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More than 350 step-by-step illustrations and photographs guide jewelers through techniques including patination, granulation, fusing and more. Adding gold foil, developing patterns that contrast with by layering metals and inlays, creating exquisite etchings and engravings and more are covered. Illustrations demonstrate various combinations of the different finishes, while instructions bear practical safety tips. An inspiring gallery of work by professional jewelers, using the techniques taught in this easy-to-understand working resource.

-More than 350 color photos and illustrations clearly demonstrate the outcome of each technique

-A collection of 15 different techniques helps artists expand the skills of their craft

-Complete instruction, including necessary tools, makes this useful for experienced and novice artists

Average Customer Rating:

How to finish metal with flair!

Customer Rating:

This is a book for those wanting to see how metal reacts to various applications --- which are covered in some detail for the metal artist to try some of the procedues on their own. I was truly amazed by how simple variations for the process of Patination and Oxidation could produce such a varied coloration or patterns upon various substrates (metal). Who knew that by mixing ammonium chloride with tobacco will produce such an interested moss-evergreen color variation upon copper. Thus this book served as a great learning tool for me and allowed me to work metal without waste (particularly due to the cost of some metal these days) as the examples provided in the book gave me the confidence to move forward with my own designs. Each section is followed by wonderful gallery examples by numerous artists using the techniques described. Great ideas can be developed by reviewing the metal finishing techniques and observing the gallery examples. More info on how to actually do each technique would have also been helpful, but there is enough to enable every metal artist with significant knowledge of metal to move forward and proceed on some of the finishes described and maybe not fleshed out in the beginning of the section. So classify this book for intermediate or advanced metalsmiths...beginners can review this book, but please gain enough enough knowledge (at least for some processes) to aid in becoming bold enough to proceed. Some techniques are easy enough for beginners - the stamping, rolling-mill, polishing/matt/satin, press forming, and engraving. The other techniques - etching, patination/oxidation, casting, foil, granulation, enameling inlay, and chasing/repousse - are appropriate for those with more experience either through instruction, other book information, chemistry knowledge, and other methodologies. However, I could only give it 4 stars since one of the most important issues was not covered in significant detail - safety. One page devoted to the subject (page 8) is NOT enough, particularly since some of the techniques are dangerous or at least require controlled conditions with appropriate protective covering of hands/eyes/clothing with stabilizing materials available in case of an accident (e.g. spilling chemicals). This is a great book to envision the possibilities when working with metals and producing your own jewelry or fine art; and the price makes it an easy addition to your reference library.

Has everything you've ever wondered about....	Customer Rating:
I have lots of jewelry books. This is more of "class examples" and the like. It shows many ways to do textures, finishes, etc. and shows the finished product. It has saved me the time and expense of doing them myself. What a help!

great for the novice	Customer Rating:
I found this book well structured for me as a novice. It provides lots of beautiful examples of the techniques. I'll look for more detailed "how to" instructions elsewhere but this book is a great start.

You must try it	Customer Rating:
Its title is the best description of this book; you must try all possibilities that you can find inside.

Eveything you need to know!	Customer Rating:
Awesome book with great illustrations and techniques for many different finishes in jewelry making!! Get this one!!