Goldsmithing & Silver Work

Goldsmithing and silver work are the time-honored techniques for making jewelry, as well as other exquisite decorative items. Experience the pleasure of crafting with these precious metals, and of using your creativity and skills to produce objects of great beauty. Hundreds of color photographs illustrate the procedures in rich detail, and display a breathtaking assortment of pieces by talented artists. Each innovative project introduces techniques that range from casting, stamping, hand engraving, and electroplating to the more specialized Kum Boo, where sheets of gold are fused with silver to form lovely motifs. Two handsome square rings, formed from stamped bar stock, show off differently cut stones; a traditional Berber bracelet features delicate, intricate filigree; and an elaborate silver coffee service with six cups requires spinning on a lathe. The chapter on gems alone--featuring the work of Bernd Munsteiner, considered the best gem cutter in the world--makes this sourcebook invaluable!