“Costume Jewelry,” by Carol Woolton, features Wendy’s beautiful jewelry keeping good company with other well known jewelry designers. Shown alongside costume jewelry designed by Chanel, Trifari, Miriam Haskel, Joseff of Hollywood and many more, the appearance of Wendy Gell jewelry collected by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo shines!
In “Costume Jewelry,” Carol Woolton uncovers the sparkling story of costume jewelry through the extraordinary collection of Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. In the early 20th century, New York became the epicenter of paste jewelry design as artisans fleeing war-torn Europe rebuilt their craft in America. Their expertise propelled the city to fashion’s forefront, ushering in an era of bold, beautiful, and accessible bijouterie.
Wedding Necklace by Wendy Gell. From the collection of Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. Photography by Luciano Romano. Courtesy Taschen Publishing.
This gorgeous book, with texts by Carol Woolton and Maria Luisa Frisa—who pens a personal reflection on Patrizia and her collection—showcases nearly 600 of the finest pieces from the 1930s to the new millenium. With stunning photography by Luciano Romano, it follows jewelry’s democratization, as women embraced statement accessorizing and a newfound fashion freedom. Beyond their beauty, these baubles embodied rebellion and transformation: they adorned Hollywood’s greatest icons, and became symbols of identity and creativity.
Explore the visionary designers and cultural movements of each era, reflecting the artistic, economic, and social shifts that shaped them. Learn how innovative materials like Lucite and Bakelite, and the introduction of vibrant tropical colors, inspired new waves of designs. Discover the remarkable artistry of designers who incorporated intricate details and eye-catching motifs in their often avant-garde creations, blurring the line between fine and fashion jewelry and transforming accessories into wearable art. And of course, our favorite costume jewelry designer, Wendy Gell! This is an essential source of inspiration for collectors, designers, and jewelry lovers alike.
“Costume Jewelry,” by Carol Woolton, is available for preorder now and will be fully available for purchase in the US on December 3, 2025. We have Taschen Publishing to thank for publishing this beautiful book. Wendy does not receive anything for promoting it here.
Below, read a well illustrated article about the book from the BBC website. It’s a large file, so please allow a moment for it to load. Wendy’s jewelry appears at the end of the article. Enjoy looking at beautiful jewelry and reading a bit about her fellow costume jewelry designers as you scroll down to find her!
Wendy Gell - Hollywood's Most Stunning Jewelry Book Article
