The Charm of Charms

From legendary jewelers such as Tiffany and Cartier to out-of-the-way flea markets, from chic design houses like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel to tiny antiques shops, charms are making a great comeback on the fashion scene. Drawn to these tiny treasures for their ability to express elements of the wearer's personality, today's charm lovers are using them to adorn everything from bracelets and necklaces to dog collars and diaper bags.#13;#13;As famed jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane notes: "Women (and men) have worn charms for luck, sentimentality and to ward off evil spirits since Cleopatra first charmed Caesar and Mark Antony." In actual fact, people have been wearing amulets since the were living in caves!#13;#13;In *The Charm of Charms*, photographer Jade Albert and writer Ki Hackney tell the fascinating story of these ever-popular objects. The stunning color photographs provide up-close and personal views of hundreds of cherished charmed jewels, including pieces belonging to such celebrities as Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, the Duchess of Windsor, Cornelia Guest, Elvis Presley, and Mary J. Blige. The intriguing stories behind these beloved trinkets are told in the lively, informative text, which also covers the history of charms and amulets from prehistory to the present.#13;#13;Combining up-to-the-minute trendiness with nostalgic glamour, this gorgeous volume speaks to fashion and jewelry enthusiasts of any age.