Their quest's outcome is this magnificent volume viewing adornments through the prism of fashion. It also details a series of indefatigable and often humorous journeys as the authors scour markets, villages, and shops in search of extraordinary silver jewelry and apparel.

From the Foreword written by Tiffany & Co.'s Design Director, John Loring -- a noted silver jewelry expert in his own right -- plus a brilliant Introduction by Harold Koda, Curator of the Fashion Institute at New York's Metropolitan Museum, to an essay by the fashion world's icon, Oscar de la Renta, silver's reputation as a precious metal is undeniable.

The book opens with the chapter "Accessorize!" The reader then joins the authors' travels around the globe, discussing their search for silver and local customs, workmanship and styles. Their tale explores silver's traditions in Egypt; Tunisia; the Western Maghreb; the Middle East; Greece and Turkey; Russia and the Caucasus; Turkmenistan; the Indian Subcontinent; the Indonesian Archipelago; the nationalities of Southeast Asia (Burma, Thailand, and Southern China); the Indians of the American Southwest; Mexico; and concludes with contemporary designers.

The Nadler's collection is stunning and the journey which the reader is taken on is -- like the pieces themselves -- truly magnificent !

(B3)