This book explores 200 years of fine jewelry made from materials derived from plant or animal sources. Chapters are organized thematically by material, each with a short and lively introduction recounting the eras in which that material inspired the greatest work. This is followed by picture spreads interspersed with profiles and features devoted to particular designers, themes or style icons, including the Duchess of Windsor, Coco Chanel and Diana Vreeland. The text supplies abundant information with a light touch and tone, while detailed captions provide authoritative information on the jewelry as well as snippets of context and background.