For many centuries collecting precious jewels was the preserve of kings and queens, emperors and maharajahs. But in the aftermath of the First World War, with the fall of several European monarchies, royal gems passed into the hands of a different kind of elite that included celebrities from the silver screen and a coterie who revelled in a social whirl of the newly rich.

This book profiles thirteen of these rich and glamorous women, all of whom built up astonishing jewelry collections in the early and mid-20th century.

The authors, both international jewelry experts, bring to life the worlds in which these women moved, as well as describing the gems in detail and providing a portrait of the work of the leading jewelers of the day. The book is illustrated with close-up shots of the jewels as well as wonderful drawings of the original designs, and includes portraits of the women by Beaton, Horst and other leading photographers of the time.

Edition type: Revised Edition
Extent: 320 pp
Format: Quarterbound/PLC (no jacket)
Publication date: 2016-08-25
Size: 30.0 x 22.4 cm
ISBN: 9780500519004

Preface • 1. Marjorie Merriweather Post • 2. Lydia, Lady Deterding • 3. The Duchess of Windsor • 4. Daisy Fellowes • 5. Countess Mona Bismarck • 6. Barbara Hutton • 7. Merle Oberon • 8. The Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda • 9. Maria Callas • 10. H.H. Begum Sultan Mohamed Shah Aga Khan • 11. Nina Dyer

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