Rings

Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty

£30.00
£30.00

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This is the first book devoted exclusively to rings considered thematically rather than chronologically

This is the first book devoted exclusively to rings to be arranged thematically rather than chronologically. Diana Scarisbrick, a world expert, illuminates hundreds of examples of rings with her rich historical and literary knowledge: signets; rings associated with love, marriage and friendship; devotional, protective and ecclesiastical rings; memento mori and memorial rings; rings associated with famous people; diamond rings; and rings as accessories. She makes us delight in them as works of art, and makes their context come alive through paintings, drawings and vivid quotations.

Rings of all periods are included – from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to the 20th century. The rings are drawn not only from great museums but from private collections, pre-eminently that of the noted gem dealer and art patron Benjamin Zucker.
Extent: 384 pp
Format: Paperback with flaps
Illustrations: 483
Publication date: 2013-09-30
Size: 22.5 x 21.8 cm
ISBN: 9780500291122
Foreword by James Fenton • 1. Signets • 2. Love, marriage and friendship rings • 3. Devotional, apotropaic and ecclesiastical rings • 4. Memento mori and memorial rings • 5. Rings associated with illustrious people and great events • 6. Decorative rings • 7. Diamond rings • 8. The ring as an accessory

Press Reviews

A fascinating book that’s equal parts eye-candy and wow-inducing art-history lesson
Art Jewelry

An essential guide
Harper’s Bazaar

… makes us delight in them as works of art, and makes their context come alive through paintings, drawings and vivid quotation
Antiques Info


About the Author

Diana Scarisbrick is an art historian specializing in the history of engraved gems and jewelry. Her publications include Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty and Portrait Jewels: Opulence and Intimacy from the Medici to the Romanovs, and (as co-author) Elihu Yale: Merchant, Collector & Patron, all published by Thames & Hudson.

James Fenton is an English poet, journalist and literary critic.

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