Jewelry

Best techniques of working with gold, platinum, copper, brass, steel, plaster, and more. "Surprisingly comprehensive."--The New York Times. "A gem of a handbook."--Whole Earth Catalog. "No metalsmith or jewelry maker is 'complete' without this easy-to-use resource." --Lapidary Journal.

The definitive reference for jewelry makers of all levels of ability--a complete, profusely illustrated guide to design, materials, and techniques, as well as a fascinating exploration of jewelry-making throughout history.

This guide blends more than 50 simple techniques with more sophisticated methods to enable readers to build on their skills at home or in a small workshop. In-depth sections cover: - Tools, equipment, materials and chemicals - Weighing, measuring and cutting various metals and stones - Cutting, forming, soldering, casting and stone-setting - Decoration and assembly - Finishes and surface decoration - Fittings and findings

All the basics are comprehensively covered--sawing, piercing, soldering metal--along with advanced skills such as granulation, enameling, stone setting, and simple casting.

The techniques of metal colouring, bronzing and patination are assuming a new importance in contemporary fine metalwork and design. The metals covered are bronze and yellow brass in cast form; copper, gilding metal, yellow brass and silver in sheet form; and silver-plate and copper-plate. The book is easy to use; all the recipes are classified according to the colour and surface finish they produce on each metal. A glossary of archaic chemical terms and their modem equivalents is included. An historical introduction outlines the various metalworking traditions with which the use of colouring techniques is associated.

A wide swath of techniques are covered in depth, including: keum, boo, plating, melted filings, mokume gane, and granulation; textures, finishes, and patinas; and microcasting, working with waxes, sand casting, cuttlebone casting, ceramic coating, and casting in a closed crucible.

With this lavish introduction to the centuries-old art of enameling, even beginners can effortlessly create imaginative designs. Popular techniques covered are: traditional cloisonné, champlevé, and plique-à-jour to experimental techniques such as firing enamel onto mesh forms. Even more creative possibilities await in the firing: use copper oxide to create cool color variations or try raku firing for unique effects.

Gemstone Settings is the most in-depth, technical guide to stone setting. Jewelry makers will enjoy an encyclopedic overview, which features an extensive summary of stone-setting and techniques for creating beautiful gemstone jewelry, from basic bezels and prongs to pave, carre, clusters, and numerous others--including cold joins, precious metal clay, settings for fragile stones, and settings that allow the stones to move.

Learn how to create unique, beaded works of art yourself in this complete guide of beading techniques. After introducing basic terms and tools, Jane Davis guides you through more than a dozen techniques, and you will complete samples to reinforce the skills learned. This complete guide of beading techniques includes: Brick and ladder stitch Loomwork Peyote stitch Crochet Knitting Tambourwork Tatting Wirework 30 beautiful step-by-step projects, such as: Jewelry Pinch purse Table settings Pincushion Christmas ornaments Business can holder Lampshade Boxes Perfect for beaders of all skill levels.