From Library Journal
The Complete Book of Jewelry Making is a beautifully illustrated guide to jewelry-making techniques. In content it is similar to Jinks McGrath's The Encyclopedia of Jewelry-Making Techniques (LJ 11/1/95) with the addition of a very useful chapter on the properties of metals (gold and silver) and seven step-by-step projects for contemporary jewelry. When the techniques have been mastered, it is time for Jewellery: Design Sourcebook, a gallery of photographs of jewelry as art featuring the creations of over 75 contemporary artists. From a practical standpoint most of these are unwearable, but this is a rather fascinating look at the art jewelry of today. Both of these books are for larger or specialized arts and crafts collections. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
When jewelry is no longer defined by the precious metals or stones used, the new meaning enables amateurs and professionals alike to stretch their imaginations. And so does this first book by a Barcelona teacher and practitioner. He concentrates on ensuring that readers have a good understanding of the basics, from the ABCs of metallurgy to such complicated techniques as enameling and lacquering. In fact, included are a few resurrected methods; for instance, niello, an easily accomplished form of enameling, is often seen in eastern European silver pieces but rarely in the U.S. Most of the examples are contemporary, taken from European designers, and all blessed with great color photographs--as is the grand finale, the step-by-step how-tos of seven different pieces, detailed with words and in pictures, though none are really intended for rank beginners. An introduction for buyers as well as for budding artisans. Barbara Jacobs
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Book Description
“Most of the examples are contemporary...and all blessed with great color photographs—as is the grand finale, the step-by-step how-tos of seven different pieces, detailed with words and in pictures...introduction for buyers as well as for budding artisans.”—Booklist. “A beautifully illustrated guide to jewelry-making techniques...a very useful chapter on the properties of metals.”—Library Journal.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Any craft as gorgeous as jewelry deserves a how-to manual that's just as handsome, and here it is--big, beautiful, filled with hundreds of color photos and a mine of information. After a brief discussion of basic metallurgy--alloying, smelting, annealing, and pickling--the book moves to essential jewelry-making techniques: cutting and piercing, soldering and other joinings, making closures and rings. Next comes a good long look at enhancing the surface: etching with acid, combining different metals, creating textures, and adding color. For the creative reader, there's information about related jewelry techniques: engraving, Japanese lacquering, enameling, gem setting, and modeling. Finally, there are seven complete projects with step-by-step instructions, including an engraved pendant, a very contemporary brooch, a gloriously textured gold bracelet, and a huge square ring to die for.
The lines are clean and the look is contemporary. Beginners will study it, seasoned jewelry makers will savor it, and jewelry lovers will browse through it for hours.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal