Marlene Dietrich sings "Falling in Love Again" a song she sang as Lola-Lola from the classic film, "The Blue Angel". Irresistible. What else is irresistible? This Valentine of a paean to old Hollywood style, classic and staggeringly romantic, the most recent book by the great jewelry designer and teacher Jean Campbell,
Creating Glamorous Jewelry with Swarovski Elements
Classic Hollywood Designs with Crystal Beads and Stones

I gave myself an early Valentine's Day gift (you should too!) and steeped myself in old Hollywood uberglamour as I studied the incredible offerings which Jean Campbell has designed for us in Creating Glamorous Jewelry with Swarovski Elements. It is such a pleasure to take one's time pouring over the photographs which the author has chosen of the famous coquettes and grand dames of Hollywood's heigh (hay?) day. If the reader has a favorite star, you can bet she will be in here. Mine is Vivien Leigh, who makes an appearance twice, once in costume as Cleo, and once in a full on glamour shot, as simply, Vivien. The author makes a point that these illustrious stars were usually known just by their first names. That is how famous they were, and how famous they remain in our pantheon of Hollywood greats. I have adored all of Jean Campbell's books, but there are three reasons I find this one particularly outstanding. The first reason is that her articulate yet easygoing writing skills are perfectly matched to the task of setting the scene for each star she is addressing. Jean Campbell knows EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING (she is a great researcher and this is evident in all of her books). Due to this, she is able to distill, in a paragraph or two, just what it is about a particular Hollywood icon which made her so unique. Therefore, due to the author's own abilities at portraying a mood or a time period, as well as her own insight into a personality, you learn more about Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor, Dorothy Dandridge, Natalie Wood, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, and so many other great actresses that this book is priceless for movie star buffs in that way alone. And who doesn't adore the cinema, as it was called!
I was intrigued as well by the history of the symbiotic relationship between the Swarovski family, starting with Daniel Swarovski I, the Hollywood clientele, and the great fashion houses of the times. I didn't know, for example, that the AB, [Aurora Borealis], finish was created by Swarovski initially for Christian Dior by Daniel Swarovski's grandson after World War II. The AB finish was then and ever after embraced by Hollywood and all of us too! It is the perfect incredible addition to the clear sparkle of the world's most perfect crystal.
The second reason I adore this jewelry design book is that the author has taken actual photos of each star and slightly blurred them, so that you can see the jewelry being worn, yet not clearly enough to note any specifics. These sorts of photos, in black and white, suit the dreamy style of the times, and also give the author freedom to create her own designs inspired by what she sees, as translated through her own extremely talented artistic eye.
There is not a bad piece among the collection in this super fabulous book! I don't know what Jean Campbell's favorite color is, but she certainly knows how to use all of them in amazing and incredible ways when she designs jewelry which you and I will want to make, not for the vintage feel of it, but for the sheer beauty of it. Her pieces are glorious and charming.
I especially liked Mae West's flowered reversible necklace (I love anything reversible! So much more potential) and "Lucky Strike" earrings, Vivien Leigh's "Cleo" earrings, of which there is a version which is easier/faster to make, as well, and Natalie Wood's sensuous and fascinating vinyl cuff with its crystal rivets and the bouquet of Swarovski crystal pearls at the center as seen directly below:

note from jean: Jean: I want this! so I shall have to make this first--FUN! :)




It is difficult to describe the concoction of crystals by Swarovski, the occasional use of chain, the seed beads and end results (for example, Zsa Zsa's incredible necklace, in tones of gold, topaz, and greens, accented with violets and blues, without the use of photos. And the 250 photos and illustrations fill Creating Glamorous Jewelry with Swarovski Elements with information. So many of the photos of the jewelry are as breathtakingly lovely as the stars who inspired them. There is just no limit to what the author has done here. I cannot believe anyone else could have done this book better.
This leads me to the third reason this book is so great.
Reason number three: THE DIRECTIONS FOR HOW TO MAKE EACH JEWELRY PIECE are very clear. That is correct! Even a boob [note: this is an old term: look it up] like me can understand them. If I can understand them, anyone who can read can understand them. I am quite famously hopeless with seed beads (although I certainly know my way around Swarovski crystals and always adore them!).
At any rate, now I have hope again. Seed beading, one more try! Why? Because these jewelry designs are so very worth it! From concept to end result, the reader gets to relive beloved film star memories, and learn new techniques for creating beautiful jewelry for herself. Yes, you too can be a movie star! And you don't have to hang around in a soda shop back in the fifties to get discovered. Discover for yourself what true Hollywood glamour is about by giving yourself, and all your best friends as well, this completely entrancing book which teaches, entertains, and calls to you at every turn. Thank you, Jean Campbell. I had a great time reading Creating Glamorous Jewelry with Swarovski Elements. I know I shall return to it again and again!

--review by jean yates

Jean Campbell: www.jeancambellink.com