Book excerpt: As one of the oldest costume jewelry companies still in existence, Monet has, for almost 70 years, made jewelry that cannot be surpassed for its quality, craftsmanship, and audacious design. Monet: The Master Jewelers is a long overdue, in-depth look at this innovative and enduring company. Through comprehensive research, little known facts about Monet and its founders, Michael and Joseph Chernow, as well as the people behind it, are revealed for the first time. Misconceptions about the company's origins and its early years are finally corrected. This is also a visual celebration of the artistry of Monet jewelry throughout the decades. Delving well beyond basic gold necklaces and earrings, you will be overwhelmed by the diversified and unique styling of the many bracelets, charms, earrings, and necklaces Monet pioneered throughout their long history. The Monet experience is further explored through vintage magazine and newspaper advertisements, patents, rare company and family photos, as well as never-before-published memorabilia from the early Monocraft years. Collectors, dealers, designers, stylists, and anyone with an appreciation of costume jewelry and its history will find this book to be a valuable and must-have reference.