This is list of books I recommend. These are all book I have read and found truly useful and enjoyable. I've labeled them "Beginner", "Intermediate", "Master", and "All levels" by which groups I think could benefit the most from them. This is just a guide and I imagine anyone at any level would enjoy these books. They are all links to Amazon.com, where they can be purchased. I've been a customer of Amazon.com for years and find them to be very easy to deal with and good on customer service. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have, and as always, I'd be happy to hear your comments and recommendations. Enjoy!
Jewelry Making /
Photography /
Lapidary /
Rockhounds /
Gems and Minerals /
Metaphysical and stone lore /
Craft Business /
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Jewelry Making Books
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Beginner
The Complete Metalsmith : An Illustrated Handbook by Tim McCreight.
If you're a beginner learning to make jewelry and you're only buying one book, make it this one! Really clear instructions and descriptions of jewelry making as well as charts for alloys, ring sizes, and much more. It also includes chain design and clasps. It's a nice small spiral bound book you can take anywhere, and cheap too!
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All levels
Jewelry Concepts and Technology by Oppi Untracht.
Large (840 pages!) comprehensive study of jewelry making around the world and throughout history. A fantastic resource.
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Beginner, Intermediate
Jewelry : Fundamentals of Metalsmithingby Tim McCreight.
Another great book by Tim McCreight. This one has great color pictures and demonstrations of various jewelry making techniques
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Intermediate
The Art of Jewelry Making : Classic & Original Designs by Alan Revere.
Beautiful color photos of designer jewelry from 25 artists and detailed instructions to recreate signature projects from each artist.
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Beginner
The Encyclopedia of Jewelry-Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques by Jinks McGrath.
A very nice introduction and overview of jewelry making. Shows a wide range of techniques with color photos.
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Intermediate, Master
Classical Loop-in-Loop Chains by Jean Stark.
I love this book! The projects might drive you crazy with their complexity but for those of us who live for that, this is THE BOOK for chain making. Once you learn to fuse fine silver and 22k gold you'll never go back to soldered links again. Try it you'll like it!
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Intermediate
Metals Technic : A Collection of Techniques for Metalsmiths Edited by Tim McCreight.
12 Chapters by Master jewelers giving in depth descriptions of tools, materials, and procedures for a specific techniques including Sterling granulation, Niello, Anticlastic raising, Nonconforming dies, Cold connections, fold forming, toolmaking, Kum-Boo, Depletion guilding, Patination, Instant etch process, and Reticulation. Black and white photos and drawings.
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Intermediate
Professional Goldsmithing : A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Jewelry Techniques by Alan Revere.
This is a great book! It's full of meticulously detailed fabrication projects with color pictures. This book is really helpful if you have basic fabrication ability and want to work on perfecting your technique. Completing these projects was a real turning point on my ability and confidence in executing my work.
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Beginner, Intermediate
Practical Casting by Tim McCreight.
I don't do much casting but when I did I used this book. Very clear instruction.
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Intermediate
Hinges and Hinge-Based Catches for Jewelers and Goldsmiths by Charles Lewton-Brain.
A great instruction manual for hinges and catches. Really clear and in depth instruction. I use techniques from this book all time.
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Beginner, Intermediate
Great Wire Jewelry : Projects and Techniques by Irene From Petersen.
A surprisingly thorough little book on solderless chain making. Lots of detailed chain projects from simple to complex. I spent weeks making chains after buying this book and really enjoyed it.
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Intermediate
Textile Techniques in Metal : For Jewelers, Sculptors, and Textile Artist by Arline M. Fisch.
I hate to admit defeat but this book boggles me! I'm recommending it because the concepts and projects are so cool. Maybe it's because I have no background in textiles. If you buy this and make stuff out of it, let me know, I'd love to see it!
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Lapidary
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Beginner
Introduction to Lapidary by Pansy D. Kraus.
This is a good beginners instruction of lapidary work. Detailed information on equipment and technique.
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Beginner, Intermediate
Opal Cutting Made Easy by Paul B. Downing.
Paul Downing has a great writing and instruction style. Once you figure out opal cutting everything else just falls into place. Great book and color photos
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Rockhounds
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All levels
Opal Adventures by Paul B. Downing.
This book chronicles one of Pauls trips to Australia opal hunting. It's a funny and exciting book describing the mines and the miners of Australia as well as their history . It gave me a new appreciation for Australian opals and Paul Downing!
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All levels
Jade beneath the sea : a diving adventure by Don Wobber.
This book cracked me up! It's a true account of 3 divers using hand tools and primitive gear wrestling the world's largest gem-8 ft long, 9,000 pounds from 30 ft under the sea at Jade Cove California. Written by one of the ol' coots himself. This book may be out of print but if you can find it, read it!
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Craft Business
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Beginner, Intermediate
Crafting As a Business by Wendy Rosen, Anne Childress
This book outlines many aspects of craft business including doing shows, selling retail or wholesale. It has examples of forms for consignment, credit checks, and other business necessities. It also has advice and stories from successful craft artists. Great color pictures and easy to read.
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Beginner, Intermediate
How to Survive and Prosper As an Artist : Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul by Caroll Michels
This is a great handbook on what to expect in the art world. It gives a good perspective for those starting out. The author is an art career councilor and has a friendly clear writing style. This book covers subjects like pricing, gallery relationships, getting grants and more
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