Traité Des Pierres Précieuses et de la maniere des les employer en Parure. by [JEWELLERY]. POUGET, [Jean Henri Prosper] - 1762

1762. Paris: chez l'Auteur, Md. Joyaillier, Quay des Orfévres au Bouquet de Diamants et Chez Tilliard, Libraire. Quay des Augustins a St. Benoist, 1762. Small 4to. (266 x 208 mm). Volume of engraved plates only. Recently bound by Bernard Middleton in period-style marbled paper covered boards, printed paper label to the upper board and spine, t.e.g.; allegorical title-page after a design by J.B Piauger, a further 79 plates engraved by Mlle. Raimbau, showing numerous jewellery designs, including those for brooches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, buckles and sword handles; the engraved plates bright and clean. De-accessed from the National Art Library with the de-accession stamp on verso of engraved title-page. Also with small red ink accession stamp of National Art Library dated 12.3.83 on verso of title-page and on versos of most plates. First edition, complete collection of plates but without accompanying text. A study of precious stones by the Parisian jeweller Jean Pouget (died 1769), illustrated with 79 plates of designs for rings, pendants, brooches, royal and military orders, buckles, sword handles and other objects. Pouget was a leading Parisian jeweller during the Ancien Régime. During the French Restoration, Pouget et Fils would reappear. His famous book on rococo jewellery and precious gemstones, would become one of the best testimonies of 18th century jewellery.