43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!, March 2, 2007
This review is from: Silver Threads (Paperback)
I am an advanced wire worker but really only an intermediate at best solderer so I was a little nervous, but after getting this book yesterday I made one of the projects and it was so EASY! And so QUICK! Couldn't get over it, and now I have a beautiful silver filigree and amber pendant, made in under an hour.
I cheated as well: filigree wire is next to impossible to find here in Australia so I used my ordinary twisted square wire from wire working (21 gauge) and it came out just beautiful.
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39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Silver Filigree Jewelry, October 11, 2006
This review is from: Silver Threads (Paperback)
"Patterns similar to filigree have been spotted in Viking jewelry as early as AD 800. Danish goldsmiths brought them back to Norway in the late 17th and early 18th centuries..."
If you have always wanted to make your own jewelry or want to make and sell filigree jewelry, this book has all the information you need to get started. The first few pages take you through a wide variety of jewelry from many countries. The hinged purse necklace in the shape of a heart is fascinating as are the butterflies that look like stained glass.
"Plique-à-jour is a variation on piercing where the pierced filigree is filled with transparent enamels. This technique produces the look of fine stained glass on a very small scale." ~ pg. 15
The tricky part of making this jewelry seems to be the removal of oxidation that forms during the heating process. The first chapter is essential to read more than once, maybe ten time...to make sure you know how to use the chemicals discussed. The author recommends you use Sparex - she says is in a granular form that can be added to hot water.
Items needed to begin making jewelry include a torch, soldering surface, pliers, jeweler's saw, ring mandrel, hammers, files, dust collectors, tweezers, etc. These are all listed with pictures and more information.
Project in this book include:
Dangle Earrings
Pendants
Four-Leaf Clover
Heart Pendant
Swirl Ring
Fan Dangle Necklace
Winged Design (like on cover)
Once you read how jewelry is made it gives you an even deeper respect for the artisans who accomplish such mastery over silver enhanced with gemstones.
~The Rebecca Review
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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
New technique, October 19, 2006
This review is from: Silver Threads (Paperback)
I finally received my book after a long, long wait but it was worth it. This is a subject that I have never seen covered in any other book. Filigree has been a lost art. The photos of the projects looked daunting to me at first but, after reading the author's clear instructions, I found that I was no longer feel daunted. The photos are exceptional and clearly show all I need to know. I feel fairly sure that with the book at my side I will be able to accomplish the projects in this book. It's also a tease. I couldn't help thinking of all the things I could do with this technique that I had never thought of before. The book, once I master the technique, will open up a world of design that wasn't open to me before. That's the glory of learning. It takes us to new heights.
Lots of silversmithing books are on the market but, often, they leave something out and I am left wondering what to do next. This book is not like that. It should be clear to the beginner and an inspiration to the more advanced silversmith. I'm very glad I bought it.
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