Melodious Monday - New Jewelry Books, Oh My Gosh!

To research a new line of jewelry I am going to make (more on that to come, keep tuning in!), I decided to REALLY research jewelry of the past, and so I went on a wonderful search for books. Now, anyone who knows me knows that books are (aside from family and hubby) the MOST important things in my life. I love books more than just about anything! The search was amazing, and I decided to get 2 books (of the hundreds I would like, that is!) on jewelry throughout history.
These are the books I purchased: "7000 Years of Jewelry", edited by Hugh Tate (now deceased, unfortunately, as he really knew his stuff!), and I also purchased, "Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry - Exquisite Objects from the Cradle of Civilization" by Judith Price. These are an amazing, well-researched starting point. Though I may need to get books on certain time periods if I want very detailed information, these books more than cover the basics, going back over 7000 years of jewelry throughout our various civilizations. Covering materials, processes, styles and trends, these books are an amazing read even if you aren't interested in making jewelry. The photographs are simply stunning and the authors really know what they are talking about.
What really amazes me is that the styles, materials and processes haven't changed all that much, we have simply refined them over the millenia with better technology and lighting. I cannot imagine being a Celtic goldsmith 2000 years ago, trying to melt gold during the slim 4 hours of good daylight in England, yet they did it, and created some of the most spectacular gold work!
More on my new collection soon, I can't wait to get started!