Customer Reviews

Design and Creation of Jewelry (Jewelry Crafts)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first started making jewelry 7 years ago, this was one of the first books I bought. Intended as a textbook, it's a good, basic, easy to understand book for the novice jeweler

I'd like to first start by saying that each version of this book (at least the 1961 & 1982 editions) show different photo examples.

I initially found the 1961 edition at my public library and was very excited at the fantastic geometric 1960's designs. I ended up ordering the 1982 version, (used, from Amazon) and was disappointed to see that the images had been updated to a style that I was not as interested in. The photos in the 82 edition are also quite dark. Yesterday, at my local library's book sale, I was thrilled to find the 1961 edition (for $1) that I had first seen and been inspired by, several years ago.

I own several jewelry making books from the 50's-70's mainly for inspiration from the designs of the times. I would read through the text for interesting tips & such, but I think that books like Complete Metalsmith, Professional Edition are probably more updated and organized for the modern metalsmith.

So if you are looking to pick up a copy of this book, keep in mind that depending on which edition you find, it will reflect a different decade of design.

PS - These books are not exactly "packed" with images. It's more of a textbook. Just an FYI.

Von Neumann was my instructor at the University of Illinois back in the 1970s. His book was not only extremely easy to understand, but he was one of the most inspiring teachers I ever had in my fine arts education. I made my wedding and engagement rings under his supervision (lost wax), and could not have been happier!!! Unfortunately, he died accidentally in the 1980s; but his book will remain the best textbook for silversmithing there is, in my opinion. His only updates were to have new photographs of student work every few years. I'm glad the other reviewer was able to find his favorite edition. And no, none of my work was ever photographed for the book.

I saw this book in my jewelry class and decided I need one of my own. Instructions are short, clear and straightforward. Book was very cheap, in good condition and was sent right away, just shipping and handling was much more that I expected, may be because I'm in Canada but in local store I would pay probably more even if I could find it at all and I would loose much more time on all that shopping.

My metals teacher recommended this book as the most definitive one for students, both beginning and advanced. It covers areas of the craft and well as the art of fabricating and casting unique metal items of beauty. Never mind the fact that the book' been around for a while. "Newer" is not necessarily "better." This is an authorative text.

Do not be put off by the "design" in Design and Creation of Jewelry or that you will have to get a used copy. This book is mostly about how to make jewelry and art metal. Unlike too many contemporary "how to" books, Von Newmann gives enough detail on basic techniques for the beginner to get the job done. If you are a beginner, this book and some classroom instruction will get you started. If you are an expert you still will find useful tips.

I have read and used at least fifty jewelry making books, some older and many contemporary, and find this to be one of the most useful to a beginner compared to superficial survey books such as The Complete Metalsmith. Because of its age, some information is outdated. For example, today many people would epoxy a pearl on a textured stud instead of mechanically attaching it using a wedge and we now know that asbestos is too dangerous to use.

I bought this book on a recommendation from a very talented artist - she suggest I get this book and study it. She said she thought it was the best book on the market - even though it's slightly old. (I think this edition was written in the 1980s.)

I have a lot of respect for that artist - and I trust that she got a lot out of this book. I, however, did not.

Rather than a "how to" manual, which is how I learn, this book is more of a novel. It has a lot of information - but the style didn't mesh with the way I learn. At least I think that's what the problem is...I just know there seemed to be a lot of useful information when I scanned the headings, but it didn't hold my attention. I love art books - but this one is probably my least favorite. I didn't get much (if anything) out of it...but it could also be that it's above my comprehension level for jewelry making. I don't do wax or "fancy" techniques - like making gold and diamond rings - so maybe that's the issue. It makes me sad to give a review like this - I really did want to like it. I really thought I'd get a lot out of it...and apparently, many people do benefit from this book. (Just look at the reviews.) I much prefer Mark Lareau's "Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry".

I have tried to get into this book countless times - and just can't. I'll be giving it away. If you choose to purchase it, I really hope you get more out of it than I did.

I use this book often as a reference guide and it is one of my favorites. A well made softcover book also.

The book was said to be in good condition. The book I received was bent, discolored with a broken binding.