Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

If you like necklaces that have lots of metal versus lots of gemstones, you'll like this book. I found some designs that were delightful, but many looked too much like something I could buy at the mall for my taste.

You never know how a particular book will work out for you. This one wasn't really to my particular beading taste. Who knows, maybe in the future I'll gravitate towards this kind of wire work and find it to be just what I need. But for now......NOT!

Very nice. Not my style of work, but I will get some inspiration out of it, I am sure.