I spend a lot of time at Amazon.com researching books on jewelry and beadwork. I love to read reviews written by others, to get detailed information on whether a book is hardbound or paperback, long or short, beginner or advanced. Many times, you can view sample pages from the book, which is the next best thing to leafing through it at a bookstore or library. Here are some book I have found about silver jewelry. I have restricted this list to books with a regional emphasis. There will be a separate page for Native American silver, since so many excellent books exist. The books listed here will give you a glimpse at the different types of beautiful silver jewelry found around the world. For the most part, these books are reference resources or coffee table books, not identification or pricing guides. Please let me know if you have suggestions for books to add to this list.

Silver Jewelery of Oman
Jehan S. Rajab's 80-page paperpack provides a breathtaking glimpse at the Tareq Rajab Museum silver jewelry collection. If you are looking for a more extensive look into Palestinian jewelry and adornment, check out Rajab's classic Palestinian Costume.

Old silver jewellery of the Turkoman : an essay on symbols in the culture of Inner Asian nomads
Dieter Schletzer focuses on the symbology used by the Turk nomads in their silver jewelry.

The Viking-Age Gold and Silver of Scotland (Ad 850-1100)
The National Museums of Scotland is the publisher of James Graham-Campbell's 260 page hardbound catalogue of gold and silver Scandinavian-type ornaments that have been found in Scotland. If you are looking for Viking silverwork, this is the book for you!

Greek Gems and Finger Rings: Early Bronze to Late Classical
John Boardman and Robert L. Wilkins offer this 474 page hardbound account of gem engraving from the early Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period. The focus is on gem engraving, but there is much about the development of studios and styles that is relevant to silver. 1395 illustrations, 51 in color.

Silver Jewelry Treasures
This 143 page paperback, by Nancy N. Schiffer, offers over 250 color photos of European, American Indian, Mexican, and modern designs. Values guides and descriptive text are also included.

The Complete Book of Goldsmithing & Silver Work: Jewelry, Vessels & Ornaments
Carles Codina's hardbound book is due out in March 2003, although you can reserve a copy now.

The Master Jewelers
This 264 page hardcover book, edited by A. Kenneth Snowman, features 377 illustrations, 251 in color. Fabulous designs in gold, silver, platinum, gems are showcased.

Mexican Silver : 20th Century Handwrought Jewelry & Metalwork
Penny Chittim Morrill, Carole A. Berk, and Carole A Berk present this 272 page hardbound story of Mexican silversmithing from 1920s to the present. 440 photographs, 405 in color.

Other Jewelry Articles