Already Receiving International Notice and Critical Acclaim, Jewelry Savvy Dazzles Those In The Know

Jewelry Savvy: What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Book Award. It fell within the top 10% of entrants to be considered for prizes. With respect to the competition, This is considered an honor of its own merit. Less than 50 books each year are dubbed with the title of Eric Hoffer Award Finalist.

The Eric Hoffer Award (formerly the Writers' Notes Award) for short prose and books was established at the start of the 21st century as a means of opening a door to writing of significant merit.

Visit www.hofferaward.com for further information.

Midwest Book Review (Author's Note: Midwest Book Review awarded Jewelry Savvy a Five-Star rating on Amazon.com):

The appreciation of jewelry is a culturally influenced subjective judgment that can vary widely from individual to individual. Nevertheless there are basic principles related to art, image, and adornment. Expertly co-authored by Cynthia A. Sliwa and Caroline Stanley, "Jewelry Savvy: What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know" combines basic product information about jewelry, about wearing jewelry, and about purchasing and maintaining jewelry that will enable the reader to acquire a discernable degree of sophistication and self-expression.

Of special note is the inclusion of a number of 'Savvy Tips' about jewelry. Enhanced with more than one hundred images and illustrations germane to choosing and wearing jewelry, "Jewelry Savvy" is a unique and very highly recommended instructional guide for those who are beginning their own jewelry collections, as well as anyone wanting to get the best value for their investment in jewelry with respect to their appearance no matter their age or the occasion.

Louise Elerding, AICI, CIP, former International President, Association of Image Consultants International (AICI):

The fact that every page of this book is filled with aha's and valuable gems of information makes it a 'must-read'. The blending of comprehensive jewelry knowledge and Image consulting principles is just one of many outstanding features of this book and makes it a very valuable resource. This is the first of its kind - and a definite must-have for every fashion-conscious woman's library. * * * It is obvious when reading this book that it is thoroughly researched and comprehensive in scope, yet is an engaging read in a conversational style. The passion of the authors for jewelry shines through. I'll be giving this book as gifts - it's that good!

Patsy Cisneros, AICI, former President, Southern California Chapter, AICI:

I recommend Jewelry Savvy as a "must have" reference book for: "jewelry addicts", jewelry wearers, jewelry sales people, jewelry designers and jewelry craftspeople. Illustrations are timeless, and represent diversity of ethnicities and variations of face/body shapes. The writing is easy to understand, feels conversational, and keeps the reader interested whether reading cover-to-cover or picking a topic in the middle! * * * I also recommend this to all image consultants and stylists to be most knowledgeable about proper fit and style for a client, and THIS IS THE BEST for problem solving for the client's existing jewelry that may not be working well for them. Don't hesitate to order Jewelry Savvy- you will never regret having it in your resource library and referring to it for years to come!

Carrie Soucy, Editor, JCKstyle (Jewelers' Circular Keystone)(United States):

It seems so easy: See sparkly bauble; buy sparkly bauble; wear sparkly bauble. Well, that can work-if you're a novice, that is. But those who truly love wearing jewelry need to think about more than just whatever catches their eye. It's about finding pieces that complement your features and personality, and building those pieces into a cohesive wardrobe. Enter Jewelry Savvy: What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know, a new book by two industry insiders, Caroline Stanley and Cynthia A. Sliwa.

The 224-page softcover volume covers everything from choosing pieces that flatter (both your build and your outfit) to helpful information on how to clean, store, buy, and carry jewelry. The most practical how-to we've seen on the subject, the text is peppered with shaded boxes that contain "Savvy Tips" (of "Darn, why didn't I think of that?" variety).

Clearly written, with the user-friendly format of a textbook (complete with comprehensive glossary), this book is designed for the consumer who loves jewelry. JCKstyle thinks jewelers out there could learn a thing or two as well, especially from the chapters on understanding a woman's personal style and styling jewelry to complement her face, body, age, and wardrobe. After all, when it comes to jewelry, you can never be too rich, or too savvy.

Blair Adams, Editorial Director, Kenilworth Media (publisher of Jewellery Business)(Canada):

I thought your book was fantastic. I think it is an excellent resource for both the novice and seasoned jewellery wearer. It is easy to read, concise and successfully marries text with art/illustration. You cover all the basic jewellery topics, from selection to care, truly deserving of the title, "What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know."

Ken Gassman, President, Jewelry Industry Research Institute and Online Research Director, IDEX Magazine (Israel):

Book Review:Jewelry Savvy Should Be Required Reading for Retail Jewelers

Just about the time you think you know everything about jewelry, along comes a book like Jewelry Savvy: What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know by Cynthia Sliwa and Caroline Stanley.

At just over 200 pages, Jewelry Savvy is a cross between a reference book, a self-help book, and a marketing book. In our opinion, it should be required reading for all jewelry store sales associates, and it is equally appropriate for jewelry shoppers. * * *

What will jewelry sales people get from the book? They will get a better understanding of the jewelry shoppers' perspective. They will learn how to select jewelry that will be most flattering for their customers. And, they will have an excellent reference text for their store.

What will jewelry shoppers get from the book? They will find a narrative that de-mystifies jewelry. They will become more confident about buying jewelry. And, they will likely expand their jewelry collection, based on suggestions found throughout this book.

As the authors say, "the body is essentially the palette on which the artist will be able to work: the clothing is the background; the jewelry and other accessories are what demonstrate a woman's style." This book helps consumers create fine art rather than comic art with their jewelry.

Elaine Luther, All Things Metal Clay: An Expert Guide:

Since this is a book for consumers, the end-user of jewelry, you might think it’s odd that I’m recommending it for you, the folks who make the jewelry.

If your business involves selling jewelry, either in a retail store or in your booth at craft shows, this book will help you help your customers.

If I had a retail store, I would sell this book and give it away to customers too as an occasional promotion, or free gift with purchase.

You may know what kind of jewelry looks good on you, but do you know in general, what lengths of necklaces, styles of earrings, etc., are flattering to different face shapes, neck lengths and body type? This book teaches you that.

It’s the kind of information that’s out there for fashion in women’s magazines and how-to-dress books for women, but this kind of guidance has never been created for jewelry, so comprehsively and in one place.

The authors cover the “care, selection and recycling of jewelry,” and they offer education on what the various parts of jewelry are called and warn of dangers people might not be aware of that can seriously damage their jewelry.

If you are a jewelry collector, or aspire to be, this book is a must have. Chapters include Jewelry for Men and Brides to Be (and much more).

The authors area jewelry designer and avid collector of vintage costume jewelry (Cynthia) and a third generation jeweler now running her own marketing firm (Caroline).

Over all, a great book. If you love wearing jewelry, or know someone who does, this book is for them. It would be a great gift for any young women in your family, possibly with one of your pieces of jewelry to start off their collection?

Gems & Gemology, Gemological Institute of America

At some point, every jeweler experiences the dilemma of a customer who returns an item but cannot be specific about the reason, except to say, “It just didn’t look right.” You try to save the sale or come up with an alternative, but in the end both of you walk away shaking your heads.

When faced with this scenario, you have to know that it is not the customer, and it is not the price points; it is the jewelry—the wrong type of jewelry for the body type, personality, and style of the wearer. The art of adornment is very nuanced, and Jewelry Savvy is a perfect book for both sides of the counter—a self-help book for the consumer and a marketing book for jewelers.

The authors are a singular collaboration of style consultant and fourth generation jeweler, with decades of experience between them, who bring practical advice to the choosing and wearing of jewelry. Each chapter starts with a clever quote while addressing the anatomy of choosing the right jewel. Helpful shadow boxes of “Savvy Tips” further drive home the points of the chapter.

The emphasis is on the wearer, with in-depth discussion of physical features, personality, face shapes, and specific body types—in other words, the signature style of the purchaser. The authors encourage jewelers to experiment with color, texture, necklace length, placement, and combinations of pieces.

The primer on metals, diamonds, and gemstones is presented in a conversational, jargon-free tone. Helpful charts that sort gemstones by color, birthstone, anniversaries, and safety in the ultrasonic cleaner, as well as useful terminologies, are liberally sprinkled throughout the book. Further information on cleaning and storage, as well as traveling with jewelry and gemstones, is also included. The section on which jewelry items should be stored in a soft pouch and which ones need to be stored in a plastic bag is a good one to review with your clients.

Considering all this, the “Jewelers and Appraisals” chapter is something of a disappointment. The appraisal document example is not within industry standards, and may give a false impression of completeness. In addition, the resources chapter does not list any of the major appraisal organizations. The lack of an index is also frustrating when you try to go back to review a topic.

However, the overall appeal to consumers is achieved by clear, uncomplicated text, making this book a success.

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