Book Description
There’s a special comfort in collecting, in surrounding yourself with familiar objects and building a store of assets. The allure of money is especially strong. Coins represent real value. The warmth of silver and the weight of gold are irresistible to some. Coins travel throughout the world and through time itself, representing and absorbing history as they pass from one person to the next. Oh the stories coins could tell if they only had voices.
Coin-collecting is a relaxing and inexpensive (although it can be very expensive!) hobby. If you buy properly, coins can be an excellent place to park your money for a rainy day, and if you buy the right coins and the market improves, you may even be able to make a profit on your collection. In fact, numismatics (the fancy term for coin collecting) offers more riches than you may realize. This rewarding hobby also opens the door to some serious life skills, such as
- History
- Geography
- Observational skills
- Organizational skills
- Analytical tools.
This book is designed to appeal to collectors at every level, from beginner to advanced. This is not a hardcore coin book; rather, Coin Collecting For Dummies is a great general reference that points you in different directions for further investigation. Perhaps the most important goal of this book is to get you excited – and to keep you excited – about coin collecting. Coin Collecting For Dummies covers all these topics and more:
- Deciding what to collect
- Storing your collection correctly
- Finding out about repaired, restored, and recolored coins
- Pricing world coins
- Finding a good coin dealer
- Buying at auction
- Understanding that condition equals value
- Exploring the wild side with rare, expensive, and esoteric coins
- Selling your coins
No one needs coins, but if you decide to collect them, you certainly need this book. Coin collecting can sometimes be a confusing maze of choices sprinkled with little traps along the way. Sure, you can go it alone, but why not make your journey into numismatics a lot easier by picking the brain of an expert collector and learning from the mistakes of others.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Purchase.......2007-10-09
I purchased this book for my nephew who showed an interest in coin collecting. I started reading it before giving it to him and I learned a lot! It was written in a straight-forward method, clear concise. (I gave it to him a week later)
Great broad overview for new collectors...........2007-05-27
I intended audience for this book is people getting into the hobby of coin collecting. As such, it covers a lot of ground in about 400 pages. It is written to be interesting, engaging, fun and informative. It accomplishes these tasks and gives anyone a good grounding in coin collecting. While there are other books I would get a along with this one, this is a wonderful place to start for people of all ages.
Typical Dummies book-For Newbies only.......2006-11-10
Yeah, its a Dummies book, but if you could only see how many of these books I own! This is good for beginners. I needed it to learn the basic terminology of my new hobby. It worked for me, but even a newbie quickly gets beyond the Dummies stage and wants more.
An Introductory Book From One of the Numismatic Greats.......2006-07-10
If you've ever considered coin collecting, or you've already gotten started and want to learn more, this is the single most important and easy-to-understand primer on numismatics. You'll find yourself referring back to this book again and again as your knowledge grows. If coin collecting becomes a passion for you, then consider the more in-depth texts by Guth.
Beginners book.......2005-10-13
This is a good book for young or beginning coin collectors. It is also a great tool for any coin collector to refer from time to time. The description of the book is accurate. Everybody has to start somewhere in their hobby of choice, and this is a great way to learn more about many different aspects of numismatics.
Book Description
Thanks to Antiques Roadshow, the highest rated, long running prime-time series on PBS®, with millions of viewers a week, we are a nation seeking fortune in our attics. And thanks to Antiques Roadshow Primer, with 572,000 copies in print, we are highly antiques-literate. But there's another audience out there, too, showing up ever more frequently on Antiques Roadshow--those obsessive, bitten-by-the-bug collectors. Bring on the Maltese Falcon posters!
Celebrating the collectible--that 20th-century object that brings with it less monetary value than passion, nostalgia, quirky appeal, and just plain pleasure--Antiques Roadshow Collectibles focuses on 12 major areas that inspire both the thrill of the chase and the thrill of discovery: furniture, photographs, posters and illustration art, costume jewelry and wristwatches, dolls, toys, advertising memorabilia, sports, glass and pottery, and more. A guide to value rather than price, it is packed with a wealth of information that will help turn any interested flea market fiend into a first-class collector. From the innovative design of Bertoia chairs to the high-quality crafting of costume jewely to the surprising variety of PEZ dispensers, here are 416 pages brimming with information. Bound into the book is a 32-page full-color section, while hundreds of black-and-white photographs illustrate every chapter. There are Antiques Roadshow discoveries, tips from experts and appraisers, the steps to becoming a focused collector--even how to use pieces without compromising their value. After all, isn't it more fun to eat off the Fiestaware?
Customer Reviews:
Interesting Read ~ Great for collectors.......2007-03-15
If you are into collecting this is the book for you. It has lots of interesting facts and discussions about why people collect things and how to get started if you're thinking about a collection.
It doesn't talk about EVERYTHING though, so if you are really into a specific collectible you would be better off with a book that addresses that collectible.
Not much help for a serious collector or dealer.......2005-10-30
The scope of the book is too broad and the depth of the topics considered is too shallow. Complex collectibles such as costume jewelry or art glass are given a few pages of attention, but the book tries to cover too many areas at the expense of giving adequate attention to any area. If you want a very, very basic overview, history, and details about popular collectibles, you may find this book of some use. However, your money would probably be more wisely spent on books that deal with your specific topics of interest. It's fun reading, but definitely not a "complete guide to collecting...".
Antiques Roadshow Collectibles by Prisant.......2004-01-03
This work covers practically every important aspect of
antique collection and evaluation. For instance, the authors
point toward important evaluative criteria for antiques
including overall appearance, condition, finish, color,
functionality, attribution, history of ownership and many
other important aspects which indicate value. In addition,
the author quantifies value in terms of sentiment,
historical significance, aesthetic value, intrinsic value,
celebrity status value and market value. The author
provides examples of collectible items; such as,
- Advertising (cigar bands, liquor bottles, ale, bottle caps...)
- Sports (signed baseballs, autographs, bats, gloves, cards...)
- Toys (Tonka, cast iron, trains, boats, robots i.e. Mr.Machine)
- Dolls (mix of saw dust and glue and composite dolls
- Watches (movement, jewels, incabloc shields, caliber,
hands, crystal and grades from factory new to average
- Movie memorabilia
This book is excellent for a potential collector getting into
the antiques business for the first time.
Absolutely Excellent.......2003-08-01
I am a bit of a novice in this area and have been trying to determine what my collection is worth..as well as what to buy...this is a terrific book...I have found a number of areas that can help me do a better job of deciding what to buy...and what not.
Highly recommend
Book Description
Numismatists, historians, and everyone interested in collecting ancient coins will be engrossed in this revised and expanded second edition. This must-have volume explores new developments in research methods, particularly with regard to the internet, and reveals many new finds in the field. The first of the six-volume ancient coin series, this second edition features expanded sections on how to collect ancient coins, determine authenticity, and identify fakes. Also discusses how to determine coine values and provides and expanded pronunciation guide and expanded bibliography.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic! Best first book to get!.......2007-06-09
This is a great single volume reference on Ancient Coin Collecting. I don't want to repeat what others have written, but I found it to be thorough, well-researched, engaging and well-organized. It will spark your imagination and add to your knowledge base without overwhelming you.
This should be your first ancient coin book.......2002-09-10
This is something of a potpourri of ancient coin information. It doesn't make a good reference work, per se; there are other books, etc. to purchase when you settle on your collecting theme. It is a great background resource, though, and helped me to clarify my own collecting themes.
The key to a totally different world of coin collecting.......2001-08-30
As a collector over 30 years on Chinese and modern world coins, it's an adventoure for me to probe a totally different field of coin collecting - the western world ancient coins. What I need most is something to show me the way, to give me an outline, to guide me to the right direction, as well as to keep me interested at the unfamiliar new world.
This book serves my needs exactly as it starts with very basic but substantial introduction to the ancient western cultures which are not familiarized by an oriental like me. Then there are good references provided, among them I appreciated most the last part of Chapter II, "Ancient Coins and the Internet", and also Chapter VI, "Numismatic Literature". Those information show a beginner to a broader view and an easier access in continuing his collection interest.
I would say the most fancinating part of this book is surely Chapter VII, "Identifying Ancient Coins". It's systematically arranged thus I can get a clear picture of different categories of ancient coins, together with fundamental history background of the coin issuers. That is, indeed, far more interesting than just reading a coin catalogue.
For anyone who intends to start ancient coin collecting, this is the book to start with.
Excellent introduction.......2001-08-29
This is an excellent book that I wish I had found years ago. Mr. Sayles is an acknowledged expert in the field of ancient coins and writes in a style that is understandable and informative. The author does not assume that you know anything, about ancient coins, or the civilizations that minted them or even collecting coins at all. Therefore, the book is full of history, minting techniques, places to find coins, identification methods, and how to collect. Every area includes bibliographies that gives you a starting point to go more in depth in your research. It's exactly what an introduction should be. There are only two things I would have changed. The pictures are in black and white, with none in color (except for the cover). A few pages of color pictures would have been greatly appreciated. And secondly, there is a suggested list, of easily available and reasonably priced coins to begin a collection, of Constantine the Great. I only wish two or three similar lists had been included for other areas and times. Taken all together, it can only be said that, this book is EXCELLENT and highly recommended. It is also the first of six books, the other five specializing in different areas and times. I'm looking forward to reading them all.
Great Single Volume Introduction To The Hobby.......2001-01-21
In about 200 pages with over 200 photos in 10 chapters and 6 appendixes, Wayne Sayles masterfully brings together in his own unique and engaging style a wonder ful introduction to the ancient coin collecting hobby. The writer is the former publisher of the most popular magazine dedicated to the hobby of collecting ancient coins is written from the vantage point of an enthusiastic collector who knows.
The first chapter is a general history, the second forms the core of the 6 volume series - it outlines the Greeks, Romans, Roman Provincial, Romaioi ( Byzantine ) and Non-Classical cultures who made the coins that are part and parcel to the ancient coin hobby. The third speaks to the Antiquarian tradition, the fourth and fifth are sort of "news you can use" about clubs, shows, the market and the emerging internet's role in this hobby as well as other topics. Chapter six is about coin literature which is this author's strong suit as a former numismatic publisher and it lists by specialty a good bibliography of books to buy that are the standard references for that section.
The seventh chapter goes into great detail about identifying ancient coins and is copiusly illustrated and chock full of easy to read tables, charts and lists that are in eye friendly fonts, some books make you squint but not this one.
The eighth chapter chapter is more of the "news you can use" sort of info, it is focused on how to collect. Mr. Sayles shows some ways to collect thematically and tackles cleaning, slabbing, grading and authentication. The ninth chapter talks about aesthetics - the coin as a work of art. The tenth and last chapter ( one page really ) speaks to the hobby's former problem of it being a "Robinson Crusoe" hobby, the loneliness that used to be felt until the advent of the internet.
This book is full of personality and avoids the snares of some other introductory works like lengthy quotes printed in dead languages, eye reddening fine print and a lot of obtuse verbosity in general. This book could be just as easily digested by a precoscious 6th grader as it could by a seasoned classical coin lover steeped in years and experience. My only wish is that when it goes into a second edition that it include some topical index in the rear for speedy reference that more traditional reference works have. Otherwise this book is extremely well executed and it will be a long time before this book is replaced by a worthy successor. Mr. Sayles has done well by the hobby with this book.
Book Description
Ready to upgrade your artwork from framed Monet posters but intimidated by what you see in galleries?
In
The Intrepid Art Collector, Lisa Hunter shows you how to start a fine art collection without spending a fortune. This accessible, jargon-free resource contains up-to-date information on the most popular original art—everything from photography and posters to African art and animation—including where to find it and how to buy it at a fair price. Easy-to-use checklists help you evaluate original art and steer clear of clever fakes. In addition, Hunter has interviewed top dealers, curators, arts lawyers, and appraisers to bring you the best advice on:
• Advantages to buying real art instead of reproductions
• Determining if a piece of art is fairly priced
• Predicting if an artist’s work will go up in value
• Techniques for negotiating a price with a dealer
• Developing your artistic taste, so you’ll know if you’ll still love your purchase ten years down the road
• How to preserve art in your home
• Resources, websites, and magazines that will help you learn more about the market and where to find different types of art
Customer Reviews:
Get Your Feet Wet - Buy What You Love.......2007-06-05
This is a great starter reference for the novice. The guidance is sound, and Lisa Hunter's enthusiasm is contagious. A few color photographs would have been nice, but wisely this book focuses on cultivating the reader's own intelligence and knowledge rather than dictating taste. If you have ever been interested in starting an art collection of your own, or buying that Kashmiri silk rug, a little research is a good thing. This is a grand place to start.
Take This With You To The Galleries.......2006-11-04
I love art but I've always felt nervous buying art. How do you know if you're getting the real thing? How do you know if you're overpaying? What's that rug really worth? Why is a photograph worth so much? What's the difference between a valuable vintage photograph and a copy of it that looks exactly the same? No one can tell you what a piece of art will be worth in ten years, but Ms. Hunter explains how to go about buying the real thing (and avoid buying fakes) -- and why you should buy the real thing. I feel much more confident about buying a few pretty things for the house now.
Book Description
Every coin collector has to start somewherenow The New York Times provides a wealth of information in one concise yet definitive volume. Every aspect is covered, from the history and origins of coins to the ins and outs of professional and hobbyist collecting. Topics include: How coins are made A history of striking techniques, and a look at the U.S. Mint todayS Coin grading: what to look for, and how to obtain professional certified grading Where to buy them: the Internet, coin shops, auctions, and places to find great deals How to properly care for a coin collection The whole spectrum of collectible coins, from novelty items and childrens coin collections to high-end, extremely rare collections.Additional features include profiles of ten historic U.S. coins, a glossary of coin terms, and a detailed bibliography of essential reading. For both seasoned coin collectors and young readers who just picked up their first Statehood Quarter, this book is bound to prove more valuable than a rare mint.
Customer Reviews:
I did not get it from the library..........2007-09-28
...and found it to be excellent, it is THE definitive coin book INHO. And is most certainly not short on details. As for the two grading services...they are absolute industry standards, of course they are the ones discussed. To tell prospective purchasers to "get the book from the library instead" is...well I found such advice to be unpleasant.
check it out from the library instead.......2005-07-08
I'm new to coin collecting so I think I'm probably the target audience. Although he covered a lot of ground, I felt it was quite short on detail. For example, he really only examines 2 of the grading services, so I still don't know how all the others compare. I'd borrow it, enjoy the easy to read style, take a few notes, and then spend my money on an other one. Which one, I don't know.
Book Description
Costume Jewelry, A Practical Handbook Value Guide is the first book to provide information regarding the investment potential of one of today's hottest collecting fields. The breadth of the industry is represented by different types of costume jewelry - defined as fashion jewelry - both domestic and foreign. It provides comprehensive information on a broad range of jewelry, emphasizing the more common, rather than the unique and rare, types of jewelry which most collectors are likely to encounter in the market place. Dealers as well as collectors will enjoy the more than 2,200 pieces featured in full color, and appreciate the wealth of information provided. The author explains the ever-changing market, value scales, and investment tips, as well as hints on cleaning, repairing, displaying, and storing jewelry. This beautiful, full-color book will be a welcome addition to all collectors' libraries. 2002 values. REVIEW: Over 2,000 pieces of American, Austrian, Czechoslovakian, German, Italian, Oriental, and Spanish costume jewelry are featured in this book. Besides the numerous international companies, there are over 100 American manufacturers with background information. Unmarked pieces are given coverage, as well as gold filled and silver jewelry, brass, copper, pewter, tin, plastic, and beaded jewelry.
Customer Reviews:
Another Book on Costume Jewelry AAA++++++.......2007-09-13
I was very pleased with this book!! It covered many jewelry manufacturers that had not been mentioned in any other books. It's very useful to me. I sell vintage, high-quality costume jewelry. The only draw-back, and it is small, is that some of the black jewelry doesn't show as well as it would have on a lighter background. Great Job!!!
Laura
City Scavenger Vintage
BEST EVER.......2006-12-09
Of all my jewelry reference books I own, I use this one the most. It has a wide range, good photos, practical information on the manufacture. I wish I could find one like it with current prices. It's great!
Informative and helpful book.......2006-07-22
This book is one of the bes t for covering the different makers and I especially enjoyed the charts and guidelines for buyers.
Good book for a casual collector.......2004-12-08
This book provides a short introductory section on cleaning buying selling etc and then write ups on different jewelry companies. The introduction is good for people with little information about caring for jewelry: displaying, cleaning, storing and repairing. It is sometimes humorous, as when Rezazadeh describes the meticulous procedure he goes through to clean his jewelry and then recalls discovering that his wife cleaned her jewelry by scrubbing it with a tooth brush and then blow drying it. There is also a bit about apraising and the supply and demand at work. I doubt that this is a book for dealers, because they presumably already have good resources and knowledge.
The body of the book has short entries on different jewelry companies. About a page is dedicated to each, but there are sometimes two to a page and sometimes four or five pages to a widely spread company. Each company gets a short write up and photo of some jewelry pieces. The photos are good, but obviously not full page. They are enough to oo and ah over. Each photo has a caption describing the jewelry and giving an estimate for price it would cost. Companies are grouped into European and imported depending on where they were located. There are also sections on unmarked jewelry. These are grouped by how they are made (enamel, Austrian crystal, plastic, etc.). Since there is no company these sections have more pictures to text.
If you are into vintage including jewelry then this could be a fun book. Also if you design jewelry then the multitude of pictures here can be a good resource for ideas and inspiration. The pictures are the highlight of this book.
Good commentary, poor photos........2001-12-02
Overall, the commentary in this book in wonderful. But the photography leaves something to be desired. Some of the photos are too dark to be very beneficial in identifying the items.
Many are just not up to the quality which one would expect in a publication of this topic. Where's the sparkle in the stones? Why is the metal so dull looking? I'm happy to have the book, but found the photography a big disappointment.
Book Description
“The preeminent consumer advocate in the numismatic field.”
—New York Times
From one of the world’s most knowledgeable coin dealers—a former consultant to the Federal Trade Commission often quoted by the Wall Street Journal—comes a thorough update of his consumer protection handbook to buying and selling rare and valuable coins. Bestselling, award-winning author
Scott A. Travers combines insider information on the latest trends in coin collecting with his influential How to Make Money in Coins Right Now. Beautifully illustrated with black-and-white photographs and a full-color insert, The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual is indispensable for seasoned collectors and novices alike.
“One of the most important coin books ever written.”
—New York Times
In The
Coin Collector’s Survival Manual
you’ll learn how to:
• Understand coin grading systems
• Detect altered, counterfeit, and doctored coins
• Know when to buy and sell—and when not to
• Buy coins through Internet auctions—and avoid the pitfalls
• Safeguard and protect your coins from disaster
BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNER—NUMISMATIC LITERARY GUILD
Praise for The
Coin Collector’s Survival Manual:
The book on rare coins “you can’t afford to be without.” —Newsweek
“A book that should be read before a single coin is bought—and read again and again!” —Coin World
BUY IT • USE IT • BECOME AN EXPERT™
Customer Reviews:
Good Book---Where's the Follow Through??.......2007-05-03
I have been a fan of Scott Travers books for a while now. When it came time to sell my collection after reading a few books, Mr. Travers who promotes himself and his firm throughout this particular book, was nowhere to be found. I followed the advice in this book and tried to contact Mr. Travers several times by phone and email to sell my collection valued at over $20K. After leaving messages on more than one occasion, I received a phone call inquiring on my collection, and explaining I would receive another phone call later. That phone call never came. All I would ask is that this author, who took time to write a book claiming to be the best of it's kind on the market, to follow through with his own words.
Perfect for the Beginner.......2007-02-16
I've decided to begin collecting and needed something to kick-start my hobby. This book appears to be a nice way to ease into it. It gives the basic grading systems and sound advice. It's not too detailed and covers what you might require as a novice. If you're considering US coins, get the "Red Book" as well for pricing and more info.
An excellent book on coin collections.......2006-05-28
Recently I had inherited a coin collection. Honestly, I basically knew very little about coin collecting. I found this book to be very informative, and very helpful in learning about this hobby. I like that Scott Travers writes in a no-nonsense style. He is easy to read, and better yet, easy to understand. I think he goes well to describe many aspects of coin collecting.
I like that the book takes it time in telling you about the grading of coins, where to purchase coins, and better yet the pitfalls and traps inexperienced people may fall into. I like the many pictures throughout the book and found them instrumental in understanding about grading, and how to look at coins for any possible defects.
I would recommend this book to the novice, as well as the more experienced coin collector. I think this book covers many aspects of coin collecting that everyone can gain knowledge from. This is definately the ideal book to pick up for someone who is interested in collecting coins.
Absolutely crucial info for anyone investing in U.S. coins!.......2006-02-15
OK, so I'm biased. I've known Scott Travers since he was a teenager, and I've worked professionally with him on a number of projects over the years, including this book. But I'm also a former consumer affairs reporter, former American Numismatic Association Consumer Education Committee Chair and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau in Chicago. Yeah, I'm a big believer in consumer education and protection. That's exactly what Scott's new book provides: absolutely crucial information for anyone who wants to buy rare coins whether for future financial gain or just to make sure you're getting a good deal today.
At the February 2006 Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo I watched and listened as an unsuspecting "collector" who purchased several gold coins in an online auction was crushed to learn from several reputable dealers that his "MS68" Saint Gaudens was only MS64 at best and worth thousands less than the $8,000 he paid for it. If he'd read Scott's chapters about grading and online auctions he would have saved money --and grief.
Even if you don't buy five, six or seven-figure coins, this book will help save you or make you hundreds of dollars by knowing insiders' secrets about buying and selling even modestly priced coins. COINage Magazine's Senior Editor, Ed Reiter, called this new edition "...the gold standard for coin books on consumer protection and investment." I agree.
-donn-
Donn Pearlman
(Affiliations given for identification purposes only)
Don't expect too much from this helpful, easy read!.......2003-07-12
I've decided to add my, ahem, two cents worth, on this book because I have just finished reading another book by the same author titled 'How to make money in coins right now.' I resisted buying the latter because I suspected, rightfully as it turns out, that there would not be much new information contained in it; Mr. Travers has a tendency to rehash a lot of his admittedly valuable and well-reasoned information advice. This book covers a lot of ground, per the reviews below, much of it essential. The single most valuable section, to my mind, is the in-depth discussion of coin grades as used by the professionals, and a discussion of recent changes made in grading standards. Also helpful is the section discussing ways to spot coins that may not be as good as the 'look,' and why (toning, doctoring, cleaning, etc.). I definitely can recommend this book as a stand alone purchase but would steer the interested buyer to another of Mr. Travers' books titled 'How to make money in coins right now.' I say this only because each book covers a lot of the same ground but the other contains information crucial to the 'value' question that every coin collector has at the back of his mind. Either will do, however, I just don't recommend purchasing both: One or the other and spend the money you don't spend on a nice collectible coin.
Book Description
This handy guide is the essential tool for novice and intermediate coin collectors! First-time collectors gain valuable basics for a lifetime of enjoyable and successful collecting, while experienced collectors discover new tips to hone their skills.
Coin Collecting 101 covers the essentials of coin collecting at an affordable price collectors will love. This fully illustrated and indexed guide is an easy read for all ages, with all the details needed for skilled collecting. Grading, errors, current market factors, and glossary of terms are covered in chapters including How To Get Started, How does Coin Grading Work, Determining Coin Values, and Buying Coins on the Internet. Edited by one of the foremost authorities in numismatics, this supreme resource features the benefits of true experience and research.
-Fully illustrated for easy identification
-Features a portable size for taking to shows
-Affordable price
Customer Reviews:
Very Useful for the Beginner.......2006-10-14
Great stuff for the beginner in this book - small histories of US denominations, coin categories to buy with caution, useful pictorial guide on grading, basics on coin shows, great tips on preservation. Probably not woth a buy for the experienced, but it is called coin collecting 101. Could have done without all the pages of state quarters. Seriously, it looks like the author was just filling pages. Overall all though, worth a buy for the novice.
Book Description
Collectors can uncover truths to their favorite collectible jewelry in a few easy steps with this unmatched resource! Secrets to Buying Collectible Jewelry is filled with the knowledge you need to avoid costly mistakes and build a better collection for less.
With sections about cut, settings and metals; what to ask before making a purchase; how to purchase items at estate sales and auctions; collectors will have everything they need to be well-versed in their hobby. The keys to jewelry fabrication including: mountings, settings, marks, fineness and quality, are illustrated in 350 stunning full-color photos. Hints on testing for fakes and karat value, as well as a comparative price guide, help take the guesswork out and empower collectors in their research.
-350 color images help with identification
-Portable size for taking to conventions
Customer Reviews:
A good book for beginners has great photographs.......2007-07-08
This is a good book for beginners. It is really an overview. The information is well organized with a table of contents and index so the reader can find the answer to most queries. This book is similar to How To Be a Jewelry Detective although, Secrets has better photography and higher production values. The title promises Secrets and How to Buy More For Less. I am not sure that these claims can be supported.
There is good section on findings. For example, did I buy a fur clip or a dress clip? Secrets to Collecting Jewelry includes clear photos of findings so the curious reader can discover the difference. Another question that pops up monthly on one of the online jewelry forums I belong to is answered here with more clear photos, "What are those quirky ear findings, they can't possibly be for pierced ears!?!". Yes, there is a photo of those quirky wing back ear findings.
There is a section is called Examples of Specific Types of Jewelry, Materials and Styles or what I would call an illustrated glossary. It is thorough from applejuice bakelite to watch pin. There are some really interesting and unique inclusions such as Prison Rings, Book Chains, Kum-a-Part cufflinks, Negligee Necklaces and more. But some inclusions are silly such as a photo of leather and satin and suede cord! Not really necessary even for a rank beginner.
Secrets to Collecting Jewelry has a notable section on Bakelite and Plastic Jewelry the photography is compelling and the pieces selected are lovely.
This review also appears on Jewelry Ring an on-line community for costume jewelry collectors
Textbook perfect.......2005-10-13
This book is THE textbook you would use if you took a course in collecting vintage jewelry. Leigh gives a definition and then shows you exactly what she is talking about, and she has made this learning interesting and easy. It is great for novice collectors, but even better for brand new collectors.
Every Beginner & Intermediate Collector Needs This Book.......2005-10-11
What a fabulously comprehensive book. Perfect size to carry with you too! Being somewhat of a beginner in the true "collection" of vintage jewelry, I have of course been burned. I am forever learning and have found this book so helpful. I learned about pieces I currently have that I didn't know the names or era of and found on my first thumbing! I have all of this authors' books. I think she is so great with information. So many of the vintage jewelery books have pretty pictures and prices but no information. This is definitely an instructional book as well as a source for beautiful photographs of vintage jewelry. Write More Soon!
Books:
- Collecting Contemporary
- Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building and Upgrading (Identification & Value Guide)
- Collector's Encyclopedia of Howard Pierce Porcelain: Identification and Values
- Czechoslovakian Perfume Bottles and Boudoir Accessories,
- Designers Guide to Furniture Styles, Second Edition
- Designers Guide to Furniture Styles, Second Edition
- Distant Mirrors: America as a Foreign Culture
- Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
- Employment Discrimination Law
- Essential System Administration, Third Edition
Books Index
Books Home
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Coins & Medals
| Antiques & Collectibles
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
A Guide Book of United States Coins 2007 (60th Edition)
How to Make Money in Coins Right Now, 2nd Edition
2007 Handbook of United States Coins Blue Book (Handbook of United States Coins) (Handbook of United States Coins (Paper))
Photograde: Official Photographic Grading Guide for United States Coins, 19th Edition
The New York Times Guide to Coin Collecting: Do's, Don'ts, Facts, Myths, and a Wealth of History
