Customer Reviews

Goldsmithing & Silver Work: Jewelry, Vessels & Ornaments

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

 

 

Right up front I have to say that I am a fan of Mr Codina books I have three of them This one is a delight, it has the abundance of pictures of the work being described. It covers the subject Jewelry vessels & Ornaments like a blanket. The side journeys to specific techniques and processes. Will give the novice and expert plenty to ponder, think and design their projects for some time to come.

The picture story of silver spinning the coffee service is alone worth the price of the book.Even if you never have the desire to spin metal. The section on concept and image will jump start a lot of people. The step by step has some projects that can be modified for the readers own enjoyment. I own it and use it. It is a six star book.

In the herd of recent books, this one distinguishes itself in it's quality of images, concise accurate descriptions and scope.
This work seems to be the product of much labor, research and maybe even love. I have to hand it Codina, he's the kind of person that should be writing books.
Among the outstanding pieces represented is a North African bracelet made step by step by two Algerian women. Definitely not the kind of entry you find in many American publications flooded with "art school" drivel from self promoting arrogant twits so prominent in publications today.
The alternative casting techniques section is a seminar in itself, and just when I thought I knew everything!
Don't get me wrong, there are a few downright ugly pieces, though I can easily overlook them if favor of the splendid work that predominates throughout.
Telling, is a closing statement where he thanks the contributors and gives a bit of insight into the writing of this fine book.
If you don't have this publication, then buy it. Trust me on this.

This, like the other Jewelry books by Codina have great visual content and show interesting techniques. Unlike the others, some of the information is nearly useless to the average studio jeweler. Some chapters are more like Mr. Rogers where you go see how something is made, but you would never make it yourself because of the equipment required.
Small chapters on Image and Photography were happy little additions.
Over all the book was more "look how" than "how to" but it's still a nicely put together book at a great price.

This book is a favorite of mine. There are many types of smithing to learn in this book. Although the pictures and descriptions are limited somewhat, the book does give enough information to get anyone who works with metal started on any of the work in this book. The pictures are excellent in layout and design. This book not only makes a good instruction book for the metal worker, but it is also an excellent coffee table book as well.

The book is very interesting and the pictures are descriptive and fun to look at. The book covers many different things like Casting, Silversmithing,Jewelry making and more. Nice and stylish items shown in the book with direction. Very different than many Jewelry books. I am glad that I added this book to my collection.

I have bought many many books and some I will never open again! Then some I can't keep the pages in they are used so much. This will sure to be one of those this book by Charles Codina is awesome. This book is a RARE find. It is imformative and visually stunning. I suggest not missing out on this one!

Happy jewelry making!

THIS BOOK WAS EDITED BEAUTIFULLY!

This is a delightful book. While it does have "step-by-step" technique descriptions, it is not a textbook. Rather, it's a personal collation of information and metalsmithing techniques, demonstrated in a series of projects, with side trips into gem cutting, photographing jewelry, advertising, packaging and a few features on individual artists.

Codina states in his introduction his intention to share his own passion for metal work and inspire the reader, as well as to honor the work of individual craftsmen, such as the men and women featured in the book, who practice metal smithing at the highest level, often anonymously.

He features a series of projects highlighting various metal smithing skills, including lathe forming, fabrication, hollow forms, electroforming, engraving, bezel, prong set and pavé stone setting. A heavily ornamented, traditional Morrocan bracelet, and an elaborate hinged bracelet decorated with cast and hand-formed elements, and pavé diamonds are especially impressive. Not every step is illustrated - you are already familiar with the basics, right? Rather, the goal is to inspire.

Because there are so many different techniques for making fine jewelry most jewelers master some, but never all of them. Many "how to" books show the author demonstrating some techniques which she's mastered and some she hasn't. The step-by-step instructions may lack important details and the finished pieces look like student work.

Not so here. Each project shows the author, or another metalsmith with complete masterey of the technique, doing the process and achieving professional results. All featured jewelers and metal workers, stone cutters, even the miners in a Bolivian gem mine, are named, most pictured, and all given credit for their work.

And it's fun to see them working... the two Morrocan women who fabricate traditional ethnic jewelry, the skilled lathe turner in his paper hat who makes the sterling coffee set, or Codina's friends who help him with casting. As we follow the project steps, we have the opportunity to see how these craftspeople think and learn some of their methods.

Codina's pleasure in the community of dedicated metal workers is infectious, as is his belief in the honor of making beautiful things by hand in an age of mass production. This is a metalsmithing book with heart.