Évelyne Possémé

This is the third book in a series devoted to the splendid jewellery collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Following on from Flora and Fauna, the theme this time is the human figure, perhaps the most intimate and involving of subjects. Jewellery has always been a vehicle for the deepest of human emotions: remembrance, faith, devotion, love,...

The animal kingdom has been a source of inspiration for jewellers since the days of antiquity. Chosen for their symbolism, their beauty, or their personality, a whole menagerie of creatures has been depicted in gemstones and precious metals. These range from fantastical dragons, griffins, and sphinxes to wild beasts such as boars and big cats, and the delicate forms of...