Beading with Gemstones: Beautiful Jewelry, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Books) [Hardcover]

Valerie MacCarthy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2007 | Series: Lark Jewelry Books

Beading doesn’t get more elegant than this, with such gleaming gems as amethyst, quartz, and lapis lazuli. Valérie MacCarthy—whose work graces the pages of high fashion magazines around the world—has created a magnificent collection of sophisticated, unique jewelry. The 30 projects include bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings, and they tend to the playful and colorful. In addition, an entire section is dedicated to the different stones and their properties, including their spiritual and healing aspects. But what will really entice intermediate jewelers, beaders, and other general crafters are the pieces themselves: a balloon ring, festooned with seed pearls; chandelier earrings with sparkling, dangling stones; and a fireworks necklace of citrine, peridot, and apatite. Introductory chapters present all the gems, tools, and techniques used in the pieces.

A Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Valérie MacCarthy has been making jewery since childhood but only recently rediscovered her love for creating colorful and organic earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Soon her creations were being worn on the runways of New York Fashion week and gracing the pages of high fashion magazines from here to Japan. In 2002 she officially established Valérie M Designs. An opera singer by trade, Valérie continues to fulfill the growing demands for her jewelry while appearing on renowned stages all over the world. When she's not globe-trotting, Valérie lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157990887X
• ISBN-13: 978-1579908874
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's not in the Title, June 30, 2007

By 

Vivien Jacobs Quam "the Beaded Gypsy" (Sparta, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beading with Gemstones: Beautiful Jewelry, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Books) (Hardcover)

There is a lot of good information here and it is well presented. The illustrations are lovely, directions are generally clear, and the materials lists include the necessary information on what is needed to complete the project as it is illustrated. Most of the projects here give one a little creative license in using different colors of gems or other beads. However, what the sub-title states on the front cover--"beautiful jewelry, simple techniques" is misleading. This may well be the most important criticism of the entire volume--there is no variety of techniques used in creating any of these projects. The projects in this book are totally devoted to techniques using wire and chain. There is absolutely no deviation from the use of wire-working techniques throughout the entire book. The content is too shallow to support the premise of the title of this book, "Beading with Gemstones." Anyone wishing a comprehensive approach to working with gemstones will not find it here!

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, and elegant, July 10, 2007

By 

Jean Leslie "Jbyrd" (Delaware, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beading with Gemstones: Beautiful Jewelry, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Books) (Hardcover)

I bought this book because the previous reviewer said it was mostly fine, pre-made chain and gemstones. There is no stringing at all in this book. The wire skills are the usual basics: tool, types of wire, how to make a loop, a wrapped loop and briolettes. Ms. MacCarthy also gives a second briolette wrapping technique. Also, there are tips on counting chain links before cutting. These tips and techniques are solid and well presented. Some of the projects use a jig but can be done without one.

The projects are beautiful, high quality designs. This is the type of jewelry I've seen in display windows selling for hundreds of $$$. The jewelry is contempory but the chain gives a timeless appeal and won't look dated in 5, 10 or 15 years. The inspiration is that one need not be a metalsmith or have lots of money to make high end, designer quality jewelry.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good idea, not so good execution, October 17, 2007

By 

C. Soria "color crazy" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beading with Gemstones: Beautiful Jewelry, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Books) (Hardcover)

The overall idea of the book is good, the photographs are nice, but the content is superficial. It lacks step by step instructions along with graphics that will show exactly what the author is talking about. It does not cover all the available techniques for beading in which the use of gemstones will create outstanding jewelry pieces. In other words, not worth the price.