These contemporary pieces have been made with versatility and innovation and are a wonder to behold. Stone settings--an art that marries the world's most exquisite gems with finely honed metal designstake the spotlight.

We are living through the most productive and creative period of jewelry design in history,writes curator Alan Revere, a master goldsmith and an award-winning jewelry designer. The extraordinary work of the 39 master artists he has selected to appear in this juried collection certainly proves that point. These contemporary pieces have been made with versatility and innovation and are a wonder to behold. Stone settings--an art that marries the world's most exquisite gems with finely honed metal designstake the spotlight.

Learn about the artists' places within the context of their field in informative biographies,gain insight into their work through short commentaries written in their own words, and survey their most impressive pieces in stunning color photographs.

Bernd Munsteiner's lapidary virtuosity is supreme, as can be seen in Reflektierende Perspektiven. This ring features an outstanding aquamarine cut in the archetypical Munsteiner style. Its stratification and contour, in tandem with its color, suggest the power of a glacial fjord.Regarded by many to be the best colorist working in jewelry today, Paula Crevoshay often chooses to convey the spirit of the natural world.

Bernd Munsteiner

Michael Zobel

Christo Kiffer

Steven Kretchmer

Christoph Kriihenmann

Mark Schneider

Michael Bondanza

Paula Crevoshay

Thomas C. Dailing

Kathleen Dughi

Pat Flynn

Wilhelm Buchert

Jutta Munsteiner

Susan and Jeff Wise

Michael Sugarman

Kent Raible

Janis Kerman

Daphne Krinos

Todd Reed

Klaus Biirgel

Jean-Frangois Albert

Michael Boyd

Julia Behrends

Klaus Spies

JJ Buckar

Barbara Westwood

Zoltan David

Mark Loren

Jack Demirjian

Stephen Webster

Jeffrey Appling

Gregore Morin

Kim wric Lilot

Llyn L.Strelau

Cornelis Hollander

Bayot Heer

Tom Munsteiner

Thomas Herman

Susan Sadler