Sparkle and Shine: Cartier’s Catalogue of Jewels

When in the market for a ten-pound coffee-table book with a little extra gleam, try searching for one that's worth it's weight in gold… so to speak. For something that sparkles between the pages, Flammarion, in partnership with local art-tome purveyor, Rizzoli, as just released a juicy volume filled with stunning photos of Cartier's rich history of ornate jewelery, Cartier: Innovation Through the 20th Century. Edited by Françios Chaille, this collection of lush, scaled-to-size images depicts some of the unbelievably intricate handiwork of Cartier's craftsmen along with stories of the various, often eccentric, people who owned the jewels. While necklaces dripping with gems and humongous pearls are pretty, the real winners are quirky items like a letter-shaped cigarette case, a lucky-charm holder, and a chimera mystery clock. And we'd snatch that emerald-encrusted alligator necklace in a heartbeat. Watch out—this glossy edition just might turn you into an aspiring cat burglar.

Cartier: Innovation Through the 20th Century is available for pre-order at Amazon.com for an October 14th release.