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Review Essays of Academic, Professional & Technical Books in the Humanities & Sciences

 

Jewelry Making: Tips & Tricks of the Trade by Stephen O'Keeffe (Krause Publications) Making beautiful jewelry to a professional standard has never been so simple; inexpensive materials and cleverly adapted traditional methods make failure difficult and success inevitable. Jewelry Making is a book for the complete beginner; every technique is photographed step-by-step with likely pitfalls explained, as well as tips on how to avoid them. More than 30 original projects are included for you to make for yourself, your family, and your friends.

Stephen O’Keefe starts out by describing how, for his daughter’s wedding, he made a gold tiara and both wedding bands, but that’s just the introduction.

Contents include:

  1. Basic Techniques and Projects
    1. Cutting
    2. Drilling
    3. Forming
    4. Planishing
    5. Annealing
    6. Soldering
    7. Finishing Techniques
  2. Further Techniques and Projects
    1. Etching
    2. Melting and Fusing
    3. Repousse
    4. Working in Acrylic
    5. Setting Stones
    6. Casting in Pewter
    7. Chains and Catches

With 13 lessons, 39 projects, numerous photo details and creative design sketches per page, Jewelry Making is an invaluable introduction to the basic skills of simple jewelry making.

Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry 1840-1950 (6th Edition) by C. Jeanenne Bell (Kraus Publications) Many people are curious about old jewelry. Perhaps they have tucked away a ring or bracelet passed down from previous generations. Along with most jewelry comes unanswered questions about its age, value, and authenticity.

Curious owners or serious collector can find Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry 1840-1950 in this volume; with all 2,000 prices updated and hundreds of new photos, this revised edition is a key reference. Written by C. Jeanenne Bell, G.G., a collector and retailer of antique and collectible jewelry, professional speaker and appraiser for public television’s Antiques Roadshow, sections include jewelry styles from 1840-1950 such as Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro Modern, an overview of 100 years of cameos, and new sections on Bakelite, costume, and Mexican jewelry. There are 64 pages in full color showing pieces from all time periods.

Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry 1840-1950 helps the reader:

  • Determine how old the jewelry is
  • Determine what kind of metal an item is made from
  • Determine whether a stone is synthetic
  • Identify maker’s marks to help the reader date pieces

There are three main sections: "When Was It Made and What Is It Worth?," "100 Years of Cameos," and "Manufacturing Techniques." Each of six chapters in the first section covers a specific time and stylistic period, with the date, a brief written description, the value of each piece, and more than 1700 photographs, some of which are in color. Prices have been provided by an auction house, collector, or dealer, with the source indicated for every entry.

Whether you want to start or add to a collection of antique, estate, or collectible jewelry, Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry 1840-1950 can add to your knowledge and enjoyment.

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