The Ultimate Collection

The Impossible Collection of Jewelry

$1,200 USD

ADD COMPLIMENTARY GIFT WRAPPING

Make your gift memorable, on us.

Learn more
Send this item as an e-gift, or gift it to multiple recipients.
1 / 15
Complimentary shipping on orders over $200.
Ships same day if order is placed before 12pm ET.
In this magnificent collection of the most spectacular jewels of the twentieth century, fine jewelry historian Vivienne Becker selects the quintessential bijoux that represent the milestones of jewelry design of the last one hundred years. From Art Nouveau to the brink of the new millennium, Beck...
Read more

Vivienne Becker is an award-winning journalist, jewelry historian, and author of several books on the history of jewelry design. Based in London, she is a contributing editor to the Financial Times’s How To Spend It magazine and writes regularly for the Saturday Telegraph magazine and for newspapers and magazines around the world. She organized and wrote the catalog for the first major exhibition of the jewelry of René Lalique, and curated Jewels of Fantasy, a traveling exhibition of twentieth-century costume jewelry. She also lectures and broadcasts regularly on her subject.

This French concept embodies the art of knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. At Assouline, savoir-faire defines every creation: from the artistry of our covers to the meticulous detailing of our Ultimate Collection and the precision of every page. Each title is a journey of craftsmanship, from concept to creation, guided by our creative team and brought to life with the highest standards of design, photography, and production. Every book reflects the dedication, care, and expertise that turn an idea into a lasting work of art.

  • Handle with Clean, Dry Hands: Always use clean, dry hands when handling your book to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or liquids onto the pages and cover.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading or discoloration of the cover and pages, or melt or warp the binding, compromising the book's integrity.
  • Store in a Cool, Dry Place on a Low, Secure Shelf: Humidity and moisture can damage the paper and melt or warp the binding. Store books upright and closed on a flat surface, away from heat sources. Heavy books placed precariously on high shelves or surfaces may cause injury. Do not use as a storage surface.
  • Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to gently remove dust from the cover and page edges.
  • Use Caution When Opening: Do not force the spine flat, especially on new books, as this may damage the binding.
  • Keep Away from Liquids and Food: Avoid placing books near food or beverages to prevent spills and stains.
  • Keep Away from Children and Pets: Large books are heavy and unwieldy and may cause injury.
  • Keep Away from Sharp Objects: Sharp objects can damage the cover and pages.
If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact Customer Service as soon as possible. For damaged items, kindly email us your order number, a description of the issue, and photos of the damage.

If you wish to return your order for any other reason, we allow exchanges for merchandise credit within 14 days of delivery. We do not allow refunds and the customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping. Merchandise credit may only be redeemed in the region where the original order was placed.

Please note that items must be returned unused and unopened, in the same condition in which they were received, with all the original packaging. Books, candles, and diffusers must remain sealed in their original cellophane; games and objects must be returned in their original packaging. Exchanges and credit are applicable only at the original point of purchase.

Vespa helmets may be exchanged for a different size within 14 days of delivery, with complimentary shipping both ways.

The Ultimate Tower, The Allure Bookstand, XXL editions, headphones, and vintage or third-party objects are final sale and not eligible for return or exchange.

Please email us at customerservice@assouline.com with your order number to begin the return process for an online order. View our full return policy.

Accessorize your Library

Shop Now

The Ultimate Collection

The Impossible Collection of Jewelry

$1,200

Brings together the most remarkable pieces of the 20th century

— Harpers Bazaar India

In the details

Ultimate Collection curates culture from around the world and across the ages. Hand-bound using traditional techniques, with color plates hand-tipped on art-quality paper, each page of this limited-edition series bears the unique imprint of the artisan.

Show more

In the details

Each purchase comes with complimentary white handling gloves and our signature tote bag.

Page count

144 pages

Number of illustrations

100

Language

English

Released on

February 2013

Dimensions

W 15.51 x L 18.62 x D 2.83 in

Cover materials

Hand-Bound Limited Edition in a Linen Clamshell Case

ISBN

9781614280583

Weight

25.0 lb

Author

Vivienne Becker

Our commitment to sustainability

Assouline supports One Tree Planted in its commitment to a more sustainable world through reforestation. Since 2019, this partnership has contributed to global efforts to restore forests, with the long-term vision of creating a sustainable cycle by sourcing paper from the trees planted. Our dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond the books themselves—today, our titles are printed on paper selected with the environment in mind, supporting the shift toward more responsible materials. With the belief that beauty stands not just in how it looks, but in how it’s made.

Learn More
Ultimate Gift Wrapping

Assouline signature gift wrapping is available. When this option is selected, books are wrapped in a special white matte gift wrapping paper – sourced specifically by the Assouline family for an authentic approach and sealed with the brand’s signature red wax seal for the final touch of luxury.
World of Assouline

The Brightest Room in London

To celebrate the launch of A Diamond is Forever in collaboration with De Beers, CEO Al Cook hosted an intimate series of events at London's Maison Assouline.

 

Sofia Quintero 1 Minute Read
Lifestyle

Lori Hirshleifer’s Jewelry Philosophy: Feeling First, Rules Last

From Cartier to Chrome Hearts, the visionary behind one of fashion’s most forward boutiques brings style and spontaneity to her jewelry box. 

Caroline Tell 2 Minute Read

COMPLETE YOUR LIBRARY