Jewelry’s Shining Stars by Beth Bernstein

“But it wasn’t until I was six years into a career as a fashion stylist and writer for magazines that I realized that nothing about the rise and fall of hemlines, the heel of a shoe or the structure of a handbag moved and intrigued me the way jewelry did.”

–Beth Bernstein, from the Introduction of Jewelry’s Shining Stars

Jewelry is a different kind of accessory–it is more than an addition to an outfit.  Each piece of jewelry a woman owns can tell a story, whether it be sad, joyous, thoughtful, or some sort of tribute, it means something in the wearer’s life.  At the same time, each designer who created those pieces of jewelry each has their own story behind why or how it was created, what sparked the idea, and the design process through its completion.  This is exactly what is being conveyed in the newest book, Jewelry’s Shining Stars.

Beth Bernstein’s latest coffee table masterpiece takes you inside each designer’s ways of thinking–from their personal stories, quirks and adversities, to their favorite things, like books, artists, and influences.  The insight gained from each mini-interview is incredible.  I am left feeling intrigued, wanting to learn more, as well as feeling like I’ve just sat down and personally talked to each jewelry designer.  This was provoked by the way Beth asked the questions and formatted the revealing interviews.

Did you know that Colette found a 1.50 carat emerald in her shoe on one of her trips to the Tucson Gem Show? Or that Stephanie of Jemma Wynne is obsessed with ‘90s rap music? Or that Mizuki hoards favorite bathroom amenities from her hotel stays?!  Little unknown facts like this, mixed with some serious topics, is what makes this book such a fun read!  

This must-have book is available September 26, 2013 and I highly recommend it!  Here is the list of the 38 designers that are included in this publication:

ADEL CHEFRIDI • ALISHAN • ALLIA • AMALI • ANNIE FENSTERSTOCK • ARMAN SARKISYAN • BOAZ KASHI • BORGIONIS • CASSANDRA ERIN • COLETTE • COOMI • DONNA DISTEFANO • ILEANA MAKRI • JAMIE JOSEPH • JEMMA WYNNE • KAMOFIE • JOSEPH MURRAY • K. BRUNINI • KATHERINE JETTER • LAUREN HARPER • LAUREN WOLF • MEGAN THORNE • MELISSA JOY MANNING • MICHAEL JOHN JEWELRY • MIZUKI • MORITZ GLIK • NAM CHO • NAOMI BLUMENTHAL • PAMELA HUIZENGA • POLLY WALES • RAY GRIFFITHS • REBECCA OVERMANN • SHAILL • SORELLINA • TODD REED • VIBE’S • WENDY YUE • YAEL SONIA