Joanna Gollberg

This book was sent to me for free by Sterling Publishing. Thanks to Ray at Lark and his whole team for thinking of me. I am not a jewelry maker, so this will be a basic review.

The first thing I noticed about this book is the binding. I don't know what it is called, but the books lays flat even though it does not have a spiral. Interesting. There is a comprehensive table of contents and an index (YAY!). The authors, [a:Joanna Gollberg|52471|Joanna Gollberg|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg] and [a:Nathalie Mornu|407219|Nathalie Mornu|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg] exploit the chain part of necklaces throughout the book, starting with "A Chain Letter", which is the introduction or foreword.

After a page of tools, the book starts into projects. The photos are large and appealing. The page layouts are light and airy and I like the circle motif the publisher used throughout the book. The projects come from different designers, but the projects have a modern feel with a lot of space between the elements. The projects do become denser as the maker works his/her way through the book. The projects look cohesive.

There is a basics section at the end, which talks about metals and their properties, including precious metals, and tools and equipment. The techniques section, which follows includes cleaning metal, transferring designs, chasing, bending sheet metal and much more. There are also sections on soldering and finishing, which I am guessing are the quilting and binding of the jewelry world. A very useful Mandrel and Ring Size conversion chart is also included.

I enjoyed looking at the inspiration section, which includes a gallery of additional pieces (not projects). I really like the Double Circle Bracelet on page 134.… (meer)

I am generally a bit skeptical when I see a book that touts itself as 'the complete' or 'the ultimate' guide to whatever subject is being discussed within it's pages. I was especially interested to see what the pages of this book held since my new metal mania has hit me hard. Mind you, I can't see myself making jewelry - but I have also learned to never say never as, with me at least, one never knows! This book, much to my delight has many pages devoted simply to using metal, annealing metal, working metal and finishing mental - all great information for a newly born, metal fascinated, being that I am. This book includes ample discussions of tools - varieties and suggestions for using; gem settings and styles of cuts; metal working techniques such as hammering, firing, annealing - truly this is a book that gives you all of the information you might need to begin your journey into the world of making jewelry. At the time I was not sure what I would think about this book - but now I know. It is a lovely, beautifully presented book that definitely is assured of 5 stars in my opinion! It is, in fact an 'ultimate 'source for all things jewelry making related! Well worth having in your library!… (meer)