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Tiaras - A History of Splendour
Tiaras have always inspired a great fascination and the most beautiful and influential women have been painted, photographed and admired whilst wearing them. Even in the twenty-first century they are still worn and continue to inspire special poise and elegance. This lavishly illustrated book includes new photographs of a variety of Royal tiaras together with those of French and Russian Imperial provenances. Geoffrey Munn has been granted special access to the photographic archives of many famous jewellers, including Cartier, Boucheron and Faberg,, for his research. Other makers include Castellani, Fouquet, Garrards, Giuliano, Lalique, and Tiffany. Among the contemporary pieces illustrated are tiaras belonging to Jamie Lee Curtis, Vivienne Westwood, Elton John and Madonna, made by Slim Barratt, Galliano and Versace.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2001
5 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Geoffrey C. Munn
12 books4 followersGeoffrey Charles Munn, OBE, MVO, FSA, FLS (born 11 April 1953, in Hastings, East Sussex) is a British jewellery specialist, television presenter and writer. He is best known as one of the experts on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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January 22, 2023So I found out as I am shelving a new purchase (don't hate I have an addictive personality) that there are two tiara books as well as the queens jewels books. I'm not exactly sure I shelved the correct one? But I will tell you *heads up people* lol the one I bought was around $25 I think. The other one is about six times that cost, so I said thank you but that one is not for me. I will also say just a flick through the pages of the one I did but is stunning! I can't imagine how they all would gleam. I'll rate both of my jewel books soon.
June 23, 2013
This book is THE go-to book on tiaras, and a must have if you're at all interested in formal jewellery. Munn's passion for this subject makes this book a delight as well as informative, and the photographs are sumptuous. It's no lightweight, but the depth of Munn's knowledge is reflected in the histories he recounts: the histories of fabulous jewels, the histories of the women who wore them, and woven through it all, the hisotory of the world in which they lived, the impact on them of war and revolution. This is Tiara lover's bible. It is seriously the most delightful book on jewellery out there.
January 2, 2015
It is so easy to fall in love with this book. Luxuriously illustrated with pages and pages of detailed photographs (as well as paintings and drawings) of some of the world's loveliest diadems and coronets, it should appeal to historians and lovers of jewellery alike.
But this is, fundamentally, even more than that. To dismiss it merely as a coffeetable book to admire and glance at (its heft might make it a fairly long glance, but still) is to discount its value as a book that transcends its overt subject matter of tiaras to become a fairly comprehensive world and social history. Pulling from myriad sources, it reads partly like a textbook, partly like an episode of Downton Abbey, and partly like a treasure map. It details centuries of triumph and tragedy, glory and grief, war and romance, and follows the "life stories" of some of the spectacular jewels from conception to dismantling in an approachable yet touching way.
Mr Mann obviously is very familiar and passionate about his material, and while I didn't necessarily care for his fatalistic epilogue (basically, ), has done a spectacular job producing this glittering, loving portrait of this particular accessory.
But this is, fundamentally, even more than that. To dismiss it merely as a coffeetable book to admire and glance at (its heft might make it a fairly long glance, but still) is to discount its value as a book that transcends its overt subject matter of tiaras to become a fairly comprehensive world and social history. Pulling from myriad sources, it reads partly like a textbook, partly like an episode of Downton Abbey, and partly like a treasure map. It details centuries of triumph and tragedy, glory and grief, war and romance, and follows the "life stories" of some of the spectacular jewels from conception to dismantling in an approachable yet touching way.
Mr Mann obviously is very familiar and passionate about his material, and while I didn't necessarily care for his fatalistic epilogue (basically, ), has done a spectacular job producing this glittering, loving portrait of this particular accessory.
March 7, 2013
I saw this exhibit at the V&A years ago, and as a fan of bling I must say I LOVED it. The husband, not so much, as he was "shoved aside by lady pensioners." Uneasy is the head that wears the crown.
April 22, 2024
Klappentext:
„Tiaras have always inspired a great fascination and the most beautiful and influential women have been painted, photographed and admired whilst wearing them. Even in the 21st century they are still worn and continue to inspire special poise, elegance and sophistication.
This lavishly illustrated book includes exclusive photographs, many reproduced for the first time, of a variety of Royal tiaras together with those of French and Russian Imperial provenance, including four stunning tiaras designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Geoffrey Munn has also been granted privileged access to the archives of many famous jewellers, including Boucheron, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels and Fabergé, for his research.
The regal images of some of the most prestigious jewels in the world will captivate the reader and ensure turning the page to the next enticing image becomes irresistible. Many of these mesmerising tiaras also have great historical significance and their provenance is fully explained here. Among the contemporary pieces referred to are tiaras belonging to Jamie Lee Curtis, Vivienne Westwood, Elton John and Madonna, that were made by Galliano, Slim Barratt and Versace.
The scholarly text, which incorporates more than 400 illustrations, includes chapters on tiaras as crown jewels, Russian style tiaras, tiaras as works of art and the relationship between the tiara and the costume ball.
Tiaras – A History of Splendour
is a magnificent work that will enthral all those interested in fashion and style, jewellery, European history and Royalty.“
Dieses Buch ist wirklich ein Highlight! Nicht nur wegen der brillanten Optik und Haptik, sondern auch wegen seinem einzigartigen Inhalt. Der Leser darf sich hier auf eine ganz besondere Betrachtungsreise freuen: wir tauchen hier ab in die Welt der Tiaras. Selbstredend eher bei den Royals zu sehen und genau darum geht es auch sehr intensiv in diesem Buch. Einerseits erlesen wir die Geschichten der Tiaras selbst aber auch die der Trägerinnen und Anlässe. Jede Tiara hat ihre ganz eigene Geschichte zu erzählen und es ist ein echter Genuss diese hier in diesem Coffeetable-Book zu genießen. Egal ob Juwelen-Fan, Royal-Fan oder einfach nur so - dieses Buch fasziniert auf jeder Ebene und bietet neben lehrreichen Texten auch traumhafte Bilder. Dieses Buch steckt voller Schönheit und lässt den Leser und Betrachtet ins träumen geraten. Mein persönliches Highlight: einige Umarbeitungen verschiedener Tiaras. Entweder aus politischen Gründen, der Mode wegen oder weil der Trägerin irgendein Detail nicht gefiel - wahrlich spannend zu erlesen wie die Juweliere hier gearbeitet haben!
5 Sterne für diesen Buchschatz!
„Tiaras have always inspired a great fascination and the most beautiful and influential women have been painted, photographed and admired whilst wearing them. Even in the 21st century they are still worn and continue to inspire special poise, elegance and sophistication.
This lavishly illustrated book includes exclusive photographs, many reproduced for the first time, of a variety of Royal tiaras together with those of French and Russian Imperial provenance, including four stunning tiaras designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Geoffrey Munn has also been granted privileged access to the archives of many famous jewellers, including Boucheron, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels and Fabergé, for his research.
The regal images of some of the most prestigious jewels in the world will captivate the reader and ensure turning the page to the next enticing image becomes irresistible. Many of these mesmerising tiaras also have great historical significance and their provenance is fully explained here. Among the contemporary pieces referred to are tiaras belonging to Jamie Lee Curtis, Vivienne Westwood, Elton John and Madonna, that were made by Galliano, Slim Barratt and Versace.
The scholarly text, which incorporates more than 400 illustrations, includes chapters on tiaras as crown jewels, Russian style tiaras, tiaras as works of art and the relationship between the tiara and the costume ball.
Tiaras – A History of Splendour
is a magnificent work that will enthral all those interested in fashion and style, jewellery, European history and Royalty.“
Dieses Buch ist wirklich ein Highlight! Nicht nur wegen der brillanten Optik und Haptik, sondern auch wegen seinem einzigartigen Inhalt. Der Leser darf sich hier auf eine ganz besondere Betrachtungsreise freuen: wir tauchen hier ab in die Welt der Tiaras. Selbstredend eher bei den Royals zu sehen und genau darum geht es auch sehr intensiv in diesem Buch. Einerseits erlesen wir die Geschichten der Tiaras selbst aber auch die der Trägerinnen und Anlässe. Jede Tiara hat ihre ganz eigene Geschichte zu erzählen und es ist ein echter Genuss diese hier in diesem Coffeetable-Book zu genießen. Egal ob Juwelen-Fan, Royal-Fan oder einfach nur so - dieses Buch fasziniert auf jeder Ebene und bietet neben lehrreichen Texten auch traumhafte Bilder. Dieses Buch steckt voller Schönheit und lässt den Leser und Betrachtet ins träumen geraten. Mein persönliches Highlight: einige Umarbeitungen verschiedener Tiaras. Entweder aus politischen Gründen, der Mode wegen oder weil der Trägerin irgendein Detail nicht gefiel - wahrlich spannend zu erlesen wie die Juweliere hier gearbeitet haben!
5 Sterne für diesen Buchschatz!
March 12, 2019
If I had to give this review a title, I'd call it "Jeff luvs Bling", because this book introduced me to the work of Geoffrey Munn and his encyclopedic yet wry style, which celebrates everything sparkly .
The book leans more encyclopedic than wry...it's just impossible to read without wondering, in awe, who could have possibly compiled and written such a thing. And so I was lead to learning about the OBE and RVO -earning Mr. Munn, his role at such aesthetic giants as Wartski, the V&A Musuem, and the BBC Antiques Roadshow. As comprehensive as this book is, upon reading it, one realizes it is simply an appetizer and there is a world of information to be had...a world that Mr. Munn is pleased to share through his further writing and social media. (It's on the social media that we get to enjoy the "wry" part). And clearly, Mr Munn loves writing about jewels.
The stars of the book are the stunning, detailed photos. We see tiaras through history, from profane to sacred and back to profane again as commoners have seized the right to wear anything we damn please. The concept of self adornment is explored through the centuries, with accompanying photos and information and sources. It is a luxury to be able to take ones' time and admire these photos over and over.
The author goes into detail about jewel-setting mechanisms , trends, history and ownership. We start with early, nature-inspired , hand hammered works from pagan culture and move on to see technology in stone cutting, genius enamel work, and even diadems that shape shift into other pieces of jewelry. We observe the tiara's role within history, changing hands (heads?) as empires collapse. We see hoards of treasure , some of which has apparently been broken down and sold for parts. We see the tiara as art, in which simple materials such as aluminum are elevated by exquisite workmanship. We see wearers ranging from empresses, queens, duchesses, socialites, to rock stars.
As a companion to the stunning photos, Mr. Munn guides us on our journey with relatable text. Each chapter is well organized and jam packed with history and anecdotes. A great many of the goodies pictured are visible in Mr Munn's professional home base of London; in the V&A and elsewhere. However, Mr Munn does state that he makes no attempt to call this book a "comprehensive survey". It's his curation, his opinion, and that's the beauty of it. His years and efforts of research are best shared.
The book leans more encyclopedic than wry...it's just impossible to read without wondering, in awe, who could have possibly compiled and written such a thing. And so I was lead to learning about the OBE and RVO -earning Mr. Munn, his role at such aesthetic giants as Wartski, the V&A Musuem, and the BBC Antiques Roadshow. As comprehensive as this book is, upon reading it, one realizes it is simply an appetizer and there is a world of information to be had...a world that Mr. Munn is pleased to share through his further writing and social media. (It's on the social media that we get to enjoy the "wry" part). And clearly, Mr Munn loves writing about jewels.
The stars of the book are the stunning, detailed photos. We see tiaras through history, from profane to sacred and back to profane again as commoners have seized the right to wear anything we damn please. The concept of self adornment is explored through the centuries, with accompanying photos and information and sources. It is a luxury to be able to take ones' time and admire these photos over and over.
The author goes into detail about jewel-setting mechanisms , trends, history and ownership. We start with early, nature-inspired , hand hammered works from pagan culture and move on to see technology in stone cutting, genius enamel work, and even diadems that shape shift into other pieces of jewelry. We observe the tiara's role within history, changing hands (heads?) as empires collapse. We see hoards of treasure , some of which has apparently been broken down and sold for parts. We see the tiara as art, in which simple materials such as aluminum are elevated by exquisite workmanship. We see wearers ranging from empresses, queens, duchesses, socialites, to rock stars.
As a companion to the stunning photos, Mr. Munn guides us on our journey with relatable text. Each chapter is well organized and jam packed with history and anecdotes. A great many of the goodies pictured are visible in Mr Munn's professional home base of London; in the V&A and elsewhere. However, Mr Munn does state that he makes no attempt to call this book a "comprehensive survey". It's his curation, his opinion, and that's the beauty of it. His years and efforts of research are best shared.
September 7, 2017
I adore tiaras. I love jewels, really, the sparklier the better, and I particularly like what the French rather haughtily call "haute joaillerie" -- that is, the really, really good stuff. Where tiaras are concerned, almost every one falls into that category. You might not like the design, always, but the jewels themselves are to die for. This book by Geoffrey Munn is an old favourite of mine, the tiara bible. It's just... well, perfect. It's a delight to read, the images are just sumptuous and the history Munn recounts for the jewels and their wearers is fascinating. For tiara lovers, its an essential read. For jewellery lovers, it's balm to the heart. Seriously. I've read this book a dozen times, and each time I find something new to love.
June 26, 2023
Excellent historic extra large & very heavy, of Tiaras worn world wide. My mother gave me this book as a birthday gift. She also wanted me to search YouTube for videos about Tiaras, crowns, broaches, etc., we watched together. As I read the book, looked at the photos, I made post-it notes to videos on the internet to give more historical, more views in video format.
My mother & I enjoyed this book thoroughly, along with watching the videos about history these finest pieces of jewelry. Pleasures we shared, timeless.
My mother & I enjoyed this book thoroughly, along with watching the videos about history these finest pieces of jewelry. Pleasures we shared, timeless.
December 18, 2019
I saw the exhibition that this book originated in nearly 20 years ago at the Victoria and Albert museum, memorizing. This book captures some of that brilliance.
February 28, 2011
Divinely Inspiring - A must have coffee-table book for your discerning Eye - Sumptious even for vagrants & a delight for Royalties ! An excellent publication with beautiful photography !
January 8, 2015
Basically, this is the tiara bible. Gorgeous photos, lots of interesting history.
June 7, 2015
I raced to the end, closed it, opened it, and started all over. What an amazingly excellent and intelligent read. I bought my mother a copy, too. It's just too good to NOT share. Highly recommended!
August 30, 2015
I have my own now and I love it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews