Tonight, we’ll read about the history of jewelry around the world, from Jewels and the Woman written by Marianne Ostier and published in 1958.

Ostier was the principal designer and artistic driving force behind Ostier Inc., the New York jewelry firm she founded in 1941 with her husband, Oliver. Marianne was an accomplished painter and sculptor before her marriage, while Oliver came from a distinguished line of Austrian court jewelers. The couple emigrated to the United States to escape war, where they rebuilt their lives and careers.

Their firm became known for its distinctive approach to jewelry design. The workshop specialized in bespoke commissions—one-of-a-kind pieces crafted for private clients, often film stars, collectors, or patrons of the arts.

The book reflects Marianne Ostier’s deep understanding of both the artistry and the history of jewelry. In it, she traces how cultures across centuries and continents have used ornaments not merely as decoration, but also as symbols of power, wealth, protection, and devotion. From ancient amulets and royal regalia to modern design innovations, the story of jewels is inseparable from the story of civilization itself.

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