500 Pendants & Lockets: Contemporary Interpretations of Classic Adornments by Marthe Le Van..
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DESCRIPTION: Softcover. Publisher: Lark Crafts (2008). Pages: 420. Size: 8½ x 8¼ x 1¼ inches; 2¾ pounds. One look at these breathtaking suspended neck ornaments, and it’s clear why Lark’s series of jewelry design books has become so wildly popular. Every pendant is a masterful work of art, whether it’s symbolic and purposeful (amulets, talismans, and charms) or purely decorative. Juried by Mike Holmes and Elizabeth Shypertt, co-founders of the esteemed jewelry gallery Velvet da Vinci, this beautiful color collection includes pieces crafted from diverse materials and techniques (including forging, casting, forming, and stone setting). “Fecund,” Tricia Lachowiec’s intricate construction of oxidized sterling silver, electroformed copper, enamel, and resin, is every bit as luscious as its title suggests. In “0210,” Seth Papac constructs a ghostly and atmospheric cityscape out of poplar wood, architectural siding, and building materials, as well as gold, silver, and elastic. Jane Adam’s signature use of softly colored aluminum always astounds, and decidedly so in “Flower Pendant” with its multiple fronds of gracefully arching metal. Jewelers, metalsmiths, and collectors will all find inspiration in these one-of-a-kind works.
CONDITION: NEW. New oversized softcover. Lark Crafts (2008) 420 pages. Unblemished except for mild shelfwear to the covers. Inside the book is pristine; the pages are clean, crisp, unmarked, unmutilated, tightly bound, unambiguously unread. From the outside, the shelfwear to the covers consists of faint edge and corner shelfwear to the covers, principally in the form of very faint "crinkling" to the spine head and heel, and the cover "tips" (the four open corners of the covers, top and bottom, front and back). In addition, the covers evidence mild rubbing/scuffing. The covers are phooto-finish black, and so show rub marks very easily, even merely from being shelved between other books. Also, the book has inside cover flaps, like a dustjacket. The top corner of the front inside flap has a mild crease, where it got caught in the book as it was closed, and folded over. Of course, it's a corner crease to the inside flap, it's unnoticed unless the book is opened, and even so it is a very superficial cosmetic blemish. Condition is entirely consistent with new stock from a bookstore environment wherein new books might show minor signs of shelfwear, consequence of routine handling and simply being shelved and re-shelved. Satisfaction unconditionally guaranteed. In stock, ready to ship. No disappointments, no excuses. PROMPT SHIPPING! HEAVILY PADDED, DAMAGE-FREE PACKAGING! #8646c.
PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTIONS AND IMAGES BELOW FOR DETAILED REVIEWS AND FOR PAGES OF PICTURES FROM INSIDE OF BOOK.
PLEASE SEE PUBLISHER, PROFESSIONAL, AND READER REVIEWS BELOW.
PUBLISHER REVIEWS:
REVIEW: Suspended neck ornaments provide endless design possibilities and challenges for contemporary artists. In this remarkable collection you’ll find 500 pendants and lockets that expand the aesthetic and conceptual notion of wqhat jewelry can and should be. The pieces have been crafted from diverse materials such as precious metals, priceless gemstones, recycled plastic – using various techniques – including forging, enameling, casting, raising, and rapid prototyping. Mike Holmes and Elizabeth Shypertt, co-founders of the esteemed Velvet da Vinci Gallery, have chosen the ornaments from thousands of entries. Inspiring and insightful commentaries from several of the artists illuminate the methods and meanings behind their works.
The pendant as a diminutive piece of personal sculpture is a theme that runs throughout the collection. By working with found glass on “East Building”, Marianne Schliwinski brings what was formerly worthless into a fresh context and a new level of meaning. Claude Chavent’s “Cage” is completely flat. The finish makes light reflect in different directions, giving the illusion of volume. The visual impact of Hyesung Shin’s “Snowman”, which comes from eccentric shapes and bold color, is meant to decorate the human body.
The locket is an engaging piece of jewelry because it’s designed to hold objects of individual significance. Mikala Mortensen describes her silver, silicone, and acylic “Pink Brain” as “a modern locket, with a room shaped as a brain in which to keep small memories”. Melanie Bilenker creates intimate scenes of a lover with drawings made of painstakingly placed human hair in “Clean Clothes”. Monica Buongiovanni’s “My Suitcase” is a miniature travel case lined with old photographs, while “Boot Box #2” by Cynthia Toops and Chuck Domitrovich, is an intricately detailed, polymer clay and leather book with a removable top.
Whether you’re a jewelry, crafter, collector, scholar, or a jewelry enthusiast, you’ll enjoy poring over these pages time and again.
REVIEW: In this new entry to this popular series, every pendant is a masterful work of art, whether it's symbolic (amulets, talismans and charms) or purely decorative. Judged by Mike Holmes and Elizabeth Shypertt, this beautiful color collection includes pieces crafted from diverse materials and techniques (including forging, casting, forming and stone setting). Seth Papac constructs a ghostly and atmospheric cityscape out of poplar wood, architectural siding and building materials, as well as gold, silver and elastic and Jane Adam's signature use of softly colored aluminum always astounds with its multiple fronds of gracefully arching metal. Jewelers, metal-smiths and collectors will all find inspiration in these one-of-a-kind works.
REVIEW: One of Lark’s most distinctive and popular lines, this is the series lovers of fine craftsmanship rave about. It provides an overview of the best work of contemporary jewelers. Each book is juried by an expert, features informative introductory text, and showcases spectacular images of state-of-the-art work. The first entry in the series was published in 2002. Since then, over 35 books have followed, and new titles release each season. With an international roster of contributors that includes both established names and up-and-coming craftspeople, each volume spotlights the shared and divergent approaches taken by artists who are producing visionary work. Filled with lavish photographs, these gorgeous books inspire crafters and collectors, artists and aficionados—anyone who enjoys celebrating the creative spirit.
REVIEW: Marthe Le Van is a jewelry editor and curator. She is also co-owner of Mora, a designer jewelry boutique in Asheville, North Carolina. From 2000 to 2011 Le Van was a senior editor for Lark Books, where she, edited, juried, or curated more than 60 titles. The books she's authored on making jewelry include “30-Minute Earrings”, “30-Minute Necklaces”, “Stitched Jewels”, “Prefab Jewelry”, “Fabulous Jewelry from Found Objects”, and “The Art of Jewelry: Paper Jewelry”. Marthe has also served as the editor for all jewelry books in Lark's popular "500" series, as well as the juror for “500 Wedding Rings” and the curator for “21st Century Jewelry and Masters: Gold”. She is a member of the Art Jewelry Forum and the Society of North American Goldsmiths. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina.
REVIEW: Marthe Le Van is a Senior Content Editor for Lark Jewelry & Beading. She has written, edited, juried, or curated more than 40 jewelry books since 2000.
PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS:
REVIEW: A collection of pendants, lockets and charms from today's leading jewelry makers, including pieces crafted from diverse materials and techniques. Will appeal to jewelers, designers and collectors. Stunning and spectacular.
REVIEW: This book is another excellent edition in this Lark Book series. I am a silversmith specializing in jewelry and now and again suffer from 'blank bench syndrome'. These books are great to look at and become inspired again. Beautiful photos of interesting jewelry arranged into themes. I would recommend it both for beginners to see what can be achieved, and for experienced makers as a resource book for inspirational ideas and techniques.
REVIEW: This book is one part of a series by Lark (“500”). These books have served me and many people I know as a source of inspiration. They show one of a kind, hand made pieces by artists from all over the world. Some of the pieces also have descriptions from the artist about what inspired the piece or the ideas behind it. In a classroom, students could look at these books for ideas and see where other artists take their ideas from.
REVIEW: You'll be in absolute awe with over 400 pages of one-of-a-kind pieces from over 300 artists. This extensive volume contains enough inspiration to last a lifetime. You'll love 500 Pendants & Lockets. [Bead Unique].
READER REVIEWS:
REVIEW: With few exceptions, I enjoy the Lark "500" series of books, Pendants and Lockets is no different. Sticking to the photos only with minimal wording publication concept, this is not a "how to" book it simply showcases a veritable smorgasbord of amazing contemporary designs. The enormous range of materials used to create these pieces is appreciated, nothing seems to have been left out. Of course all the to be expected precious and non precious metals and stones are there, now add plastics, textiles, papers, glass, all the clays, resins and found objects.
Continue with every possible technique you can think of, and then some, with design concepts that for the most part are also extremely wearable ( and yes there are some that leave you with a what the?? feeling )and you have a great book. Make no mistake here, this is contemporary jewelry, don't look here for the traditional or you will be disappointed.
Every page is a highlight, with Jacqueline Ryan’s Untitled ( pg 14) gold and enamel pod looking so real it was stunning, Jin a Jung's - A dot of Illusion was incredible, visual illusion of geometric patterns done so well and Karen McCreary's Geode Pendant in Acrylic, gold leaf and silver were both elegant and fluid with stunning colors. These may have stood out for me personally, and I am sure everyone who views this will have favorites too.
While there were some well known artists showcased it was great to see so many new names and better still I had not seen over 95% of the photos before. I have been left in awe of the designers who have created pieces that challenge your thinking, delight with their interpretations, playful and serious and leave you knowing you have just witnessed Pure Magic. Well done to both Lark and the exceptional job the jurors Mike Holmes and Elizabeth Shypertt have done. This is a book that will be my night time reading for many days ahead.
REVIEW: This hefty volume features as it says, 500 pendants and lockets. Part of a successful series, this 420 page jewelry book highlights some of the best contemporary jewelry. The cover photo is stunning and sets the standard.
Miek Holmes and Elizabeth Shypertt of the Velvet da Vinci Gallery in the USA selected the adornments. Stark simplicity, detailed design, political, whimsical, classically elegant are words to describe the contents. The makers express their creativity to the full using a wide variety of media that includes polymer clay, wood, leather, metal, precious stones, rubber and so much more.
The designs are so varied, there are bound to be many that you like. The designs are thought-provoking, some have a social or political comment to make, whilst others are merely ornamental. Most of the pieces are very wearable. I like the comments by some of the designers.
However, the book does not appear to follow any kind of pattern - the designs are not laid out according to designer, medium, type or any sequence that I could see. Also comments by designers are few and far between and random. The chosen designs do, however, demonstrate the wide variety and infinite possibilities of adornments. A superb book.
REVIEW: I bought this book for my grandmother, who is a jewelry-smith now that she is retired. I also do some metal-smithing, although nothing like her. We both loved this book! It was beautiful and interesting and had lots of neat and inspirational ideas. My grandmother in particular liked that all the materials were listed for every item. I thought the use of so many new materials to be quite interesting. The biggest drawback I found was that all of the pieces were very modern or contemporary in style, which, given the title, is to be expected. Overall, a great idea book, with beautiful pictures and useful descriptions.
REVIEW: This is a wonderfully varied and representational compendium of jewelry pieces from a wide variety of artists. I was inspired, impressed, amused and amazed by various pendant/lockets. The editors do a marvelous job of gathering work from the traditional to the far-out without going round the bend or boring this reader.
REVIEW: I am not usually the type of person that would buy a book to look at all the pictures. I am a techie and my art is computer motherboards. This book is beautiful and I really like it. I just keep looking through it and never seem to get tired of trying to figure out what the artist must have been thinking to create the pieces in the book. Although it wasn't what I expected, it is a keeper.
REVIEW: I bought this on a whim. I was not disappointed. Make no mistake - this is not a "how-to" book; it is exactly what the title indicates - a collection of great images of 500 beautiful pendants and lockets. Full of inspiration for jewelry designers of all skill levels. I like this book so much that I may order a few others in the series - yes, there are more!
REVIEW: I love this book. I'm fairly new to jewelry making and metal-smithing, but almost every page has given me at least one idea for further exploration. While it's true that some of the pieces are so over the top as to be unwearable, they still inspire with their extreme creativity. I'll cherish this book and it will have a space on my studio shelf for a long time to come.
REVIEW: I truly loved looking through this book. I was inspired to create many new designs after viewing and let my mind wander as I turned each page. I would recommend this to all jewelry artists as a source of Inspiration.
REVIEW: I LOVE this book (as I love ALL the 500 series)! If you are expecting a "catalogue", or a "how-to" book, however, this book is not for you. This is page after page of art in jewelry form. There is nothing practical here; a lot of it isn't wearable. That isn't the point. These are art books....not reference manuals.
REVIEW: A good book for anyone making jewelry as it covers many types of materials that can be used. It’s worth buying.
REVIEW: Another fascinating book full of beautiful work leaving you full of admiration, the photographs are well taken and laid out
REVIEW: Worth getting, good value for money. A varied, contemporary compendium of high quality images, of high quality work.
REVIEW: I love the Lark Series books, I have all the jewelry ones, they are a non stop source of inspiration and great value for money. You simply can't go wrong if you buy these books.
REVIEW: This book is a great book to look in to when you want to have an idea to make your own jewelry.
REVIEW: Well presented and valuable collection that ill keep and use for years and years! So glad to have found this book exists
REVIEW: Wide assortment of artist work and variety of styles and materials used. The book has a great simple layout with quality photos.
REVIEW: Great book. excellent for reference and for seeing how other's have challenged the boundary's of jewelry making.
REVIEW: What a pleasure to open a book and be awed by its quality and content, delighted
REVIEW: Highly inspiring and beautifully photographed. A welcomed addition to my collection of the Lark 500 Series.
REVIEW: Good photos and techniques shown. High quality book. Good value for the money.
REVIEW: If you know this series, it's a great book to look at for inspiration.
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Most of the items I offer come from the collection of a family friend who was active in the field of Archaeology for over forty years. However many of the items also come from purchases I make in Eastern Europe, India, and from the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean/Near East) from various institutions and dealers. Though I have always had an interest in archaeology, my own academic background was in sociology and cultural anthropology. After my retirement however, I found myself drawn to archaeology as well. Aside from my own personal collection, I have made extensive and frequent additions of my own via purchases on Ebay (of course), as well as many purchases from both dealers and institutions throughout the world - but especially in the Near East and in Eastern Europe. I spend over half of my year out of the United States, and have spent much of my life either in India or Eastern Europe. In fact much of what we generate on Yahoo, Amazon and Ebay goes to support The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, as well as some other worthy institutions in Europe connected with Anthropology and Archaeology.
I acquire some small but interesting collections overseas from time-to-time, and have as well some duplicate items within my own collection which I occasionally decide to part with. Though I have a collection of ancient coins numbering in the tens of thousands, my primary interest is in ancient jewelry. My wife also is an active participant in the "business" of antique and ancient jewelry, and is from Russia. I would be happy to provide you with a certificate/guarantee of authenticity for any item you purchase from me. There is a $2 fee for mailing under separate cover. Whenever I am overseas I have made arrangements for purchases to be shipped out via domestic mail. If I am in the field, you may have to wait for a week or two for a COA to arrive via international air mail. But you can be sure your purchase will arrive properly packaged and promptly - even if I am absent. And when I am in a remote field location with merely a notebook computer, at times I am not able to access my email for a day or two, so be patient, I will always respond to every email. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE."
