The Complete Book of Jewelry Making: A Full-Color Introduction to the Jeweler's Art

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
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved