Customer Reviews

Indian Jewelry Making: Volume II

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am an amatuer Silversmith, given basic instructions by a Navajo Sliversmith. Once a beginner has the basics then this book and the Volume II companion is easy to work from. There is no in-depth presentations in the one or two page photo instructions. Each project is laid out on one page in an excellent color photoghraph. At the top of the page the project usually starts with a short decripition of the stock silver required, with the tools pictured. Through a progression on the page, the stock silver is shown moving step-wise to the completed work. Around the border of the page are usually several different completed examples. There is a short text with each step that guides that production. The project styles seems to be mainly Navajo, with some Hopi and Zuni. This book is very traditional Indian jewelry and represents more than 50 projects or variations of design. The front of the book contains a short history in pictured period workshops from the 1870's to the present. The back part of the book has a thumb nail outline of some of the Silversmithing techniques. The spiral binding allows the pages to remain open as a visual guide as you work. I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning traditional Southwestern Indian Jewerly design and hand manufacture. Once you try out Volume I you will buy Volume II.

My silversmithing teacher is having us use her copies of this book to get ideas of what we want to learn how to make. She uses these books as THE bible(s) for Native American jewelry crafting. She owns her own business and is well known and respected in the jewelry community. She has the originals of these books, where volume I and volume II are separate editions. If you buy the book and it DOESN'T say Volume I OR Volume II on the outside cover of the book (and it lists the printing as being 2001 or later), then you have the consolidated version of both books in one. So Tyler, you probably bought Volume I, and then a copy of the newer consolidated book, instead of the actual older Volume II.

This book has quite a few of the different Native American jewelry styles displayed inside, and has step-by-step photographs of how to make each one, as well as many variations for each type. Not only does it have bezel set rings, bracelets, and earrings, it shows how to do overlays and inlays. It is an outstanding book, and should be in every silversmith's library if they are at all interested in Native American style jewelry.

I learned to silversmith using this book years ago. ...This book uses very basic tools and techniques - if American Indians could create jewelry using coal and coin silver - you can certainly do it with modern equipment (propane torch) and nice, smooth sheet silver. I just re-ordered myself. This book is well known in silversmith circles and definately worth your $!

Imagine my suprise when I ordered a copy of Volume II by this author and it is virtually identical to Volume I. There are two pairs of pages that are different -- the spoons are only in Volume II and Hopi-style jewelry is only in Volume I.

Do NOT buy both "Indian Jewelry Making" and "Indian Jewelry Making: Volume II" -- you're wasting your money.

If you're super-hot to make spoons track down Volume II -- otherwise "Indian Jewelry Making" will suffice.

This book gave me the confidence and know-how to build on my basic training in silversmithing. My instructor (a master silver craftsman) used this book to illustrate her techniques.

Branson presents numerous creative techniques that require minimal tools making this a valuable choice for a cash strapped student. The instructions occasionally require a leap of faith, but the illustrations are clear. If you enjoy Branson you may also want a copy of Ben Hunt's book Indian Silver Smithing. Hunt's book has additional tips and tricks and wonderful drawings from his notebooks.

This is an excellent book for the beginner silversmith. It brings you from the very beginning of a project to the finish with written and picture instruction. It is clear and precise yet allows you to envision individual changes you might want to make to a design. I highly recommend this book for all silversmith beginners. It is not just for Indian jewelry but rather, a helpful insight into how to learn the exciting craft of silversmith.

This book is a little bit of history and lots of good information. I received at a fair price with decent shipping. As I look now, it seems that prices have gone way up.

I have never owned a book that highlights the fine art of Indian jewelry making as perfectly as this book does. Every project is shown from start to finish, laid out in a sequence of steps. The necessary tools and materials are shown, and completed projects line the perimeter of the pages. This book will not necessarily assist a new metalworker, but if you have aspirations of creating your own Indian style jewelry, this book is a must have. I have poured over the pages, and am staggered how informative this book is. Even my father has spoken of his renewed interest in creating handcrafted Indian style jewelry since I ordered this book for him. The visual detail will leave you in awe of their craftsmanship, and a deeper understanding of the fine art of Indian Jewelry making.

maybe you just got a bad copy, Ty - my copies are entirely different from each other. These are great books for the inspiring silversmith. Get anther copy!