Jewelled Path

by Rosalind Laker

Determined to become a fine jewelry maker, an ambitious young woman enters the employment of the eminent designer Faberge and finds romance with a man she fears and swears never to love

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Love Story, Historical Romance, Romance

378 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

A pseudonym used by Barbara Øvstedal.

Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.

Reviews

[Dawn (& Ron)]

Recent PBS pick up. My cover is nothing like any of these, very romance in appearance and blurb and very heavy 80's make-up on the female. Looks like the cover artist is Pino, I have got to get it scanned in to see if any of you, especially you BR gals, are familiar with this artist/cover.

[ANGELIA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, partly because I adore jewelry, but also because it's set in the 1890's, which was quite a time period. I liked the architecture, fashions, history, and especially the new opportunities that were opening up for women (the "New Women", as they said back then). Though most still led traditional lives, there were those that sought new opportunities, got college educations, studied to be doctors, lawyers, became (like the h, Irene in this novel) businesswomen, and at the same time remained feminine. It was also a great time for romance, though Irene didn't have an easy time with that. Her first love, Derek, was a selfish opportunist who dumped her, and her second (and true) love, Gregory, was a married man, as well as her stepmother's former lover, who had a tough time getting over him (not to mention his selfish actress wife is reluctant to give him his freedom). Meanwhile, Irene's business really succeeds.

Enjoy the story!

[Triannas Treasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a preteen and ever after it left my with romantic allusions of jewelers. I don't remember the plot anymore just the feeling and the way that it made me want to design and appreciate beautiful things. I'd love to read it again one day.

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it when I discover a new word to use - parure. Great story, revolving around the exciting world of great jewellery, and the changing times at the turn of the 19/20th. centuries.

[Igwe Ogbukah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I clearly remember this book and love the way it introduced and elaborated on the jewelry business. There is something about this story that resonates with me - a difficult father during growing up days. The way the father died here was terrible but was in character. I loved the competition in France where the two "queens" competed with each other through what they wore. I learnt about precious stones beyond their names first from this book.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jewelled Path by Rosalind Laker
Late 1800's Irene has a new Russian stepmother, Sophia and is married to Edmund, he designs jewelry for her.
Growing up she outfits her in new clothes, common, practical and colorful. Sophia also takes her to museums and art galleries and they stop in Edmund's jewelry shop where he designs.
Irene had learned so much from watching the process of the workers at the jewelry shop throughout the years.
designs jewelery something she always wanted to do. Her father wants her married. He visits the art and craft center and agrees her to go, if she uses their transport. She also meets many men who teach her many things...
Loved hearing of all the technical side of the gems and settings, how things are created, the meaning of the processes.
Hot steamy sex scenes. Story follows Irene, her stepmother Sophia and her father and their other lifes....death, more mysteries arise and she tracks down the sources...
The eggs are most fascinating to learn about....so many upheavals
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
0385180896

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irene has been born into a jeweller family but she gets scant encouragement from her hide bound father, despite being very talented and accepted into a training school against severe odds. Her support comes from her step mother who understands Irene's talent and the need to create.

The time is the 1890s and a time of great change for women particularly. Going into a trade would have been totally forbidden before but Irene is determined to make some kind of life for herself and this she does. It happens slowly but she evolves into a determined business woman having her own salon and taking over the mantle of her father on his demise.

Her love story was another aspect of the book and for me it was two separate stories though albeit linked because both men in her life were very closely linked to jewellery themselves.

I liked the description of the business, the story of the gemstones and the work involved in the days when jewellers actually travelled to their customers residences especially when it involved the work that the Lindsay family did. The detailed description of the work, and the workshops was not boring in the least and added much depth to the story.

[Ginger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set at the turn of the century 1900's, Jewelled Path sets up the scene with out with the old Baroque style and in with Art Nouveau. Our main heroine Irene has an oppressive father, and can't find a decent man. She's extremely ambitious and takes every opportunity to advance her interest in jewelry design. The author explores a woman's advancing role in society with the restrictiveness of male conceit, innate female jealousies, and infidelity.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tells the story of jeweler Faberge.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

RDC-M V 4 83, 8/84. Romance.