Jewellery Making: A Complete Course for Beginners Hardcover – 1 Oct. 2007

Whilst the "Search Inside" option gave some indication as to the quality of this book, I was blown away by the sheer depth of information and guidance.The book is split down into 34 units with 6 practical projects that cross reference with the techniques taught. The units take you through the complete process, from finding inspiration, evaluating & translating ideas through to transferring patterns, piercing, annealing, soldering, filing and many much more. Everything is laid out in an uncluttered fashion with lots of photos so you can be sure you are following correctly whilst the text is written at just the right level - neither patronizing or too advanced.I must confess I am only a beginner so cannot really comment on what it offers those slightly more advanced, however it does seem to have so much information that even once my confidence and skill grows I'll still be referring back to this.A beautiful, informative book that I would highly recommend to all would-be jewellery designers.

I am a complete novice to jewellery making and silver soldering in particular. I had a one day workshop with a local artist where we made a simple bangle. No stones just silver wire. It inspired me to want to do more so I looked around for courses but many were just too far or too involved (City & Guilds) etc. Then I saw this book and everyones rave reviews. I wanted something to take me step by step and as the reviewers said this was what it did I thought it was worth the investment. I have used it like a course; working through each exercise and making simple projects not always the ones in the book but employing the same techniques. I now feel more confident and happy to try new, more adventurous projects of my own design. If you are starting out buy it before you buy any kit. The advice in it is superb and I feel I will continue to use it for reference for a long time.

I found this a handy introduction to different aspects of jewellery making. Aimed at home-based hobbyist or small craft-based business so mainly deals with table-top processes and silver-smithing (logical, given that silver is relatively cheap and easy to use and thus accessible to small-scale activities). It is less a how-to book than an illustrated glossary i.e. it shows illustrations of a tool or process and names it. This guide to the vocab of jewellery making is very handy if you need to talk the talk when ordering supplies or selling work. My gripe about this aspect of the book is that the photos are very small - they do their job but being small I felt like I was peeping at things through a keyhole like a curious apprentice spying on the master to steal his secrets. Ahem. Not a book that teaches the skills it describes but then I am not sure any book or series of still photographs could do that but it does point you in the right direction. I'd supplement this book by watching many YouTube videos (now you know what technical terms to search for you can find the right videos for your needs) and maybe sign up for a course at a local college to get hands-on tutoring. Personally, I just make mala, rosaries, and similar prayer aids not fancy jewellery but I found plenty of hints about ways to improve my working process and I felt inspired to try my hand at acid-etching on copper sheets (to create art prints not jewellery) and thought the book worth every penny.

Although the book said used very good condition, I personally think it’s in excellent condition. Would definitely order from here again. Thank you!!

The photographs are very clear and each technique is well documented, however I would question how much of a "beginner" the reader would need to be in order to follow many of the complex instructions. That aside, the book is a wonderful addition to the shelves of any jewellery making fan.My only complaint is not about the book, but about the lack of packaging. When the book arrived here it was in pristine condition but for the top inch and a half of the spine, which was soggy and waterlogged, causing the book jacket to tear off with its single brown paper wrap. It has since been dried out and sellotaped into a respectable state, although the spine itself will always show signs of water damage. All of this would have been totally unnecessary if this beautiful book had been given the decency of a sheet of bubble wrap or a cushioned jiffy bag before being consigned to the postman.

Jewellery Making: A Complete Course for BeginnersWow! That was my reaction when I opened this book. It's visually stimulating as well as informative. My head is spinning with new creative ideas, ready to design. I'm curently attending a Jewellery Making Class at college & this book will greatly enhance my knowledge & techniques on the subject. It covers skills & techniques I've been taught & also many more that are new to me. This " little Gem" is great Value from Amazon, as it's being sold at a higher price in shops on the Highstreet.

very informative and great book for beginner. tells you absolutely everything you want and need to know. great pictures and close ups. the author is clearly a very experienced jeweller and teacher and putts points across succinctly. Couldn't be better!