David Bennett is the Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division and the Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland. He has sold four out of the five most expensive jewels in auction history. Having worked as an auctioneer at the firm since 1978, Bennett is renowned internationally as an authority on jewellery. He played a key role in numerous illustrious sales, such as the ‘Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor’ (1987), a tiara from the Collection of Princess Katharina Henckel von Donnersmarck (2011) and Henry IV of France’s Beau Sancy (2012). Daniela Mascetti is Sotheby’s Chairman of Jewellery in Europe. She joined Sotheby’s in 1980, opening the firm’s Milan-based department. She is one of Sotheby’s most experienced scholars in the history of jewellery, and has collaborated extensively in the sales of historic collections. Her research has assisted with several notable auctions, from The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor to the collections of Elton John and Gina Lollobrigida.
[A] beautifully illustrated book by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti... - Phyllis Schiller, Rapaport Understanding The Jewellery is a love letter to glorious pieces from the last hundred years. - M. J. Rose, The Adventurine An enjoyably scholarly romp through the past and a feast for the eyes for the novice and the consummate jewelry fan and collector. - Beth Bernstein,, Forbes The new volume covers the most distinguished designers of the 20th century-including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co.-and is sure to be a reference for years to come. - Victoria Gomelsky, JCK A must-have coffee table book for jewellery aficionados, ACC ART BOOKS' new Understanding Jewellery: The 20th Century offers a comprehensive overview of the brands, trends and techniques that defined the jewellery world in the century past. - Elisa Vallata, Departures International