Finding the best metalsmithing books suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. Boxes and Lockets: Metalsmithing Techniques (Jewellery)
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Boxes offer a wonderful format for metalsmiths and in this book, Tim McCreight introduces a variety of metalworking techniques for box construction, hinges and closing devices. Guided by detailed demonstrations this book will prove to be a useful guide for the beginner and the practising jeweller alike. The book is illustrated with the work of an international group of jewellers, showing what can be done when making boxes and lockets.2. New Stamped Metal Jewelry: Innovative Techniques for 23 Custom Jewelry Designs
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New Stamped Metal Jewelry Innovative Techniques for 23 Custom Jewelry DesignsDescription
Since the publication of Lisa Niven Kelly's first book on metal stamping, the craft has undergone a revolution, with more design stamps available than ever before. This hotly-anticipated followup, authored together with Taryn McCabe, gives you even more new ways to create personalized stamped jewelry. Inside you will learn fresh techniques such as mandala stamping, and find patterns for more than 20 projects: a trendy chevron necklace, chandelier earrings, garden-themed cuff, and more. Easy-to-follow, full color step-by-step photos accompany all basic techniques, as well as the jewelry projects, to guide your way.
Discover the unique looks you can achieve working with a variety of metals--silver, copper and brass--while advancing your metalsmithing skills. Whether you're new to metal stamping or your hammer is in need of fresh inspiration, New Stamped Metal Jewelry has the instruction and inspiration you're looking for.
3. Metalwork and Enamelling
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All those concerned with goldsmithing, silversmithing, rare metal objects, or metal scientific instruments, or their repair or restoration will be delighted to find this bible of their craft available again in a new edition. And those interested in such work as one of the most rewarding of all avocational arts can hardly find a better guide. For this is the professional's handbook the standard text on the subject.
The author, who, among his other achievements, was responsible for reconstruction work on the Sutton Hoo treasure in the British Museum (and was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his work), treats every aspect of the craft in detail, from basic tools to casting and enameling in separate sections. After discussing materials and tools, he provides a treatment of soldering in rare metals that is more extensive, more thorough, and richer in practical advice than can be found elsewhere. He continues into filigree work, the setting of stones, raising and shaping, spinning, repouss work, wire twisting, hinges and joints, inlaying and overlaying, niello, alloys and stratified fabrics, enameling (including cloisonn, plique--jour, champlev, bassetaille, encrusted and painted enamels), metal casting, construction, setting out, polishing and coloring, design, and assaying and hallmarking. Wherever possible, he analyzes examples of fine craftsmanship, ancient and modern, to illustrate practical aspects of the process he is explaining. Helpful hints are included on shop set-up and safety. The vastness of the author's experience in the actual work, with his authoritative knowledge of the entire field, ensures that readers of Metalwork and Enamelling are being advised and guided by a renowned expert.
Over 300 figures and photographs amplify the discussion of tools, materials, and construction. Tables and standards useful to the craftsman (melting points and weights of metals, for example) are included. Notes to the photographic plates describe the objects in detail magnificent examples of craftsmanship throughout the ages. Both complete and concise, this book belongs close to every rare metals workshop, laboratory, museum shop, and craft center.
4. Metalsmithing Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Cold Connections, Simple Soldering, Stone Setting, and More!
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Metalsmithing Made Easy A Practical Guide to Cold Connections Simple Soldering Stone Setting and MoreDescription
In her signature friendly, easy-to-follow style, Kate lays out a lesson plan of techniques to help readers gain familiarity with soldering tools and methods. In the chapter "The Field Guide to the Rotary Tool" you will learn how to quickly and efficiently, with a simple handheld tool and a few select bits, add professional-quality surface effects and finishing to your jewelry designs.
A practice sampler of metal tiles, to be worked on step by step, helps to hone skills in surface manipulation, stone setting, cold connections, and more. Once these skills are mastered in the sampler, you can undertake any (or all) of fifteen gorgeous projects included, such as a locket, bail with set stone, prong-set pendant, and much more.
5. The Complete Metalsmith: An Illustrated Handbook
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6. Complete Metalsmith: Professional Edition
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Used Book in Good ConditionDescription
The Complete Metalsmith became a classic soon after it was first published in 1982. A second edition (blue cover) raised the bar by adding 50 more pages and using a larger format. To mark the millenium, McCreight revised it again, this time doubling the number of pages, adding color and using an innovative concealed spiral binding. This information-packed technique source book is on every professional metalworker's must-have list. With over 2500 drawings, the Complete Metalsmith provide a wealth of information on materials, tools, shaping, surfaces, joining, color, finishing, casting, stonesetting, chains, findings and mechanisms. Also included is one of the largest collections of charts and tables for metalsmiths. Youll wonder how you got along without it!7. Wire + Metal: 30 Easy Metalsmithing Designs
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Easy-to-do techniques at the comfort of your kitchen table!
Authors Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson introduce simple wire- and metalworking techniques that have big impact. Working with precut metal blanks and thin gauge sheet, as well as with inexpensive and readily available tools, you can produce results similar to much more complex metalsmithing techniques.
Explore lashing, stitching, simple weaving, coils, spirals, twisted wire, and incorporating beads with wire. You'll be exposed to metal pieces being hole-punched, dapped, hammered, textured, colorized, and patinated. This book features thirty step-by-step projects that require only basic jewelry-making skills, but will result in stunning contemporary jewelry. Wire + Metal covers a wide range of styles that will appeal to beginner to advanced jewelry makers.
8. The Jewelry Repair Manual
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The Jewelry Repair ManualDescription
Written for the jeweler who wishes to expand his jewelry repair department, this profusely illustrated manual will help both novices and experienced crafters. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions for cleaning and repairing jewelry and setting stones, as well as complete descriptions of the tools and equipment needed, and their proper use and care.
Newcomers to the trade will find detailed explanations of such basic procedures as filing, soldering, buffing, and mounting presented in full detail. Readers will also find easy-to-follow discussions of developments in ultrasonics, steaming, electroplating, and other important techniques.
With this simply written guide, jewelers will be able to perform a wide range of repair jobs on premises, enabling them to offer customers faster, better service. This will not only increase repair volume but will help sales as well. For this updated edition, Mr. Hardy has added an extensive appendix reprinting questions and his answers to them from American Horologist and Jeweler, of which he was technical editor for sixteen years, along with discussions of various salient topics.
9. Layered Colored Pencil Jewelry: A Step-by-Step Exploration of Colored Pencil on Copper
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Join Mary Karg as she takes you back to Kindergarten with a brand new box of crayons (or, in this case, colored pencils). Fifteen jewelry making projects to guide you through the process of getting beautiful color on metal with increasingly more complex techniques. Bonus Tips & Tricks, Templates, and a Gallery of Inspiration included.10. Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing (Jewelry Crafts)
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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, Mr. 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 Tim McCreight's popular guide for novice metalworkers. As both a fresh presentation of fundamental techniques and a portfolio of the finest contemporary design, Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing is an instant classic in its own right.
11. Jewelry Lab: 52 Experiments, Investigations, and Explorations in Metal (Lab Series)
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Used Book in Good ConditionDescription
12. Metalsmithing for Jewelry Makers: Traditional and Contemporary Techniques for Inspirational Results
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Metalsmithing for Jewelry MakersDescription
Thanks to the popularity of workshops and classes, metal jewelry making is no longer the exclusive realm of professional jewelry designers. Now, with a little patience and the right instruction, anyone can learn to create beautiful metal jewelry with metalsmithing techniques.Metalsmithing for Jewelry Makers is the ultimate reference for anyone interested in creating metal jewelry. Using clear, step-by-step instructions, interviews from experts in the craft, and hundreds of photos showcasing contemporary work, the author provides one of the most comprehensive volumes on metal jewelry making available. Home crafters, students, serious amateurs, and professional jewelry designers alike will find:
This authoritative textbook is certain to become the go-to guide for those new to creating jewelry as well as those looking to make the move from amateur to professional jeweler. Includes a stunning array of 700 instructional and inspirational photos.