Nicholas Estrada

This marvellously illustrated book is a blend of the avant-garde, the unconventional and the delightful. Showcasing 591 contemporary rings by almost 300 international designers who stimulate the imagination by challenging traditional practices and st andard definitions. The finished products are sculpture for the hands, and range from the simple to the abstract, from everyday rings to those that are more challenging. Here are rings made of gold, platinum and precious stones, of wood, bones, fibre and shells Without exception, they are all beautifully made and intriguing in their own way. "New Rings" presents a unique snapshot of the work of the best art jewellers at work in the world today and includes biographies and contact details of ever y featured artist.

A new wave of designers and artisans are creating earrings that push the boundaries of jewelry design. Drawing on unique sources of inspiration to incorporate symbol and meaning, they are redefining the earring as more than a mere ornamental piece. This book showcases a stunning collection of the innovative work of jewelry designers from around the world, drawing together a variety of creative approaches and methods. Employing an array of materials, the models on show range from the traditional many displaying tribal inspiration to more complex, cutting-edge pieces. All of the jewelry featured is notable for its boldness, whether in terms of dimension, colour or composition, its exuberance or the choice of materials. Whatever the materials chosen, it is the design that shines through. The miscellaneous approaches shown in this book highlight the copious and constantly renewed creative potential offered by earrings.