Author Carol Woolton, the jewelry editor of British Vogue, has amassed the most magical floral jewelry to hit the haute joaillerie world in one volume. Photo courtesy of Prestel Publishing.

A delicate dandelion brooch from circa 1900 displays the divine versatility of Fabergé. Image courtesy of Wartski, London.

BY KAREN AANONSEN

Flowers have long captured the imagination of the most iconic jewelers. Now, author Carol Woolton investigates the attraction in the aptly named Floral Jewels: From the World’s Leading Designers. Magnificently illustrated with photographs, original sketches, and gouache paintings, the hardcover dives into the history of bejeweled blooms while highlighting hundreds of examples of the finest pieces ever made. Fanciful baubles from Chanel, Dior, Fabergé, Cartier, and more are divided within the book according to the seasons in which their inspiration flowers flourish. For yet another layer of authority, man of mystery — and master craftsman — Joel Arthur Rosenthal contributes a foreword. Floral Jewels is available now.

The Graff pink and white diamond flower brooch (with detachable stem) features stones cut from the 550 carat Letseng Star, the fourteenth largest white diamond of all time. ©Graff Diamonds.

Since the 1920s, Gabrielle Chanel’s favorite flower, the camellia, has been incorporated into the label’s designs. ©CHANEL Fine Jewelry.