Book Recommendations

I am so proud of this book which includes in-depth information and tips on working in silver and has ten simple projects to get you confident in soldering and stone setting. You can order a signed copy from me.

If you want to create AMAZING botanicals, you need this book. Nicole has developed her own techniques to create some of the most amazing botanical themed jewelry I have ever seen. You definitely want to add this one to your collection!

This book was written by a member of our community, Machi de Waard. It is a practical beginners' guide to making silver jewelry, with step-by-step projects guiding the reader through seven projects. The projects are designed to help the reader gain skills and techniques and eventually progress to making their own designs. I like that some of the projects are PERFECt for beginners to gain confidence in soldering!

This book does a fabulous job of covering a TON of topics ( annealing, pickling, soldering, cutting and filing, basic forming, cold connections, chain making, findings, casting, texturing, chasing and repousse, etching, reticulation, marriage of metals, precious metal clay, stone setting, filigree AND granulation.) Includes some great instructional images.. A really nice addition to a beginner's library! It will give you the information you need about all different kinds of techniques, what tools are required and some hints and tips! I know we all love tips ;)

This is a great reference for stone setting, with clear step-by-step photos covering everything from bezel and prong settings to ready-made mounts and more contemporary approaches. It also includes helpful information on tools, choosing stones, repairs, and lots of beautiful finished jewelry for inspiration.

This is a book I purchased in college back in 2005 and it still holds up. Tim McCreight has an excellent way of explaining techniques that make this book an excellent choice for beginners. It covers all the basics and includes a bunch of helpful charts and tables.

Soldering Made Simple takes all the mystery and fear out of soldering so that amateur jewelry makers — even those who have never held a torch — feel empowered and confident. Friendly and thorough instructional text and step-by-step photos help readers build skills gradually, which they can then employ with the included projects. Joe Silvera presents soldering techniques that use a simple setup, a handheld butane torch that is safe and easy to operate, and a few other supplies.

This book has been around for almost 20 years, and it really has a little bit of everything. It’s packed with beautiful photos and covers a huge range of jewelry-making techniques, tools, materials, and processes. It’s a great all-around reference, especially for someone newer to jewelry making.

This book is written by Master Goldsmith Alan Revere, you basically can't go wrong with one of his books. It includes tons of basic projects that I highly recommend doing if you are looking to improve your skills or if you are in need of some inspiration!

This book is written by Master Goldsmith Alan Revere and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning stonesetting. He incorporates gorgeous pictures and phenomenal instructions. There is also an index of tools you would need for various techniques and a thorough description of said tools. This book covers various bezel settings, prong settings, gravers, bead setting and a little bit on channel setting. There are projects and practice pieces you can work on to practice these techniques.

If you are new to soldering get this book, if you have a college degree like me you will still learn from this book. It breaks down all the knowledge you need about the tools required and the various types of solder and it includes very clear photos of various projects which you can practice.

Drawing on the experience of two master wax-carvers, this book gives invaluable advice on wax carving for jewelry making. With over 400 color photos, it covers setting up for wax carving, tools, tool-making and materials. There are exercises that introduce the beginner to using wax and then build ideas and confidence to try more complex designs. Included are advanced techniques that show how to use stones in a carving and how to add texture and surface detail. Finally, finished examples demonstrate the potential, excitement and versality of the method.

When I decided to start experimenting with enamels again in 2023 I picked up this enameling book and it's perfect if you are starting out! It's filled with information on all the tools and various techniques you can use in enameling.

This is the best book I've seen about stamping. It not only has thorough instructions on how to create your own steel stamps for jewelry making but it also covers how to work with stamps and develop patterns. The author also conducted interviews with artists who specialize in stamping, collecting cultural history from around the world. Another welcome addition is the inclusion of a photographic archive of more than 300 historic stamps.

Considering working in precious metal clay pick up a copy of Sue's book! It will inform you about all the tools and techniques to get you started including how to fire with a torch, gas burner or kiln!

Originally published in 1954, this is one of those classic reference books that has truly stood the test of time. As someone currently studying hand engraving, I consider it a must-have. It’s packed with useful information on lettering, monograms, gravers, tool maintenance, and the engraving process itself, and absolutely belongs on every engraver’s shelf.

A comprehensive guide to chasing and repoussé that combines historical context with clear, hands-on instruction. It covers everything from tools and pitch to forming, detailing, and tool making, with nearly 500 photos and drawings throughout. A fantastic reference for both beginners and experienced metalsmiths.

This book is AWESOME. So much great advice for those interested in wholesaling their work. After I read it a few years back I decided to rebrand my jewelry line (it used to be called Metal Ribbon Studio lol). It walks you through some pricing formulas as well.

This book is a deep dive into what sustainability means and how to achieve it in our jewelry world. This book was updated in 2022 so it has all the current resources for sustainable metals, ethical gems and even other alternative materials. If your goal is to move towards sustainability this book it for you!

This book is an incredible resource for jewelers who are concerned with their health and safety in their studio. It provides detailed information and health ratings on all types of chemicals regularly used by jewelers (flux, patina etc.) and also has information on sustainability and making your work more environmentally friendly!

A vibrant visual history of hip-hop jewelry from the 1980s to today. Packed with incredible photography, this book traces the evolution of iconic chains, grills, watches, pendants, and custom pieces while highlighting the artists and jewelers who helped turn jewelry into such a powerful form of identity and self-expression.

A gorgeous A-to-Z visual guide to 300 of the most influential names in jewelry from the past 200 years. Featuring designers, major houses, artists, collectors, and style icons, it’s packed with beautiful imagery and offers a fascinating look at how jewelry intersects with fashion, art, and culture.

A stunning visual celebration of mid-century modernist jeweler Art Smith and his bold, sculptural work. Filled with 160 photographs, sketches, and historic images, this beautiful coffee table book explores more than 60 of his pieces along with the art, music, movement, and culture that inspired them.

A gorgeous look at the Victorian meanings and symbolism behind more than 60 classic jewelry motifs, gemstones, and designs. From hearts and butterflies to pearls and buckles, it’s filled with fascinating history, beautiful photography, and examples that show how these symbols still appear in jewelry today.

A richly illustrated history of Navajo/Diné and Pueblo jewelry design from 1945 to today. With more than 400 photographs, this book traces the evolution of Southwestern jewelry from postwar design through contemporary fine art, highlighting influential Native artists, changing styles, traditional motifs, and the personal vision behind the work.