References for Rockhounds Jewelry Making

A ring today is much more than a band to house a finger. The examples in this book, the best of contemporary ring design, are miniature sculptures, compact platforms on which ring-makers display their art. Rough hewn or precisely cut and polished, meticulous or improvised, stark in their simplicity or extravagant in their complexity, the designs presented in 1000 Rings will astound and delight you with their originality and beauty.

Whether a plain circle or a fancy frill, rings have always made powerful statements. Symbolic of love and marriage, rites of passage, accomplishments, and even moods, rings express personal style. The rings included here make an old form new. Gracing the pages of 1000 Rings are examples of the finest contemporary ring designs, along with insightful commentary by top artists working in the field today.

The stylistic variety is enormous, ranging from traditional avant-garde, from starkly simple to richly complex. Some are constructed from conventional jewelry making materials while others use unorthodox components such as concrete, rusted nails, fishing line, buttons or beer cans. Many incorporate humor, surprise and movement as well.

No matter what form they take or which materials they use, the rings illustrated in 1000 Rings will appeal to anyone with an interest in jewelry or contemporary art.

500 Brooches showcases an outstanding collection of 500 contemporary brooches featuring the inventive design and technical virtuosity of artists from around the world. It features both traditional and avant-garde approaches to the art of jewelry making. Some pieces are formed from precious metals and gemstones while others are fabricated from found objects. Some are simple and practical while others are elaborate and eccentric. This diverse and beautifully presented collection will inspire jewelers, collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Brooches have adorned the clothing of men and women since they were first used to pin together cloaks and togas. Over time they evolved from merely functional objects to items of incredible beauty and distinction. The 500 brooches in this collection are the culmination of thousands of years of jewelry making. Some of the pieces reflect back to historical times, others push the boundaries of convention. All represent current trends in jewelry design as realized by many of the finest artists from around the world.

No matter what form they take or which materials they use, the brooches illustrated in 500 Brooches will appeal to anyone with an interest in jewelry or contemporary art.

When you're ready to learn extensive jewelry-making techniques and high-quality craftsmanship, The Art & Craft Of Making Jewelry provides a comprehensive resource that is exactly what you need. A wealth of information, detailed illustrations, and many handy "bench tips" on materials and methods will enable you to make individualized, one-of-a-kind pieces. In addition, the hundreds of color photographs of imaginative contemporary works are inspiring.

A variety of essential skills are covered in depth. Find out how to use dozens of tools. Learn the best way to solder precious metals, the proper posture for sawing and forging, and how to carve, chase and pierce different materials. Try more advanced techniques, such as enameling, granulation, stone setting, die forming, and simple casting.

Thirteen graceful and stylish projects allow you to put into practice what you're learning. The projects include Reversible Pendant, Chased Barrette, Pyramid Earrings, Bubble Brooch, Roller Printed Ring, Reticulated Earrings, Appliquéd Orb Bracelet, Filigree Pendant, Arched Earrings with Solder Inlay, Marriage of Metal Bracelet, Orange Sapphire Ring, Cuttle-fish-Cast Tie Tack, and Silver Brooch with Spiral Pin Stem. Create the designs as shown or use them as a springboard for your own. Use basic metalworking techniques to make the Chased Barrette, a nickel silver hair accessory that is both attractive and functional. Chic, modern Pyramid Earrings of sterling silver introduce you to hollow form construction and soldering clean seams. Progress to a sophisticated tie tack, made by cuttlefish casting 18-karat gold and setting a stone on the textured surface, or the Orange Sapphire Ring, where three faceted, flush-set sapphires come together to form a simple yet exquisitely beautiful design.

The contents are organized into 9 major chapters. Metals & Their Properties covers Precious Metals, Base Metals, Ferrous Metals, Purchasing Metals and Work Hardening and Annealing. Tools & Equipment covers Support Surfaces, Cutting Tools, Hammers, Forming Tools, The Flexible Shaft & Its Attachments, Small Hand Tools, Soldering Tools & Materials, Tool Kits, Safety Equipment, Making Chasing Tools, and Variations: Decorative Chasing Tools. Metalworking Basics covers Cold Techniques, Cold Connections, Hot Techniques and Finishing.

Forming Metal covers Bending & Shaping, Forging, Dapping, Die Forming, Scoring & Bending, Repoussé, and Cuttlefish Casting. Texturing Metal covers Roller Printing, Reticulation, and Etching. Layering Metals covers Appliqué, Granulation, Filigree, and Kum Boo.Mixing Metals covers Marriage of Metal, Mokume Gane and Solder Inlay. Adding Color covers Torch-Fired Enameling, Resin Inlay, Flush Stone Setting, and Bezel Stone Setting. Mechanisms covers Findings, Chains, Clasps & Closures, Hinges, and Stringing.

Appendices cover Metal Clay, Templates, Contributing Artists, Acknowledgements, About the Author and Index. The Art & Craft Of Making Jewelry provides a comprehensive, significant guide that will educate, challenge, and delight any reader with a passion for creating their own wearable art.

The Art of Engraving brings to the reader - for the first time ever - a complete, authoritative, imaginative and detailed introduct5ion to and training in the art of gun engraving. It is a supremely unique book, for not only does it sweep aside the mystery which has surrounded engraving throughout the centuries, but it factually, simply and in laymen's terms tells you how to engrave. Unlike so many so called "instruction manuals", the The Art of Engraving does not assume you know anything about engraving. You start at the beginning by learning how to draw scrolls and layouts, the cut practice plates until you are sure enough of your ability to actually proceed in designing a pattern, transferring it to a gun and cutting it into the steel. Whether you want to learn to engrave now... think you might like to in the future... or simply with to broaden you knowledge of the art to be able to better judge the work of others (as you will learn to tell the good from the bad - and know why), this is the book for you. Hundreds of examples of master engraver's work to show specific styles, handling of designs, use of different techniques and the effect they achieve. Over 1378 photos, drawings, designs, illustrations and layouts. Thoroughly cross-referenced index with over 600 entries makes locating a specific tool, design, or technique fast and easy. Includes a comprehensive listing of important and useful reference books of design, engraving and metal work. Hard cover, 8.5" x 11", 196 pages.

The Art of Jewelry Making leads the reader through crafting an assortment of designer jewelry ranging from bold and modern to elegant to cool and funky. Projects from 25 contemporary designers and how-to are presented and illustrated with color photographs and drawings. An introductory section lays out the most important hand tools used for holding, measuring, cutting, forming heating and drawing. Essential techniques like engraving, forging, soldering and enameling are described and covered. Soft cover, 8.5" x 10", 144 pages.

Many people regard making jewelry as being too complex and time consuming. Basic Jewelry Making Techniques shows how, once the basic techniques are mastered, even the most apparently complicated pieces can be easily made at home.

Author Jinks McGrath covers every aspect you need to know to get started: the essential tools to buy, larger equipment that can be bought as you skills develop, and some suggestions for workshop designs, including what to do if you have a minimal amount of space available.

In addition to presenting a comprehensive primer on smithing and metal work, the author encourages you to be inventive by using such diverse materials as wood, acrylics, papier mâchaé, and glass. Among the basic jewelry making skills explained and illustrated are soldering, using wire, texturing, setting stones, enameling, casting, engraving, forging, working with gold and more. All the techniques needed to produce highly original pieces are explained with the aid of precise notes and instructive illustrations. Practice your newly acquired skills on project pieces that have been specially created and which incorporate all the general principles of technique and design. Each project is flexible enough to be modified to suit your own interpretation of the design.

The book is organized into four major sections: (1) Planning Your Workshop, (2) Designing Your Own Projects, (3) Basic Techniques, and (4) Advanced Techniques. All the technical information you need is at your fingertips in a variety of tables which give useful conversion formulas and temperatures. Basic Jewelry Making Techniques has everything you need to know whether you just want to dabble or make it your full time career.

Chains by Becky is illustrated, edited and published by Helen Goga and Alan Gooding, the ample talent behind Wire Artist Jeweler magazine. This how-to book is outstanding in its genre, presenting 20 chain making projects suitable for novice to advanced chain makers with completely illustrated step-by-step instructions. Several sections provide basic chain making information regarding the modest tools required and their various applications, as well as detailing several techniques for skillfully and efficiently making your own jump rings, the cornerstone of the chain maker's art.

Lavishly illustrated step-by-step projects include: Byzantine Chain, Celtic Visions Variations, Contessa Chain, DNA Chain, Double Lace Chain, Double-Infinity Bracelet, Enigma Chain, Flat Queen's Link Chain, Flip-Flop Chain, Foxtail Bracelet, Graduated Byzantine Chain, Half-Persian 3-in-1 Chain, Jazzi-Chain Bracelet, Lacey-Chain Necklace, Little Princess Bracelet, Paradigm Bracelet, Queen's Link, Rosette Link Necklace, Scary Weave Bracelet, Serendipity Chain, and Simplicity Chain.

In addition to the how-to specific to making each of the presented projects, numerous helpful hints regarding various chain-making techniques in general fill out Chains by Becky as a must-have reference in any chain maker's personal library.

Chain Mail Jewelry shows you how to make dazzling, distinctive jewelry by interlocking anodized aluminum, gold, or silver rings. Once employed to create protective garments, chain mail techniques and patterns have now been adapted for jewelry making by innovative artists. Making chain mail jewelry requires very few tools, yet you'll be able to achieve impressive results. From an inlaid Chain Mail Pendant to a Japanese Hexagonal Mail Collar, the 29 extraordinary fully illustrated, step-by-step projects presented in this book will introduce you to a variety of exciting techniques for all skill levels.

If you have two pairs of flat or chain nose pliers, you're almost ready to start. Chain Mail Jewelry gives you a handsome selection of projects that can be constructed using just pliers while you sit at your dining room table or even while you watch television. Chain Mail Jewelry is project-centric and organized into four major sections. The first section, Chain Mail Basics, covers What is Chain Mail?, Tools, Materials, Finishing Touches, and Making Chain Mail. The three project sections organize the 29 jewelry projects by skill level.

Beginning Projects presents Titanium Duet Necklace and Bracelet, Hana-Gusari Anklet, Japanese Cascade Earrings with Pearls, Double Triangle Earrings, Gold and Amethyst Parure, King's Mail Bracelet, Golden Lariat, Möbiused Rosettes Bracelet, Natasha Necklace, Inlaid Chain Mail Pendant, Spiraling Chain, and Red and Black Cuff.

Intermediate Projects presents Byzantine Parure, Crochet Mandala Pendant & Earrings, Free-Form Flat Mail, Hana-Gusari Bangle, Japanese 4-1 Chain Mail Bracelet, Lace Mail Cocktail Collar with Pearls, Flexible Chain Mail Watchband, and Japanese 6-1 Chain Mail Bracelet.

Advanced Projects presents Japanese Lace Collar, Braided Bracelet, Chandelier Earrings, Coif Cage Amethyst, Diamond Chain Mail Earrings, Double Strand Japanese Cube Necklace, Rain Earrings, Japanese Hexagonal Mail Collar, and Tasseled Snake Lariat.

Also included is a photographic artist's gallery providing further ideas and inspiration, a bibliography of contributing designers, a wire gauge chart, and index. Chain Mail Jewelry belongs in the personal library of any jewelry maker and will be especially appreciated for its beautiful projects and excellently executed step-by-step diagrams and easy to follow illustrations.

Cheap Thrills in the Tool Shop is a profusely illustrated text presenting a loose, eclectic collection of short cuts, tricks and alternative equipment options for smiths. It represents a compilation of what are usually termed 'bench tricks' but might be properly termed "vernacular western goldsmithing tools and techniques". Most of what is described are tools that arise from practice, methods that are distilled from innumerable anonymous goldsmiths and metalworkers. A chapter on shop machines covers the anvil, buffing machine, casting machine, drill press, flexible shaft, hydraulic press, pickle pot, rolling mill, rotary tumbler, rubber mold vulcanizer, vacuum casting and investing machine, vacuum cleaner, and wax injector. A chapter on miscellaneous small tools covers bezel and bracelet mandrels, chasing tools, copper scoop, dapping tools, engraver's ball, files, flexible shaft tools, hammers, jump rings, pliers, pocket knife, raising compass, ring clamp, scrapers, stakes, swages, and wax tools. A chapter on procedures and associated tools includes drawing wire, mold making, polishing and finishing tools, burnishers, scoring and bending, soldering and soldering tools, stonesetting and its tools, and tubing cutting. Includes an appendix of supplier addresses. Soft Cover, 8.5" x 11", 80 pages.

Work with glittering gold and sparkling silver to make the kind of exquisite, contemporary jewelry you dream of owning. In the Complete Book of Jewelry Making you'll find key techniques that will open up endless creative possibilities for you. Learn the secrets of cutting and piercing, forging with different hammers to affect shape, size and texture; and joining metal and other decorative materials. Beautifully enhance surfaces, from embossing designs to producing a spectacular mirrored finish. Try related jewelry techniques, such as enameling, which lets you color metal in a wide variety of hues. Then practice your new skills on seven projects, including an elegant gold pendant with a handsome chain.

The Introduction covers the Origins of Human Ornamentation and Contemporary Jewelry. The Metallurgy chapter covers The Properties of Metals, Alloys, Melting, Annealing and Pickling, and The Care and Recovery of Metal. The Basic Techniques chapter covers Preparing Basic Shapes, Filing and Sanding, Piercing, Soldering, Other Types of Joins, Making Domes and Cylinders, Forging, Hinges and Hinge Structure, Closures, and Jump Rings. The Surfaces chapter covers Acid Etching, Combining Metals, Granulation, Creating Textures, Metal Finishes, and Patination. The Related Techniques chapter covers Chasing and Repoussé, Urushi (Japanese Lacquer), Enameling, Stone Setting, and Wax Model Carving and Lost Wax Casting.

The Step By Step projects chapter shows you how to make a Repoussé Pendant, Brooch, Articulated Bracelet with Clasp, Gold Pendant with Chain, Multiple Loop-in-Loop Chain, Hollow-Construction Ring, and a Crocheted Chain.

The Creative Jeweler presents comprehensive techniques and advice for working with a wide variety of jewelry making equipment and materials. Included are dozens of step-by-step projects for making decorative and stylish jewelry including broaches, pins, bangles, bracelets, chokers and earrings. This book is well illustrated with color photographs and complete with a comprehensive technique section. It offers advice on how to work with various metals, ceramics and plastics to produce professional results whether the aim is something elegant, fun, classic or modern. Soft cover, 9" x 9", 160 pages.

Handmade silver chains are actually miniature kinetic sculptures, created by joining together a series of links. Now you can learn how to make exquisite chains, as well as coordinating earrings, that will become the backbone of any jewelry collection. Complete with 20 sophisticated projects and a thorough introduction to basic chain making and silver working techniques, Creative Silver Chains will show you how to create striking jewelry that will never be seen anywhere else.

Contents include: Artful Chain Making, Materials, Studio Essentials, Technique, Design, and the Projects. Presented is detailed how-to for 20 project necklace and earring sets including the Circle Necklace and Earrings, Amoeba Necklace and Earrings, Geometric Necklace and Earrings, Spine Necklace and Earrings, Wiggle Necklace and Earrings, Bar Necklace and Earrings, Scallop Necklace and Earrings, Spiral Necklace and Earrings, Teardrop Necklace and Earrings, Tadpole Necklace and Earrings, Demi-Circle Necklace and Earrings, Baseball Necklace and Earrings, Oval Stack Necklace and Earrings, Joined Snakes Necklace and Earrings, Square Cross Necklace and Earrings, Paddle Necklace and Earrings, Square Scale Necklace and Earrings, Butterfly Necklace and Earrings, Layered Circles Necklace and Earrings, and the Bubble Necklace and Earrings. Appendices include a key to wire gauges and glossary.

If you are looking for chain and earring making ideas and how-to, you will appreciate Creative Silver Chains.

Custom Knifemaking spans the gap between pre-cut and art knives with step-by-step illustrated instructions for creating beautiful and unique knives. Learn how to make these projects, or designs of your own: kitchen paring knife, full-tang all-purpose knife, partial-tang carving knife, through-tang skinner, wilderness knife, forged camp knife, kitchen chopper, one-blade pocket knife, lockback folding knife, and Damascus steel dagger. Additional chapters cover tools, materials, knife design, sheath making, and forge set-up. Highly recommended for anyone with an interesting in making custom knives or simply learning more about the process and knife design. Soft cover, 7" x 9", 222 pages.

The Design and Creation of Jewelry is a standard reference for hundreds of thousands of craftspeople, professional jewelry designers and students of jewelry making. The author describes jewelry-making materials and tools, including directions for setting up and equipping the workshop, and such basic techniques as transferring designs to metal, cutting, stamping, soldering, pickling, coloring, polishing and applying fittings and findings. There is information on heat coloring, electrochemical polishing, burnout, vacuum-assisted casting, making rubber molds, and the techniques of marrying metals and thin-gauge lamination. Material on electroforming and reticulation is also included. Hundreds of photographs and descriptive drawings clarify techniques, illustrate new tools and specialized equipment for the workshop, and show the work of scores of artists working in repousse and chasing, annealing, casting, engraving, filigree, inlay and overlay, enameling, mellow, lamination and granulation. Soft cover, 7" x 9", 321 pages.

Design Language brings fresh insight to students and practicing designers by examining the words they use. This compact volume presents 100 keywords with background etymology and commentary. Whether the word is as familiar as "edge" or perhaps new to you like "synesthesia", you'll find yourself moving easily from one entry level to the next, intrigued by the rich layers of meaning you discover. Teachers of design will appreciate the brief, clear and inclusive presentation. The dynamic layout invites notation, making the book a starting point for personal vocabulary, both visual and literal. The stitched binding is tough enough for years of studio use, and the compact size will fit into a toolbox or pocket. Design Language understands that a book can't teach design. Instead, it helps people learn by using vocabulary to explore style, form and composition. Hard cover, 4" x 7", 188 pages.

Enamels Enameling Enamelists is a studio and classroom guide to the materials and process of enameling. Twenty-six techniques from basse-taille to underglazing are described and accompanied by excellent examples. Six step-by-step projects are provided to help the novice master a variety of basic enameling skills. Hard cover, 7.5" x 9.5", 177 pages.

From simple techniques for bending or knitting wire to elaborate creations of gold and diamonds, The Encyclopedia of Jewelry Making Techniques describes all the essential techniques to create your own handmade jewelry. This authoritative book provides an overview of the basic equipment and techniques needed to work with traditional materials including gold, copper and silver as well as plastic and acrylic. An A-Z visual directory details more than 40 crafting techniques, from annealing and bending to ring-making and wire drawing. Each method is explained and illustrated through step-by-step text and photographs, and highlights the equipment and materials needed, placement and design ideas, and choices of finishing. Hard cover, 9" x 9", 176 pages.

The 24 impressive-looking woven projects presented in Fabulous Woven Jewelry expand the creative boundaries of jewelry making. Basketry and beading techniques produce invitingly tactile patterns and visually striking effects, many that can't be achieved through traditional metalwork. These techniques show off the varied materials, from copper and silver to reed and ash to waxed linen and embroidery thread, that are an integral part of the jewelry.

Chapters include: 1 Materials and Supplies, 2 Tools and Equipment, 3 Plaiting, 4 Twining, 5 Looping, 6 Knotting, 7 Coiling, and 8 Gallery. The step-by-step illustrated projects include: Woven Copper Necklace, Quiver Shaped Necklace, Copper Book Necklace, Lidded Basket Necklace, Multicolored Pouch, Twined Pouch with Beaded Fringe, Tapered Pouch Stickpin, Twined Silver Pin with Beads, Twined Copper Bag Necklace, Figurative Pin, Twined Spokes Bracelet, Looped Pouch Necklace, Wild Cherry Necklace, Looped Wire Necklace, Looped Linen Necklace, Silver Fishbone Necklace, Driftwood Necklace, Vessel-Shaped Knotted Pin, Cone_Shaped Pouch Pin, Sundial Pin, Free-form Copper Necklace, Coiled Linen Earrings, Free-form Coiled Necklace, and Pine Needle Brooch.

Flameworking will show you how to manipulate hot glass to make beautiful flameworked shapes and objects that you'll assemble into larger sculptural and functional pieces. These techniques are the most accessible way to begin working with hot glass and are fully explained in this groundbreaking book. If you already have some experience, you'll find many new flameworking techniques with which to express your artistic vision. The detailed and easy to follow exercises, brought to life by sophisticated projects, will enable you to build a series of skills with each one you complete.

The Introduction present Glass Basics; Setting Up Your Studio; Healing "Devit," Creases, and Cracks; Color, Glorious Color!; and Glass Rods and Tubing.

The Exercises cover: 1 Making Gathers, Experimenting with Gravity, and Fusing Rods; 2 Making a Leaf and Variations; 3 Embellishing Leaves; 4 Making Marias and Transitional Shapes; 5 Casing a Clear Rod with Color; 6 Making a Heart Shape; 7 Making a Fish Shape with Frit Color; 8 Making a Flower; 9 Making Icicles with Stripes; 10 Working with Tubing; and 11 Making a Candleholder.

The Projects include: 1 Versatile Plant Stakes; 2 Flowers with Leaves and Stems; 3 Colorful Suncatcher; 4 Kinetic Leaf Mobile; 5 Candlestick with Transitional Shapes; 6 Decorative Glass Candies; 7 Beads as Glass Sculpture; 8 Tall Candlestick with Fish Motif; 9 Heart Wall Sculpture; 10 Flower Candleholder; and 11 Fish Sculpture.

An 18-page gallery of flameworked glass pieces by contemporary artists provides inspiration and an appreciation for the versatility of glass as an artistic medium. If you want to learn to flamework glass or are interested in the tools and techniques involved in flameworking, you will appreciate this book.

The flexshaft tool is probably used more often than any other available to the practicing craftsman. This machine and its numerous burrs, saws and other accessories free the jewelry maker from often laborious tasks and gives him the chance to preform numerous operations. The Flexible Shaft Machine - Jewelry Techniques covers and presents information about Machines and Handpieces, Ring sizer and drill press, Wax turning lathe, Stone-cutting unit, Table saw, Burrs, Details of burr use, Finishing a cast ring, Sculpting a Ring with a cabochon, Creating a ring set with brilliants, Setting a brilliant stone in a bezel, Setting square stones, Constructing large prongs, Carving prongs, Prong sets and pearls, Stone ring with metal inlay, Cabochon-cutting, Metal inlay in carved stone, Plastics, Carving Wood, Turning tubes and wax on a lathe, Ivory-carving and inlaying, Chasing and engraving, Drilling, Riveting, Titanium, and Surface Textures. Included is list of suppliers and a gallery of flexible shaft machine work by contemporary artists. Soft cover, 11" x 8.5", 47 pages.

Order This Book
Gem Cutters Handbook
Channel Jewelry - A New Approach
Gems and Minerals reprint

This reprint from Gems and Minerals magazine presents an illustrated, step-by-step tutorial on making channel inlay settings with silver. Channel work has is often thought to be quite tedious because of the large number of soldered joints required. This pamphlet details a technique for eliminating much of the tedium associated with prior methods of doing the fabrication for channel settings. Part 1 covers working the wire and Part 2 covers the final silverwork and stone cutting. If you've been wanting to try channel inlay but are without a clue as to how to go about fabricating channel settings, this pamphlet is for you. Soft cover, 5.5" x 8.5", 12 pages.

Gold and Silver Surface Applications Under Enamels presents information on Fusion Bonding Using Temperature Differentials for Control, Fusion Overlay, Incised Fusion Overlay, Etched Relief, Keum-boo, Depletion Guilding, Gold Applications Tool and Equipment List, and a bibliography. Soft cover, 8.5" x 11", 19 pages.

Order This Book
Goldsmithing and Silver Work
Jewelry, Vessels & Ornaments
by Carles Codina
Hard cover, 12" x 9", 160 pages, copyright 2003
Sample page
Sample project
Sample project

Goldsmithing and Silver Work takes your work and skills to the next level as you use time-honored techniques in new and exciting ways. Hundreds of color photographs illustrate both the methods you'll use and a rich variety of beautiful pieces created by talented artists. You will find new and creative possibilities as you go beyond the traditional boundaries of jewelry making. This authoritative resource will show you inventive, advanced techniques, as well as help you conceptualize and create different pieces including vessels and ornaments.

Learn the skills that are essential for the creative jeweler who strives to become more proficient in this beautiful, varied craft, from construction and soldering to casting and working with platinum. Here, you'll also become familiar with several techniques that deserve special attention, like Kum Boo, which uses both gold and silver.

Cast and stamp metals using new products and tools, or try your hand at some primitive techniques. Ashanti casting, for instance, is an ancient lost wax method from Ghana that's still used today. A fanciful brooch is provided as an example.

To identify stones professionally, precise instruments are required, but you'll find out how to recognize them on your own without any complicated tools. You'll learn that a glance in a simple 10x loupe can help you recognize the characteristics that are important in evaluating gems. What's more, you'll study the work of one of the most renowned gemcutters in the world, Bernd Munsteiner.

Take an inside look at the jewelry business from the viewpoint of four professionals with different objectives, but with a clear, creative focus in common. There's also some vital advice that's often neglected by many goldsmiths on creating an image and marketing your own work. Hone your skills on a collection of original, complex projects, from a sleek silver coffee service to lovely square rings, a stunning, traditional Berber bracelet, and a brooch with detailed, decorative design.

Gold Surface Applications: A Technology Review discusses fusion applications (gold "painting"), doublee, Keum-boo, depletion gilding, inlay and overlay procedures, and fire guilding. Soft cover, 8.5" x 11", 32 pages.

Imagine creating beautiful jewelry using only wire, jump rings and a few basic tools. It's true! Both beginners and experienced jewelry makers will appreciate the ingenious yet simple techniques used to braid, twist and knit silver, copper and brass wire into stunning bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more. These techniques, first used by the Vikings, allow even novices to make great looking jewelry, without using solder or expensive equipment.

Great Wire Jewelry features more than 70 projects, each fully illustrated with color photographs and step-by-step diagrams. Each project is rated by difficulty; some of the designs are easy enough for children to do. In addition, once you have learned the basic techniques, you can start creating your own designs.

So get ready to be impressed by what you can make, whether you start with a knit ring with silver end beads... twisted earrings... a copper and silver braided bangle... or a brass double flower chain necklace. There are patterns and styles certain to appeal to everyone!

Great Wire Jewelry is organized into two major parts. The first part presents knitted, twisted, and braided wire jewelry. The second part presents jewelry made from jump rings. Sections include Materials, Oxidizing and Polishing; Viking Knitting; Getting Started with Viking Knit, Braids, Knit on 3 Nails; Crown Sinnet Braiding; Cross-Linked Chain; 3-in-3 Chain; Single Flower Chain; Double Flower Chain; Flat Chain Mail; Round Chain Mail; Open Round Chain Mail; Queen's Chain; Criss-Cross Chain; Rope Chain; Double Rope Chain; Cross Chain; Jens Pind's Linkage; Snake Chain; Foxtail; Byzantine Chain; Key to Inside Diameters and Tools; and Index of Techniques and Terms and A Note About Suppliers.

Hinges and Hinge-Based Catches for Jewelers and Goldsmiths is a profusely illustrated text dealing with hinge making, its considerations and tricks. Hinges and hinge-based mechanisms are incredibly important mechanical devices that are vital to linkage systems, jewelry making and metalsmithing in general. This book discusses these mechanisms and offers a reference to those time when you need to deal with a hinge-related problem you have not had to deal with before, or when you need to review information before starting a project. Chapters include Principles of Soldering and Construction, Making Tubing, Hinge Considerations, Making a Basic Hinge, Basic Knuckle Options, Hinge Pins, Further Hinge Types, Hinge-Based Catch Systems, Making a Locking Rail Catch, Tension-Based Catches for Hinged Bracelets, Even More Hinge Types, and Alternative Hinges. Soft Cover, 8.5" x 11", 112 pages.

Design is the element that adds something special to jewelry creation. Perhaps you have cut a beautiful gemstone and would like to set in a mounting this is more than the conventional bezel or prong setting. What can be done to give the mounting that special, individual look? How do you work a leaf or flower motif into the design? What about geometric patterns, attractive animal shapes, the modern massive look?

The answers to these questions, plus a lot more helpful information will be found in How To Design Jewelry. In addition to having had many articles published on jewelry making, the authors have taught the subject, with design being part of their courses. Now they have compiles these instructions, including projects that will show you how through doing. In addition, you'll find a wide variety of designs that may be used as it or modified to fashion jewelry with that professional, artistic appearance.

Contents include: Introduction, Bird Motifs, Design Ideas for Casting Models, Geometrics, Monograms, Floral Designs, Embellishment, Strings and Doodles, Movement, More about Movement, and Design and Repair. Illustrated with full color photo pages and black and white drawings.

Have you been wanting to get into the fascinating craft of jewelry making, but felt it was too complicated? Many craftsmen enjoy creating with metal sheet, wire and solder; or working with casting equipment. However there are those who would prefer a simpler approach requiring a minimum of equipment, tools, and supplies. If you are one of the latter, working with square, gold-filled wire may be the answer.

Many intricate designs are possible, but with How To Make Wire Jewelry the technique is easily learned. Better yet, only a small assortment of simple, inexpensive tools is required. You can actually do this work in the living room while watching television! Making jewelry with square wire is a relaxing, absorbing pastime that anyone can enjoy. Follow it as a hobby, make gifts or even go into a part-time business. You'll find that the possibilities are practically unlimited.

Contents include: Getting Started; Let's Make a Pin; Pendants, Chains and Necklaces; Rings; Bracelets, Earrings and "Recipes".

In just about every home there is at least one favorite piece of jewelry that can't be worn because it has a broken part. The catch for a pin may be snapped off, or a link in a chain has separated.

Instead of being banished to a bureau drawer, these jewelry pieces can often be restored and enjoyed again. If you are already enjoying the craft of jewelry making, you are in a position to learn repair work. There are some special techniques (soldering, for instance) involved in repairing, which are covered in detail in this book.

By following these techniques, you will be able to restore broken chains, replace missing parts, and perform many other repair jobs. Once again, you, your family and friends can enjoy those jewelry items that have special meaning. And if you want some extra income, jewelry repair can be quite lucrative.

Contents of How To Repair Jewelry include: 1 Getting Started: Materials, Notes on Supplies, Accessories and Their Uses, Anti-Oxidizer, Flux, Pickling Solution, Oxidizing Compounds, Cleaning Solution, Rouges and Buffs, Testing Precious Metals, Tools Required for Jewelry Repair, Tools, Accessories and Supplies, Special Tools, How to Form Beads, and Adding a Gemstone to a Flat Mounting; 2 Ring Sizing; 3 Chains and Jump Rings; 4 Pins and Brooches; 5 Stone Settings; 6 Indian Jewelry; 7 Bracelets Indian and Other; and Remodeling Jewelry.

This best-selling favorite combines former editions Volumes I and II (now out of print) into a full-color presentation of traditional silversmithing techniques in the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni styles. The lavish project and how-to pictures in Indian Jewelry Making illustrate step-by-step details for smithing hundreds of variations on buttons, chains, beads, rings, bracelets, conchas, earrings, hatbands, watchbands, necklaces, boxes, hair ornaments, bola ties, collar corners, pins, pendants, bow guards, canteens, headstalls, tweezers, miniature silver pottery, thimbles, whistles, lighter cases, bells, pistol grips, buckles, kachina figures, goblets and more!

Tool use and smithing techniques including sawing, drawing, rolling, forming, filing, stamping, dapping, soldering, pickling, casting, overlay, polishing and more are all presented in easy to understand pictures illustrating these fundamental processes and techniques. Stone mounting procedures covered include step-by-step for fabricating bezel mounts, petit point and various styles of inlay work. Silver chain and bead making techniques are included. Several traditional silver casting techniques are illustrated including cuttlebone casting, sand casting, and tufa stone casting, with many pieces cast using these methods shown. Even plans for a do-it-yourself jewelers workbench are included along with many helpful tips and ideas for setting up your own shop or workspace for doing jewelry making.

Even old hands at smithing with appreciate Indian Jewelry Making for the wealth of general design ideas provided as well as some of the more unusual and unique projects and artifacts presented. This book belongs in the personal library of any jewelry maker and is highly recommended for anyone interested in how traditional Southwest Indian jewelry is made or in learning more about silversmithing techniques in general.

Jeweler's Resource has become a standard reference in the jewelry industry. This revised and expanded edition includes a new section on diamond grading standards, enhanced ring size information, additional metal weight charts and formulae, and even more entries in the extensive glossary. It serves as the most complete jewelry bench reference available. Covered are gems and gemology, metals and solders, chemistry and formulas, measurement and calculation. Soft cover, 7.5" x 10.5", 134 pages.

Jewelry - Two Books In One features a radically new, easy-to-use format with die-cut pages that split the book into two separate halves, eliminating the tiresome task of switching back and forth between the general techniques sections and instruction for a specific project. Just open the top half to the design you want to work, and the lower half to the techniques you need to do it, as you need to know them. There's no wasted space, so there's lots more room for extra projects and loads of techniques, ideas and professional secrets.

Master every technique you need to create fabulous jewelry: Marking, Cutting and Sawing, Drilling, Filing, Emerying, Polishing, Annealing, Bending, Doming, Pickling, Soldering, Making Solid Balls, Making Ear Wires, Making Clasps, Drawing Down, Twisting Wire, Making Jump Rings, Mitering, Decorative Finishes, and Stone Setting - 20 techniques in all, each meticulously illustrated with step-by-step color photos.

Ready to make exquisite projects? Create rings, necklaces, earrings, brooches and bracelets using the fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for a Plain Band Ring, Russian Wedding Band, Ball Ring, Wax-carved Ring, Stone-set Ring, Twig Ring, Ornate Ring, Single-strand Necklace, Multi-strand Necklace, Bead-drop Choker, Filigree Necklace, Resin Heart Pendant, Gypsy Hoop Earrings, Pearl-drop Clusters, Stone-set Earrings, Filigree Earrings, Resin Flower Studs, Stone-set Brooch, Filigree Brooch, Flexible Chain Bracelet, A Symphony of Bangles, Stone-set Bracelet, and Twisted-wire Bangle - a total of 23 beautiful projects plus an additional photo gallery of the work of other jewelers to show how you can apply the techniques of jewelry making and provide ideas and inspiration for your own jewelry making.

Appendices additionally include tables of U.S., U.K. and European ring sizes, B&S and Birmingham metal gauges, Metals and Their Properties, Wax to Metal Weight Conversions, Comparative Weight of Metals, a Glossary and Index. You will appreciate this reference for its ease of use and its lavish photographs clearly illustrating the how-to of jewelry making techniques.

Nearly ten years in preparation and production, Jewelry Concepts and Technology is the definitive guide and handbook for jewelry makers on all levels of ability. It is also a unique reference source for those not directly active in the field but who wish an understanding of what lies behind the jewelry making mystique. All traditional as well as innovative contemporary techniques are thoroughly described, making this the most comprehensive book available on the subject. The more than 900 photographs in color and black and white illustrate work of all degrees of complexity and show the incredible range of concepts which jewelers in all times, including today, incorporate in their work. Historic and ethnic jewelry, as well as contemporary work done by approximately 300 jewelers from 26 countries, are grouped under particular technical processes. This arrangement dramatically illustrates the mutual bonds between today's creative jewelers and their colleagues: historic style oriented, and anonymous, tradition dominated ethnic jewelers. The detailed text is accompanied by 377 illustrations showing tools and processes used to carry out particular techniques. In addition, 30 step-by-step photo demonstrations show master jewelers working in raw materials to finished jewels, some of them revealing their methods for the first time. Supplemented by an extensive index, glossaries of jewelry forms and findings, and an international sources of supply list, Jewelry Concepts and Technology is indispensable for anyone interested in any aspect of jewelry making. Highly recommended. Hard cover, 9" x 11", 840 pages.

This comprehensive lavishly illustrated book offers all the information needed to create handmade jewelry and other metal objects. More than 65 metalworking techniques are clearly and concisely explained, supported by detailed, step-by-step photographs. Special features are detailed sections on anodizing aluminum, wire overlay-inlay, coloration of titanium, light weight thin-walled castings, twisted wire lamination and much more. Includes a comprehensive, detailed index of safety information which includes a guide to hazardous materials, their effects and appropriate precautions. More than 365 technical photographs and line illustrations. Hard cover, 9" x 10.5", 267 pages.

Making one's own jewelry can be a fascinating, rewarding hobby. There are jewelry makers and designers who start from scratch, forming and soldering various materials into exquisite pieces into which they set colorful gemstones. Some make molds and cast their jewelry. But what about the person who does not want to purchase a lot of equipment and get into the more technical aspects of the hobby? If you are in the latter group do not despair! For you there is a craft which is fun, easy, clean and low cost - jewelry assembly.

Jewelry Craft Made Easy shows you how to make beautiful, personalized gifts using a few inexpensive hand tools, adhesives, some of the great variety of jewelry parts and findings available to craftspeople, and some gemstomes.

This book is organized into sixteen parts including: 1 Introduction, 2 Gemstones, 3 Gemstones, 4 Gem Materials, 5 Mountings and Findings, 6 Findings, 7 Let's Make Some Jewelry, 8 Baroque Jewelry, 9 Baroque Jewelry, 10 Baroque Jewelry, 11 Rhinestone Jewelry, 12 Mounting Gemstones, 13 Mounting Gemstones, 14 Mounting Gemstones, 15 Mounting Gemstones, and 16 Mounting Gemstones. Also included is a list of supplementary source and jewelry making books.

Jewelry - Fundamentals of Metalsmithing offers the beginning and intermediate metalsmith clear and insightful instruction from a master teacher. It is lavishly illustrated, both with demonstration photos taken from the author's studio and with photographs of completed jewelry from a wealth of talented artists.

Author Tim McCreight presents a clear and generous overview of metalworking techniques. An artist, teacher, and author of six previous books about working metals, McCreight offers the metalsmith a perfect blend of insight, experience and enthusiasm.

In logical progression, Jewelry - Fundamentals of Metalsmithing examines the basic techniques of this ancient and accessible craft: fabricating, surface treatments, joining, finishing, stone setting, chain making, mechanisms and casting. It is illustrated throughout with clear demonstration photos, Tim McCreight's beautifully rendered drawings, and examples of exceptional contemporary jewelry.

This relaxed yet thorough introduction to the skills of metalworking is a fully revised, expanded and updated edition of the author's popular guide for novice metalworkers. As both a fresh presentation of fundamental techniques and a portfolio of the finest contemporary design, this book is an instant classic in its own right.

Chapters include: (1) Cutting & Bending, (2) Pattern, Texture & Contour, (3) Fusing and Soldering, (4) Cold Joining, (5) Finishing and Patinas, (6) Stone Setting, (7) Mechanisms & Chains, and (8) Casting. Twenty pages of appendices additionally include: What Do You Need to Know About Metal?, Health & Safety, Pouring an Ingot, Tool Making: Hardening & Tempering Steel, Tool List, Temperature Comparisons, Alloys, Weight Comparisons for Sheet & Wire, Relative Sizes & Weights, Glossary, Suppliers and Suggested Reading.

Anyone familiar with Tim McCreight's other works on smithing, casting and jewelry making will find Jewelry - Fundamentals of Metalsmithing a most welcome addition to their personal library.

Jewelry Maker's Handbook covers everything you need to know to get started making jewelry from basic tools to heating, soldering, and decorative techniques. Step-by-step techniques allow the reader to follow along and create projects in the book, then begin designing and fabricating original pieces.

Chapters include: 1 Jewelry Making is Fun, 2 The Work Area, 3 Tools and Equipment, 4 Equipment, Tools and Supplies, 5 Making a Pierced Pendant, 6 Introduction to Heating and Soldering Techniques, 7 Heating and Soldering, 8 Soldering, 9 Polishing and Coloring, 10 Stone Setting, 11 Stone Setting, 12 Stone Setting, 13 Chain Making, 14 Decorative Techniques, 15 Decorative Techniques, and 16 Design.

Jewelry Maker's Handbook is concise and well illustrated with numerous photographs and drawings. The jewelry making techniques presented are tried and proven and have withstood the test of time. This highly recommended book presents a great deal of valuable how-to information for a very modest price and belongs in the library of every smith and lapidary hobbyist.

Jewelry Making presents the most practical and contemporary methods of making handmade jewelry to both the beginner and advanced craftsman. The information and techniques have been gathered, tried and developed through many years of actual work as a craftsman in the jewelry industry. The text is illustrated with numerous photographs and illustrations. Soft cover, 7.5" x 10", 288 pages.

In order to teach jewelry making effectively, teacher and author Ed Soukup developed a system that is both simple and economical - the scroll wire method. With a minimum of low cost tools and some wire it is possible to create designs that, although simple are beautiful. It's all presented in Jewelry Making For Beginners. In addition to the wire and a few tools, all you need is a little time and patience. With these ingredients you can soon be turning out mountings with that professional look. In a jewelry store you would pay a pretty penny for these same designs. Once you've mastered the technique, the possibilities are practically unlimited.

Chapters include (1) Start With A Circle, (2) Forming Scrolls, (3) Scroll Wire Designs, (4) U-Shaped Scrolls, (5) Soldering Jewelry, (6) Making a Bezel Setting, (7) More Silver Designs, (8) Twisted Wire Designs, (9) Cleopatra's Love Beads, and (10) Indian Style Jewelry.

So, have fun. When you've learned the scroll wire method described in Jewelry Making For Beginners, you'll likely find yourself very popular, especially at Christmas, birthdays and other occasions where a gift of personally designed jewelry will be treasured.

Jewelry Making Manual is designed to provide a strong foundation in traditional jewelry techniques, but also provides the best coverage to date of recent developments in reactive metals and anodizing. Each process is clearly explained and illustrated through clear photographs, many in color. Careful illustrations make even complicated techniques easy to understand. Covered are elements of design, basic techniques such as cutting, drilling, filing, soldering, bending, hammering and finishing, special techniques for working with plastics, textiles, beads and pearls, mounting and setting stones, enameling, casting, engraving, carving, chasing, stamping, coloring metals, inlay, chain making, and more. Hard cover, 8" x 10", 174 pages.

Create 40 beautiful, one-of-a-kind beads in shimmering silver, copper, gold and other metals. Comprehensive and profusely illustrated, Making Metal Beads is an exceptional reference presenting many innovative design ideas and inventive techniques that will expand your jewelry-making skills.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the tools involved and how to use them correctly. Master the basics of metalsmithing that you'll need to create the projects, then learn how to finish and string your beads, making them into stunning jewelry.

Some projects will teach you how to embellish store-bought beads with eye-catching decorative elements or transform their surface in unusual ways. For example, hammering a pointed stamping tool around a bead will leave a slight impression, while using a torch to heat the surface will produce a fine reticulated texture in just seconds. Sawing patterns of fine lines around a bead's outer edge is another way to produce a unique effect.

Other projects involve creating a bead from scratch. Try cutting and capping commercial tubing and enhancing the pieces with patterned, twisted or beaded wire; weaving tiny baskets; and fusing wire into cylindrical grids. Use a hydraulic press to push sheet metal into a dimensional form with softly flowing organic shapes or geometric contours. Or wrap patterned, textured, or hammered sheet metal into a shape that looks similar to a crescent dinner roll.

To further inspire you, many talented artists have contributed color photographs of their own exceptional designs. Your varied and distinctive projects will look exceptional strung alone or mixed with gem or glass beads.

The how-to in Making Metal Beads is organized into 8 chapters. The Basics presents the fundamentals of Sawing, Filing, Sanding, Drilling, Piercing, Forming, Soldering, Finishing, and Stringing. Transforming Commercial Beads covers Stamping & Chasing Round Beads, Cutting & Dimpling Beads, Reticulating Beads, Soldering Wires to Beads, Soldering Balls to Beads and Soldering Sheet Metal to Beads. Making Cold-Connected Beads shows you how to make The Tube-Riveted Double-Dome Bead, The Notched Interlock Bead, The Notched Center Connector Bead and The Woven Bead. Making Beads From Tubing provides how-to for making The Basic Tube Bead, Embellishing Tube Beads with Cold Techniques, The Wire-Wrapped Tube Bead, and The Reshaped Tube Bead.

Making Soldered Double-Dome Beads illustrates techniques for making The Double-Dome Bead with Centered Holes, The Double-Dome Bead with Holes through the Rim and Embellishing Double-Dome Beads. Making Fused Beads shows you how to make The Round or Saucer-Shaped Fused Bead and The Tubular Fused Bead. Making Beads With The Hydraulic Press provides how-to for making The Matrix Die-Formed Bead and The Pressed Tube Bead. Making More Metal Beads presents The Square Bead, The Crescent Roll Bead and the Eight-Dome Bead.

Appendices include Templates & Charts, Acknowledgements, Index, Contributing Artists, About the Author, and Notes on Suppliers. Readers will appreciate Making Metal Beads for its lavish color photographs and the ideas and inspirations provided by many gallery pages illustrating metal beads designed and created by skilled smiths and bead making artists.

Create a wide array of chic jewelry - without having to solder or use a torch. Cold-connecting metal is a great way to learn jewelry making because the tools are inexpensive and readily available, and the techniques provide a solid base for all types of metal work. From earrings to necklaces to bracelets, these sophisticated designs will showcase your creativity. Artistic and playful, the projects show how to achieve beautiful, inventive results that you can use as a springboard for your own design. A Basics Section covers Materials, Tools, Techniques, Findings and Finishing. The Projects include Modular Necklace, Beaded Dangles, Carved Ring, Sewn Pendant and Beaded Chain, Swirl Ring, Pyramid Necklace, Geometric Bracelet, Nut-and-Bolt Brooch, Blooming Rivet Band, Etched Copper Earrings, Floating Pearl Ring, Polka-Dot Tube Earrings, Bangle Bracelet, Screen Earrings, Sunburst Post Earrings, Layered Cuff Bracelet, Ladder Choker, Cone-Top Rivet Ring, Pendant with Prong-Set Cabochon, Mandala Bracelet and Art Deco Brooch. Also included is a gallery of designs by contemporary artists. Hard cover, 10" x 9", 112 pages.

Sculpt it, cut it, shape it, roll it. Just about anything is possible when you're creating with the amazing medium of metal clay. Whether you're new to its wonders or are looking for new ideas and techniques, Metal Clay Jewelry has it all.

Metal clay artist and instructor Louise Duhamel starts with the basics of the medium, explaining the different forms of clay and teaching the basic techniques. Then the fun really begins! In twenty projects created by Louise and other talented clay artists, you'll learn more fabulous techniques including origami folding with paper clay, sculpting with paste clay, enameling, creating hollow forms and so much more. With step-by-step photography throughout, you won't miss a beat as you explore this amazing medium.

Metal Clay Jewelry is project-centric and organized into three major sections. The Magic of Metal Clay presents basic information on metal clay as a material and medium and includes Metal Clay, Tools and Materials, Clay Basics, Let's Play With Clay!, Finishing, and Beyond Metal Clay.

Making the Projects provides detailed how-to and step-by-step instructions and illustrations for creating 20 different projects including Nestled Pearl Ring, Creative Chaos Bead, Suspended Sea Glass Pendant, In the Light of the Moon Pendant, Shimmering Lantern Earrings, Golden Cranes Pendant, Truth Pendant, Madame Butterfly Pendant, Sea Treasures Bracelet, Fingertop Village Ring, Four Petal Pendant, Paper Basilica Brooch, Reaching for Peace Pendant, Moonstone Granulation Ring, Deco Diva Pendant, The Last Forest Spirit Brooch, Moon Baby Pendant, Victorian Splendor Pendant, Reflections Pendant and Aflutter in Color Pendant.

In addition, with variation projects and a gallery of stellar art by world-renowned artists, you'll get all the inspiration you'll need to start designing your own metal clay pieces. Appendices include Contributing Artists, Resources, and Index. Discover all the possibilities of metal clay today!

Metal Corrugation is guaranteed to infuse and inspire you with the playful creativity this process has to offer. Using a variety of tools and techniques you will rapidly be taken beyond any traditional utilitarian appearance seen with corrugated material that is part of our everyday life. Discover how you can get those waves (and more) into you metal work. Several years in research make this book a must for personal expression in metalsmithing and a necessity in your personal library. Profusely illustrated with color photographs. Hard cover or Soft cover, 9" x 11.5", 137 pages.

Patinas for Small Studios describes safer, easy patination methods for metals using easily obtainable and kitchen chemicals to produce blues, greens, browns, blacks, greys and reddish tones. Application methods and options for pattern and surface control are described, Soft Cover, 8.5" X 11", 34 pages.

Order This Book
Plating Guide
by Grobert USA

The purpose of the Grobert USA Plating Guide is to provide a description of some of the more common plating processes and to explain how these processes can be carried out using comparatively simple equipment. No knowledge of chemistry is required and it is assumed that prepared electroplating salts or solutions will be used. Covered are an Explanation of Electroplating, Pre-Plating Treatments, Surface Cleaning, Water Break Test, Electro-Cleaning, Electro Stripping, Copper Plating, Gold Plating, Nickel Plating, Silver Plating, Rhodium Plating, Masking and Throwing Power. Included is a catalog of Grobert USA plating equipment and supplies and specifications for Grobert plating salts and solutions. Soft cover, 8.5" x 11", 24 pages.

From accomplished author Tim McCreight comes another helpful tool for working craftsmen. Practical Joining combines his three decades of teaching with up to date research on the wide range of joining techniques available to artists working on metal on a small scale.

Traditional techniques like rivets and brazing (silver soldering) are described here, as are modern adhesives and laser welding. In every case, straightforward explanations and clear illustrations will help beginners and advanced workers in the practice of their craft.

Practical Joining is organized into three major sections. Cold Connections covers Tabs, Staples, Bezels, Threaded Connections, Rivets and Other Cold Connections. Hot Connections covers Soft Soldering, Brazing, Brazing Torches, Brazing Surfaces, Brazing Equipment, Soldering Investment, Miscellaneous Supplies, Clean up After Soldering, Welding, Welding Equipment, and Modern Welding. Adhesives covers Natural Glues, Casein Glue, Polymers, Polyvinyl Acetate, Hot Melt Glues, Epoxies, Cyanoacrylates (Super Glues) and Ultraviolet Curing Adhesives. Appendices include Equivalent Numbers (Gauges, Millimeters, Inches and Drill #), Temperature Conversions, Suppliers and an Index.

Order This Book
Pearl and Bead Stringing with Henrietta
by Henrietta Virchik

You can create genuine precious and semiprecious, high fashion jewelry for a fraction of their retail cost or simply learn to restring your own pearls and beads just like professionals do. Adapted from her successful craft series, Henrietta shows you step-by-step different techniques of knotting beads, including finger knotting. You'll learn the sources for materials and how to get started in your own business plus a whole lot more. A wealth of information for the beginner as well as the more advanced. Soft cover, 5.5" x 8.5", 78 pages.

This text and video lecture combination gives excellent lessons on how to set up a home or studio photo booth to take professional quality photographs and slides, costing less than $60 to set up (excluding camera and tripod). Building a drop shadow photo booth, films. lighting, miniature spotlighting, composition, drop shadow backgrounds and image creation are covered, PR techniques and sources shared. The ideas and techniques presented in this book and video can save hundreds of dollars in professional fees. Soft cover, 8.5" x 11", 90 pages. 80 minute VHS format video.

Techniques of Jewelry Illustration and Color Rendering brings the talents, expertise and individuality of outstanding jewelry designers into one volume. Presenting full instruction on jewelry illustration, with step-by-step guidelines and clear illustrations explaining each process, this volume is a valuable resource for designers, illustrators, marketing professionals and all students of design. Each design professional in this book takes a distinctive approach to rendering work, providing a splendid array of methods and styles of jewelry rendering from which to learn. By working on the projects presented the reader can assimilate the features in each method that meet individual requirements and style. This book will help expand the reader's knowledge of professional jewelry design. With these skills, jewelry illustrations can be presented with accuracy, beauty and eloquence in the rewarding and challenging world of jewelry rendering. Hard cover, 9" x 11", 152 pages.

The Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes is an indispensable reference for jewelers, designers, students, and anyone working with base and precious metals. This is a complete guide to the tools, materials and techniques for creating beautifully decorative finishes for jewelry.

Clear step-by-step photographs and instructions for key surface and decorative techniques enable you to achieve a wide range of spectacular effects. Discover how to apply gold foil, produce elaborate etchings and engravings, and create contrasting patterns with layered metals and inlays. Illustrated samples demonstrate all the possible variations, with practical advice on how to achieve each finish. Essential safety information is included. Inspirational showcases of work by professional jewelers demonstrate how the different methods can be used to create stunning finished pieces.

The Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes explains and demonstrates the effects and finishes produced by Stamping and Hammering; Rolling-Mill Texturing; Fusing; Polished, Matt and Satin finishes; Etching; Patination and Oxidization; Casting; Press Forming; Reticulation; Gold and Silver Foil; Granulation; Enameling; Engraving; Inlay; and Chasing and Repoussé. This book is a must-have for any jewelry maker's personal library.

In Textile Techniques In Metal, author Arline Fisch describes in detail the application of fiber techniques to precious and nonprecious metals. After tracing the technique back to ancient and diverse cultures, she describes the basic tools and materials required. Then, with step-by-step instructions and ample how-to photos, she explains how to work each fiber technique in metal wire or strip: weaving, knitting (including machine knitting), crochet, braiding, lacemaking, basketry and knotting. Each technique is illustrated with examples of handsome jewelry by accomplished designers.

Chapters include: 1 Introduction; 2 Historical Precedents; 3 Basic Materials, Tools and Processes; 4 Weaving; 5 Knitting; 6 Crochet; 7 Braiding; 8 Interlinking and its Variations, Sprang and Bobbin Lace; 9 Basketry; 10 Knots and Knotting; and 11 Contemporary Work, A Pictorial Survey. Appendices include: Recommended Tools and Equipment; Melting Points of Various Metals; Abbreviations; Comparative Sizing of Hooks and Needles (U.S. and U.K.); and Comparative Systems of Metal Measurement.

The final chapter consists of a color gallery of more than 50 stunning pieces created by talented designers, illustrating the full range of styles, techniques and metals. Whether you are a jewelry maker, a sculptor, a fiber artist, or simply an admirer of fine and innovative design, this is a book you'll want to browse through at leisure and then study in detail.

Order This Book
Working With Precious Metal Clay
50 Projects - 25 Tips - 10 Tools to Make by Tim McCreight
Hard cover, 11" x 9", 127 pages, copyright 2000
Sample project
Sample project
Sample project
Sample technique
Sample technique
Sample do-it-yourself tool

Part One of Working With Precious Metal Clay uses 50 projects to introduce the techniques and strategies of this amazing new material. In each case the sequential instructions and informative illustrations will lead you through the process from beginning to end. Along the way you'll learn how to cut, model, texture and assemble all sorts of objects, from simple earrings to complicated vessels. While you are welcome to copy these designs exactly, you might want to combine techniques from several projects to invent your own way of working. One of the great things about Precious Metal Clay is its incredible versatility.

Pendant projects include: Leaf with Pearl, Bouquet, Rubber Stamp Overlay, Medallion with Stone, Ceramic Shard in a Bezel, Shadow Box, and Cookie Cutter. Earring projects include: Textured Drop, Pie Wedge, Small Button, Stylized Bird, Lace Hoop, Christmas Tree, Carved Panel, and Split Hoop. Rings Projects include: Overlay, Found Texture, Ring with Gold Ornaments, Twice-Fired Ring, Ring with a Single Stone, Carved Geometric Ring, and Band Ring with Gemstones. Bead projects include: Leaf, Tube, Disk, Spiral Wrap, Raku Donut Bead, Bead with Polymer Clay, and Sphere with Ornaments. Other jewelry projects include: Thumbprint Tie Tac; Cuff Links from Buttons, Charms, Animal Cracker Barrette, Oval Barrette, Polymer Clay Bracelet, Hinged Bracelet, Enameled Quilt Pin, and Petroglyph Pin. Accessories and objects projects include: Cord Ends, Keychain or Money Clip, Simple Buttons, Theme Buttons, Small Spoon, Sugar Scoop, Beverage Stick, Thimble, Picture Frame, Tea Strainer, Box with Lid, and Miniature Teapot.

In addition to the projects, you will find 25 technical tips and techniques described in Part Two. These include: Designing for PMC, Working Surfaces, Rehydrating PMC, Using Slip, Extruding, Carving PMC, Making Holes, Smoothing Edges, Ring Sizing, Rigid Molds, Flexible Molds, Shrinkage, Setting Heatproof Gems, Setting Heat-Sensitive Gems, Firing Tips, Firing Supports, Matte Surfaces, Filing and Sawing, Blackening Silver, Polishing by Hand, Machine Polishing, Using Epoxy, Hanging Beads as Drops, Using Cords, and Assorted Bails. You'll want to visit this section periodically as your skills advance.

In Part Three you'll find customizable tools you can make for yourself including: Textured Rolling Pins, Rubber Stamps, Drill Bit Handles, Pierced Matrix, Polishing Sticks, Cookie Cutters, Wooden Tweezers, Extruder, and Tumbler. Appendices cover: Health and Safety, Melting Points, Relative Sizes, Resources, and Suppliers.

There are three kinds of cooks. One type follows a recipe exactly and one type never opens a cookbook. In between are the people who use a cookbook for guidance, staying close to the recipe when they are uncertain and adding their own flourishes as they gain experience and confidence. If that sounds like you, you'll appreciate this book.

Order This Book
Woven Wire Jewelry
Contemporary Designs and Creative Techniques
by Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey
Soft cover, 9" x 8.5", 136 pages, copyright 2004
Sample project
Sample project
Sample project
Sample how-to
Sample how-to

Woven Wire Jewelry introduces a new wire weaving technique for creating gorgeous projects including a woven bracelet, a domed cuff bracelet with soldered bead ends, a free-form bracelet, a woven neckpiece, and a pendant with a woven frame. More experienced craftspeople with savor the Precious Metal Clay embellishments, and a gallery of finished work will inspire your designs.

Woven Wire Jewelry is organized by nine major chapters: One: Safety, Two: Tools and Equipment, Three: Wire Weaving Techniques, Four: The Woven Bracelet, Five: A Domed Cuff Bracelet with Soldered End Beads, Six: Free-Form Bracelet, Seven: Woven Neckpiece, Eight: Pendant with Woven Frame, and Nine: Precious Metal Clay. A Photo Gallery of Woven Wire Jewelry provides additional ideas and illustrations of the wire weaver's art. An appendix of resources lists suppliers, web sites, and additional books and magazines for jewelry makers with an interest in wire weaving and wire craft.

Table of Contents

Bob Keller