A presentation of the history of earrings from prehistory to modern times. The first part of the book relates how the fashion of wearing precious earrings spread through the Mediterranean region from Ancient Egypt to Mycenae, to the Classical Greek, Roman and Hellenistic worlds, to Byzantium. From the 18th century, when the techniques of cutting coloured gemstones and diamonds were perfected, the design of earrings evolved towards its most stylish and glamorous. Extraordinary revivals of Classical and Roman motifs are shown here, the bold lines of art deco, and modern designs, created by the leading European and American designers. The great names among the designers and international jewellery houses are all represented, among them Boucheron, Cartier, Mellerio, Van Cleef and Arpels, Verdura, Andrew Grima, Bulgari, Marina B., David Webb, Harry Winston and Graff. A substantial part of the book comprises illustrations, covering every period and style from Rococo flowers to chaste Neoclassical discs.

Table of Contents

The historical background - from antiquity to the 17th century; the age of elegance - earrings in the 18th century; the 19th century - riches and revivals; experiment and variety - earrings of today.