Art Deco Jewelry by Sylvie Raulet (Rizzoli...

Art Deco Jewelry by Sylvie Raulet (Rizzoli International: $60).

This is a book that should win admirers beyond those enamored with Art Deco or jewelry. Design buffs of all stripes are likely to enjoy this collection of stunning Art Deco pieces (clocks, vanity cases and handbags, as well as items strictly considered jewelry) gathered from the prized collections of museums, private collectors and auction houses.

Raulet clearly understands jewelry as sculpture and relates it to the corresponding art movements of the day. And she has wisely included both fine and costume jewelry in her extensive samplings, which are plainly but elegantly photographed and reproduced with great care.

The straightforward text is a bit on the boring side, but anyone who appreciates beautiful, finely crafted objects should also appreciate the finely crafted way the book has been assembled.