WARD, A. J. CHERRY, C. GERE, B. CARTLIDGE

Rings Through the Ages / Anne Ward . . . [Et Al. ] ; Illustration Consultant, Marielle Ernould Gandouet
New York : Rizzoli 1981. 1st Edition. No. of pages: 214. Description: 214 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm. Bibliography: p. 200-202. Subjects: Rings--History. 084780397X. Dustjacket with plastic protective cover.

This exceptional book is divided into four sections, each written by an expert in the particular historical period.  The first part, "Rings of Antiquity" is written by Dr Anne Ward and covers every major civilization from the days of the Pharoahs to the Byzantine Empire.  Part 2, Medieval Rings (1100 - 1500) by John Cherry of the British Museum, investigates types both sacred and secular from all over Europe.  The third part, Rings from 1500 - 1900 by Charlotte Gere, also of the British Museum, discusses magnificent Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo jewels.  The fourth and final section, Twentieth-century rings, is by Barbara Cartlidge, Director of the Electrum Gallery, London and goes from exquisite Art Nouveau specimens through Art Deco and Cartier examples, concluding with rings made of unusual synthetic materials and those with erotic and Pop Art themes of the last decades.

Profusely illustrated, this book is highly recommended to any jewellery collector.