The festive season is just around the corner. If you are still looking for a present for your loved ones, like every year, I come up with my selection of books. For lovers of watches, stones and jewelry, everyone will find something that will seduce for sure. A beautiful edition remains a safe gift for all budgets. This year I have chosen the six books that immerse you in the world of jewelry, watchmaking and gemology. The story of a famous family or the confession of a gemologist, all enthusiasts will be delighted to find one of these copies under the Xmas tree. So here’s my guide to the best books in 2022.
Pour les fans de montresFor watch fans
“The Millennium Watch Book: Diving Watches”, Editions GMT Publishing
This complete panorama focuses on an essential accessory for traveling in the depths of the sea: the mechanical diver’s watch. This 200-page XXL book examines the evolution from a pure instrument watch to an essential piece in the collection of a watch enthusiast. In its pages, readers will find the 50 diving watches produced since the year 2000.
For gemstone lovers
Anne de Jouvenel-Tugny “Homo Lapidibus. The passion for stones”, Editions Edisens
Amazing journey to the land of gems, on the border between the real and the marvelous, this reveals the irrational passion of men for stones. Anne de Jouvenel-Tugny is a gemologist and takes us into the fascinating world of stones, reveals the secrets of magnificent jewels and questions this irrational passion that has inhabited man since the dawn of time.
Patricia Desmortiers & Lola-Mona Lugand “Enchanted mineralogy. 40 stone stories »-, Editions Hoëbeke
Patricia Desmortiers is a gemologist and lifts the veil on some mysteries. In this book she offers us a trip around the world, lyrical and delicate, for an encounter with 40 remarkable stones. These stories combining scientific data, geography and poetry, illustrated by the precise and inspired drawings of Lola-Mona Lugand, tell us the incredible millennial odyssey of these wonders formed in the depths of the Earth.
For jewelry enthusiasts
Hélène & Jeanne Karpov « Gouaches »
The twin sisters are specialized in gouache: covering and opaque water-based paint and work since many years for the houses on Place Vendôme. For the first book on gouaches, Hélène and Jeanne have chosen to reveal their creation in the four chapters. Nature, gemstones, arabesques and perfume bottles are presented in this unique album.
Francesca Cartier Brickell, “The Cartiers”, Editions les Arènes
This book traces the incredible story of three brothers who transformed a humble Parisian jewelry store into a global luxury empire. Francesca tells the story of her family whose motto is: Never copy, always create. Louis, Pierre and Jacques were able to conquer the world thanks to their complementary talents.
“Antonio Seijo” Editions du Regard
First book dedicated to the jewelry designer Antonio Seijo who comes from a dynasty of jewelers settled in Andalusia since the 19th century. His activity takes place between Geneva, Paris, London and Marbella. Jewelry designer but also fabulist, he devotes himself to writing with the same creativity. Steeped in culture, readings, images, myths and other tales and legends, he restores them, stages them in his jewelry creations. This book, composed of his writings and his creations, gives the reader the feeling of navigating between dream and reality.
