This comprehensive overview, organized by material and period, allows the reader to distinguish, appraise, and date French jewelry from 1800?1950.This highly accessible guide offers a detailed panorama charting the evolution of French jewelry created between the Consulate period in the 1800s through to the 1950s. Iconic examples include Onyx cameos, dormeuses earrings in rose gold, an Art Deco solitaire, a sapphire you and me ring, a diamond shaker brooch, and an emerald negligee necklace.Entries are organized by period, and include primary sources of inspiration and characteristics, designers, materials, gemstones, and types of jewelry. Completed with an overview of the key design houses and artists who have left their mark on the jewelry industry since 1800, along with detailed advice for buying and maintaining pieces, this practical referencerichly illustrated with photographs and archival documentsprovides everything you need to know to appreciate antique jewelry in all its facets.