 years in the role of Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby's jewellery division, a post he held until 2020. During his prestigious career, David sold three of the five most-expensive jewels in auction history, as well as seven 100-carat diamonds, earning him the nickname the '100-carat man'. David has also presided over many legendary, record-breaking auctions, such as the Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor (1987), The Princely Collections of Thurn und Taxis (1992) and Royal Jewels from the Bourbon-Parma Family (2018).