Complete Photo Guide to Making Metal Jewelry

I've been looking for a good instructional manual on how to make jewelry but they seem to be either too simple or way too technical, this book for me has filled that void. Simply put the instructions are clear and straight to the point. Each step is outlined and easy to follow. The book is divided in a logical progression from basic skills and ending with much more complex projects. Looking at the progression from simple skills to more complex skills, does not make the learning process intimidating, but fun and a great set of skills to obtain. This is not to mention that one will have some really great jewelry as well at the completion of the projects. The photos are a great help in showing each step of the process/project. And they highlight the subtle nuances to each technique. Another aspect that I really like about the book is that each project has a list of the tools and materials one will need to complete the project. The author eludes to a the fact that there are a lot more techniques that are not presented in this book I hope he is working on an advanced edition! I would recommend this book for anyone that wants to learn how to do something more than string beads or glue gems into pre-made settings.

I'm new to metal working and am enjoying this book. It is profusely illustrated with photos and very well written. I recommend it very enthusiastically to other neophytes; the author's explanations are clear and concise. It will be an excellent reference to keep at my bench for quick refreshing.

There is just a huge amount of large, clear and precise photos of any basic proces you can think of in making jewelry. This book is a must for any person beginning to make jewelry. in addition to a clear explanation you also get a superb recipe with all information necessary to begin your job. With safety instructions stressed and precise. You also get a lot of photos of beatiful jewelry so you can begin with this book and add all tools and material listed. Then it is up to you to name your shop.

I used to learn well from walls of text, but I've changed over the years, and this highly visual book is tailored exactly to my new learning style. It has all the fundamentals and tools required for those who work with nonferrous metals artistically. With this one book, one can go from never having touched decorative metal to making bejeweled brass rings and silver necklaces. It's definitely in a classroom textbook format, almost to a fault, being more something a teacher would use in an art class than the reference book so many refer to it as - hence the name "photo guide" and not reference. This is only a minor detraction, as the back half is very useful as continual reference once the front half is mastered. The only thing better than this book would be an apprenticeship under an actual whitesmith.

As a student metalsmith, I've been using this book for over a year. It's a great resource if you need detailed instructions on basics like drilling, filing, soldering, sweat soldering, and setting stones (faceted, cabochon, freeform . . . you name it.) It even has advice for using patina solutions that goes way beyond the usual "wear protection and follow manufacturer's instructions." The photos are numerous and large enough to be helpful. Seriously, I can't recommend it enough.

Excellent Value in an instruction manual. This book outlines in top quality pictures, and text many of the steps needed to make Quality Jewelry. It tells you what tools and materials you need for each operation. EASY TO FOLLOW!

The visual support for the ideas shared in this wonderful guide, allows for the reader/viewer to follow the instruction clearly in a multistep presentation. So often, a book will present an idea or concept clearly in text, yet the author does not allow for the beginning or intermediate reader to "see" what is often lost in translation. Pictures are clearly worth thousands of words in this book. It is visually uncomplicated, clear in presentation and a wonderful guide both as a reference and a page by page read. Highly recommended. Thank you John!

This is a wonderfully written comprehensive book. Anyone who makes metal jewelry will find something in it. Get it for your library of jewelry making books. Great photos, clear descriptions and fun to look through. I learned so much from it. I read it from page to page the first few days I got it.

Great book, lots of different techniques for forming, texturing, rolling and shaping metals. Some stone setting, practical ways to take measurements for rings, make pin fastenings, etc. Conversion and reference charts in the appendix. Different projects with good information on tools, safety precautions and metals. Very different to most jewellery making books I've come across. The Inspiration Gallery, of jewellery made by other American art jewellers, is just that - inspiring.

The best book I have seen out there. Excellent. I would buy as gift for someone else as well.

I loved this book . Great information and step by step guide photos . I can not wait to started the projects .

Excellent book. Covers the basics as well as more advanced techniques. Good photos. I have numerous metal jewelry books that I enjoy, including this one, so when I was deciding which one would be the most comprehensive but still easy enough for a beginner to follow to send to a family member starting out in metal jewelry, I ordered them this one.

Great book with big and detailed pictures and explanations. I wish I had this book before..