Book Reviews

    Well, starting from the outside, the elegant presentation case hints at the treasures inside.  One wants to open it slowly as if opening a Christmas present.

    Next comes the goodies inside.  By using two volumes instead of one, it's easier and more comfortable to enjoy.  Plus, now there is twice the delight.

    I found your interviews stylishly written and a pleasure to read.  You clearly conveyed your challenges and delights of connecting with each artist.  

    Each artist has a unique and fascinating  story to tell.  Yet the theme of book came through clearly.  In a field dominated by men, women are just as or more talented and capable in the field of jewelry arts.  Their drive, their passion and their talent are unequalled.

   Finally, the quality of the books are exceptional.  The beautiful color plates almost caused me to drool on the books - God forbid.   These books are and will always be a family treasure.  Bravo, Linda, Bravo.

"Visually stunning and written with a poetic passion for her subject matter. Each of the 100 women has a unique story captured and collected in these pages as a diverse group of women from every corner of the earth united by their common love of jewelry."

"These books are incredible! I'm so glad they are part of my library!"

"I just finished reading your pre-complete booklet. I was going to simply read a couple of the stories, and get on with the day. I couldn't put it down! I read cover to cover without stopping. Yes, there are a few edits needed, but the content totally overshadowed any such issues. I feel it could inspire a future entrepreneur in realms other than jewelry. I plan to loan it to a friend who has quit her career as an aesthetician and massage therapist, and is experimenting with jewelry, to see her reaction. Thanks so much for your gift to me of this advance copy."

GH

    Review In OCT 2024 issue of The Jewelry Appraiser

    Linda Kozloff-Turner knows what it means to be a woman of jewelry. An industry veteranwith nearly five decades of experience, Kozloff-Turner is the creative force behind Christine Marguerite Designs, a successful jewelry studio based in New York. In recent years she began to wonder if other women of jewelry had faced the same challenges, she had in building her business and making her way in a male-dominated field. This book is the answer to that question - profiling one hundred women in the jewelry industry and getting their takes on the struggles, setbacks, and successes of lives spent designing.

   Linda Kosloff-Turner has managed to distill her conversations with these one hundred women - representing every corner of the globe - to short profiles that get to the heart of her original ponderings. The result is a fascinating look into the lives and histories of some of the most talented designers of our time, complete with photos of their creations.

    The book is a series of profiles, arranged alphabetically. Each profile is headed by Linda Kozloff-Turner’s remarks, followed by a condensed interview with the subject. Each subject’s design work is showcased in full color. The women and their jewelry profiled in these pages are an impressively diverse group. From royalty to many rags-to-nearly-riches heroines, there is no sameness to these stories. This is equally true of the jewelry on display. While some pieces are completely hand fabricated in gold and gemstones (Ana Maria Albuquerque, Brazil) others are fashioned from silver and recycled food tins (Nancy Anderson, USA). A rich variety of materials, colors, and price points are shown throughout.

    Several of the designers featured are championing unusual techniques in their designs. Sylvia Furmanovich (Brazil) has developed new methods in the traditional craft of marquetry to follow the curved surfaces of her jewelry and accessories. Vibrant micromosaics feature in the work of Francesca Neri Serneri (Italy) and vivid enamels are the focus of both Sophio Gongliashvili (Georgia) and Marianne Hunter (USA). A browse through the jewels featured in these pages is a feast for the eyes!

   Just as Kosloff-Turner suspected, some of the same difficulties she has faced in her career in New York’s Diamond District have also been a part of other women’s stories. Here are recalled many setbacks and false starts. However, the overarching themes of resilience, innovation, determination, and self- confidence outshine all the greater in contrast.

   A singular and admirable achievement, Women of Jewelry is a wonderful survey of some of our industry’s most gifted and inspiring members. The incredible talent and equally impressive back stories presented in this two- volume work are truly inspiring. Kudos to Linda Kosloff-Turner for embarking on this project!

Caitlin St. John, GIA GG

(Ed. Note: Linda Kozloff-Turner is a member of NAJA)

Two volumes, 2021, numerous photos in black & white and full color, $250

(Note from the Author - Linda Kozloff-Turner - Women of Jewelry is based in Boulder Colorado)