Jewelry of 1940's & 1950's

A quintessential ``coffee-table book,'' this describes in text and photos the sometimes mundane, sometimes outrageously sumptuous jewelry designed and created in Europe and the United States between 1937 and 1961a period of extraordinary renewal in the decorative arts, according to the author. Raulet (Art Deco Jewelry) discusses prominent jewelers, patrons and methods of jewelry-making practiced during this period, concentrating on France and the French influence throughout the world. Some of the more staggering pieces include Cartier's ``Panther'' clip and ``Pink Flamingo'' brooch, both designed by Jeanne Toussaint for the Duchess of Windsor, the Van Cleef & Arpels ``Ballerina'' clips and, from the Italian firm Fasano, the ``Wild Duck,'' ``Pheasant'' and ``Cockerel'' brooches. The photos are lackluster, and, given the price of this book, one might reasonably expect more color plates. (August)