Beading with Pearls: Beautiful Jewelry, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Books)
Essentially, editor Campbell is an aggregator-collaborator, calling on the talents of 19 designers across the country. Here, the subject is pearls, in all conceivable forms and colors, from freshwater and Mabe Majorca to Tahitian, from cream to burgundy and lavender iris. As Campbell points out in her introductory remarks, pearls quickly became the classic signature of Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy as well as the more provocative adornments for Josephine Baker, who combined pearl and banana necklaces at strategic places—and nowhere else. Much information is relayed about pearls in general, as well as techniques and storage tips, before launching the 30 projects. Separated by level of proficiency—beginner, experienced beginner, intermediate—the 30 items each are accompanied by color photographs, illustrations (when necessary), extraordinarily clear instructions, and page references to specific techniques (like making your own jump rings). Patterns vary from contemporary and moderne style to baroque; it’s as hard to resist a stark-white oversize pearl ring as it is to ignore a luxuriant flapper chain. --Barbara Jacobs