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As entertaining as it is incisive, Stoned is a raucous journey through the history of human desire for what is rare, and therefore precious. What makes a stone a jewel? What makes a jewel priceless? And why do we covet beautiful things? In this brilliant account of how eight jewels shaped the course of history, jeweler and scientist Aja Raden tells an original and often startling story about our unshakeable addiction to beauty and the darker side of human desire. What moves the world is what m...

More than 125 vivid color photographs display Indian-made wrought silver, turquoise, shell and coral jewelry brought together from the American Southwest's bright deserts, red canyon and timeless pueblos. The authors explore the diversity of this hand-crafted jewelry from historic collections as well as those available today on reservations and in shops and galleries. They explain the heritage conveyed by these distinctive products of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Rio Grande Pueblo artisans.

This series presents over 4000 fine pictures of unearthed jades in China, covering the most complete collection of the last eighty years, especially from the 1950s on, of China's archaeological field research. Among the overall 15 volumes sorted by regions, ninety per cent of the jades are, for the first time, presented in high quality color pictures to the public. These pictures show the clear and original appearances of the jade, with compendious text descriptions of each item, in both Chinese...

Here's an exciting exploration of the craft of making flowers with tiny glass beads and thread, weaving these elements together with off-loom stitches to create three-dimensional flowers, leaves and garden creatures. Beaders and gardeners alike will delight in these projects that use brick, peyote, net and herringbone stitches, as well as right-angle weave and combination stitches. Step-by-step instructions, stunning photographs and easy-to-follow diagrams guide you through simple to more advanc...

Virginia Jensen offers more exciting ways to create with cube beads in her second book, Contemporary Cube Bead Designs. This book shows off versatile cube beads in a delightfully creative mix of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Virginia Jensen uses her artistic eye to develop subtle, fashion-forward color palettes, interesting patterns, and delightful shapes like stars and flowers. All 28 projects are fully illustrated -- the best way to learn stitching techniques! Easy to find and fun to wor...

Diane Whiting presents the idea that convertibility isn't just about using pieces in multiple ways; it is also about using skills and creativity in multiple ways. Using ever-popular sparkling crystals, Diane showcases design elements through various techniques for fun, easy, fashionable jewelry. With 25 projects, the reader can choose from bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that match any outfit or style.

Building on the success of her other shaped beads book, Great Designs for Shaped Beads, Anna Elizabeth Draeger is back with 24 all-new projects that add some of the newest bead shapes on the market as well as perennial favorites. Creative Designs Using Shaped Beads features beaded beads, rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, and also includes a design option for each project so everyone will find something they want to create!