This book is an all-in-one introduction for the novice who wishes to venture into the world of buying and selling vintage costume jewellery. It's also a source of information about the popular types of jewellery you are likely to come across at auctions and markets today. Do you want to know more about the origins of acrostic jewellery and their secret messages of love? Coral, jade, Queen Elizabeth I's 'Checkers Ring' or the history behind the tiger's clavicle brooch from the days of the Raj in India? You'll find these and other interesting, amusing and informative stories about jewellery in this book. Finally, and most importantly, there's a section on the lives of some silversmiths and jewellers, the unique jewellery they designed for us to love, cherish and wear, adding to our sparkle.