Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide

New York—Jewelry historian Beth Bernstein has penned a book about understanding, sourcing, and styling vintage jewelry.

Titled “The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery,” it is a sequel to her 2022 book “The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery.”

The new companion book follows the evolution of jewelry design from the Art Deco movement in the 1930s to the bold styles of the early 1980s.

Through vivid photography and commentary from Bernstein, it explores the popular looks at the time and the changes through the mid- to late 20th century across 216 pages.

The book moves chronologically, starting with the modern innovations of the 1930s and continuing through the wartime ingenuity of the ‘40s, the charm-laden optimism of the ‘50s, the rebellious and revolution times of the ‘60s, and the glitter and glamour of the ‘70s, before ending with the confident sophistication or the early ‘80s.

It focuses on the style and cultural shifts of each era, highlighting signature styles, innovative materials, and the fine craftsmanship that is characteristic of vintage design.

Bernstein spotlights jewelers that helped define each decade, including Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Verdura, David Webb, and Aldo Cipullo.

She also highlights the pioneering female designers who reshaped the industry, like Suzanne Belperron, Juliette Moutard, Jeanne Toussaint, Elsa Peretti, Angela Cummings, and Marina B.

The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery also includes insights from Bernstein and other experts on purchasing vintage jewelry today through international shops, dealers, fairs, and auction houses.

The book also includes guidance on identifying, styling, and preserving vintage jewelry.

“I became acquainted with vintage jewelry as a young girl though my mother’s and grandmother’s jewelry, as well as the styles worn by style-setting actresses I watched on TV [and] in old movies,” said Bernstein.

“As a jewelry journalist and editor for 22 years, I have come to realize that vintage jewelry represents the cultural landscape of three generations of my own family, as well as groundbreaking global innovations of some of the most legendary designers and maisons who change with the times and continue to bejewel international collectors.”

Bernstein added, “This new book not only shares my passion—I hope it also helps readers to understand how jewelry reflects the cultural, social, and emotional currents of its time.”

Along with being a jewelry historian, Bernstein is an author, journalist, and one-time jewelry designer with more than 20 years in the industry.

Her previous books include “Jewelry’s Shining Stars: The Next Generation,” “The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery,” “If These Jewels Could Talk,” “Jewelry’s Shining Stars,” and her memoir “My Charmed Life.”

She has also contributed to D’Origin Magazine, Forbes, Palm Beach Illustrated, Jewelry Connoisseur, Rapaport Magazine, TheJewelryEditor.com, Accent Magazine, Elite Traveler, Departures, and Four Seasons Magazine.

The book was published by ACC Art Books on Oct. 21.

It retails for $35 and is available on the ACC Art Books website or through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

A panel discussion highlighting the jewelry trends featured in The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery is slated for Nov. 20 at the NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show (NYCJAOS).

Bernstein will moderate the panel as it traces trends from the 1930s to the 1980s, and experts will give tips on how to find and purchase the most coveted styles from these eras.

Panelists include Lorraine Wohl of Elle W Collection, Dana Kiyomura of Keyamour, Amie Bourgeois of Rogue Vintage Jewels, and Susan Cohen of Circa 1700.

“Beth and the panelists, all of whom are featured in ‘The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery,” are true experts. An educated customer is always the best customer,” said Konstantinos Leousis, founder of NYCJAOS and KIL Promotions, which manages the show.

“We hope everyone will come, learn, and then enjoy their shopping at the show all the more!”

The panel will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at NYCJAOS, which is located at the Hyatt Place Chelsea at 140 W. 24th Street in New York City. Inside the show, the panel will be in The Placery on the second floor near the terrace.

The panel will be followed by a book signing with Bernstein and books will also be available for purchase.

Admission is free for the book launch and panel discussion, but tickets are required for entry.

Free tickets are available on the Eventbrite website.