Antiques & Collectibles

Sought-after, sophisticated and versatile, the Hermès carré is wearable art that never goes out of fashion. Unveiling the history and artistry of the brand's silk accessory from the first designs in the early twentieth century to today, this fashion story includes a detailed behind-the-scenes look at the artisanship involved at the company's ateliers in France, as well as reviews on different scarf designs, colour palettes, dates of issue and rarity (the 'Grail' scarves).

The book includes the collaborators who have helped in the creation of over 2,000 designs, including limited editions, anniversary and tribute scarves, with highlights from renown artists and illustrators such as Hugo Grygkar, Philippe Ledoux, Kermit Oliver and Annie Faivre (who hides a monkey in her designs). Here you will discover the fashion of scarf styles throughout the decades, how to wear and tie a scarf, and the scarf in film and popular culture, along with those who made the Hermès carré a hallmark of their own – such as Queen Elizabeth II, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

A symbol of power, a promise of marriage and a girl's best friend, the diamond is unmatched by any other gemstone in the world. From ancient civilizations and the royal courts of Europe to modern culture, film and fashion, the mystique and glamour of the world's most brilliant natural treasure is told in a story that merges history with gemology, collecting with couture. Celebrating our everlasting fascination with this prized jewel, The Story of the Diamond gives background on merchants, traders and jewellers, from Cartier to Harry Winston, as well as legendary and rare stones, such as the cursed Hope, the stolen Koh-i-Noor and the ransomed Idol's Eye.

With indepth information on styles, cuts, colours and carats, and both natural and lab-grown stones, as well as a chapter devoted to engagement rings, there is advice on selecting and buying sustainably sourced diamonds.

Timeless and ever-fashionable, the Chanel handbag is the luxury goods statement piece that is always in demand. Since the launch of the 2.55 in 1955, Chanel has unveiled a curated classic selection of styles that has reached iconic stature – and here you will discover their myriad seasonal adaptations, limited editions and special features.

From the ultra-rare beaded lucite Cage Flap to the discontinued Diana (named after Princess Di), the So Black to the Graffiti backpack, the book traces the rise of the Chanel bag from the very first designs to today's releases and charts the Chanel bag in popular culture and celebrity fashion.

A detailed behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship explains the details of quilting, leathers and materials, hardware, labels and stitching, as well as how to authenticate a Chanel bag. Whether you are considering buying retail or second-hand, to celebrate a milestone, commemorate an important event in life or as an investment, this is your ultimate guide to this exclusive – and sometimes elusive – accessory.

For its luminescent beauty and timeless elegance, the pearl has been prized for centuries, from ancient civilizations and royalty to society girls and Hollywood celebrities. Not only a symbol of wealth, status and power, this rare gem is a moon-like talisman associated with healing, protection and purity.

Weaving myth and history, art and literature, the sacred and the secular, this book unfolds the fascinating 4,000-year-old story of the pearl, including tales of pearl-divers in the Pacific, the jewellery of ancient Rome and legendary pearls such as the 500-year-old La Peregrina and the 14-pound Pearl of Allah. Here you will learn of the various types of pearls, both cultured and costume styles, how to wear and care for them, as well as pearls in popular culture and in fashions through the ages.