Diana Scarisbrick authored dozens of books, introducing readers to some of the world’s most exquisite jewelry. Many of the jewelry historian’s older works are out of print, but some are still available in online marketplaces that specialize in older titles. Here are five books that illustrate the deft way she put jewels into social and cultural perspective.
Diamond Jewelry: 700 Years of Glory and Glamour
Scarisbrick chronicles seven centuries of jewelry history, tracing dazzling diamonds that granted an aura of authority, wealth and success to those they adorned. The sweeping timeline stretches from the 1300s to modern times, encompassing notable jewels, the evolving techniques that created them, and the people who wore them.
Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty
This lavishly illustrated compendium of the design, meaning and significance of major ring types — including signets, memorial rings, diamond rings, and rings denoting love, marriage and friendship — is arranged by category rather than chronologically. Highlighting each chapter are close-up photos of historical examples, along with period artwork, literary quotes and anecdotes.
Portrait Jewels: Opulence and Intimacy from the Medici to the Romanovs
The author showcases the popular portrait jewels of royal figures, famous personalities and cherished loved ones, covering the Renaissance through the Belle Époque era. These rings, pendants, lockets, bracelets and objets de luxe bearing cameos, intaglios and miniature portraits were prized as tokens of allegiance, affection and commitment.
Portrait Jewels: Opulence and Intimacy from the Medici to the Romanovs
This informative volume on rings from the titular collection presents 135 posy rings dating from the late Middle Ages to the 18th century. Inscribed with mottos known as posies, or little poems, these pieces express affection and offer pledges of fidelity, illuminating the changing view of love and marriage throughout the centuries.
The Art of the Ring: Highlights from the Griffin Collection
In this additional volume on the eminent Griffin Collection, Scarisbrick spotlights 100 rare antique rings spanning antiquity to the modern era. Among them are colored-stone rings, rings that served devotional or memorial purposes, ones that related to daily life, and ones with royal and noble associations.
Main image: Thames & Hudson.
