Customer Reviews

Silversmithing (Jewelry Crafts)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been looking for an affordable book on silversmithing for years. "Silversmithing" is *it* . If I ever buy another book on raising metal, it won't be because there's something lacking in this one; "Silversmithing" covers the topic from spout to handle and to foot to lid.

As a writer, I appreciate the effort that went into writing and organizing this work. As a lifelong metalsmith, I've learned techniques from my first skim that are only hinted at in other works on the subject. Feingold and Seitz have managed to do something where other authors in the jewelry field have fallen short: they explain the details that lifelong familiarity tends to omit as obvious or so natural as to be forgotten. Where Herbert Maryon's "Metalwork and Enamaling" and Oppi Untracht's "Jewelry Concepts and Techniques" (both excellent books, by the way) fall short, "Silversmithing" shines in concept, craftsmanship, and finish. And yes, in the details, where the true art of precious metalwork is revealed.

Regardless of price, "Silversmithing" is a worthy addition to any serious metalworker's library; at under $40, it's a *must have*.

There is little that can be added to what the other reviewers have already said in terms of the quality of the information and material in this very good book. The high point for me is the large amount of black and white photos, all of perfect lighting and quality, that accompany the text. If, like me, you are a novice but are learning the hard way without someone to personally guide you then these will be a god send compared with the other high quality books out there that lack them.
As to the book itself the authors have broken it into six main sections:
1. Introduction to Silversmithing
2. Basic Treatments
3. Basic Tools and their uses
4. General Procedures
5. Special Procedures
6. Projects
From my own point of view the Projects section is the best because we get to see these very able men firstly "Sink a Bowl" then they "Sink a Plate and Tray". Next they "Raise a Bowl without crimping" and then one with crimping. They then raise a "Creamer with Self-Spout". "Construct a Box", "Forge some Flatware", "Forge a Punchbowl Ladle" and finish with "Stretching a Gravy Boat". The accompanying photos show the tools for each item and we get almost a complete set of photos showing the stages from start to finish.
The items they manufacture have little decoration which is not required due to their design. So whilst there is a section on Chasing and Repoussé work it is not as extensive as in some of the other books out there. However it gives the basics to start from. If someone is looking for a more exhaustive treatment of that subject then they would be better to consult "Metal Techniques for Craftsmen" by Oppi Untracht. Anyway that is really a side issue and does not detract from what is a brilliantly clear exposition of a skill and art form which is disappearing in the age of mass production. Indeed they state their desire in the preface to the book to pass on to an interested new generation that which is fast being forgotten. Luckily for us they have helped us by doing such an outstanding job.
Finegold and Seitz round the book out with some conversion charts and add some charts relating to gauges, weights and tempering temperatures.
I highly recommend as others have that you do not go without a copy.

This is THE book to have for anyone interested in hammer-forming silver, copper, tin, and other non-ferrous metals. This is an in-depth, detailed, well-illustrated and CLEAR explanation of the tools and techniques for hammering soft metal sheets. This book has the information that all the other smithing books leave out. Highly recommended!

The 3 stars represent disappointment on applicabiity, not the quality of the book. I did find some useful instruction which will apply to my size scale, like bending flat strips, raising, tensioning and a few other things, but if you are looking for something on the wear scale, this ain't it unless you want to do really tiny teapots and bowls.

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in Silversmithing as a profession, or if you are just interested in the processes/procedures/tools (as I am). Well illustrated. This book if a find!

Good book, good photos and explanations. Nothing takes the place of a good teacher but this is worth the read.

Some great information in here... Not a lot about jewelry, however. Great for learning use of tools, polishing, etc. More geared towards large items like silver bowls and utensils. All black and white, maybe not as appealing as full color photos. Nice reference book.

What a Great Book...... Everything and I mean everythiing you need to know about Silversmithing and More... A need for every startup or novice in the field.... step by step on everyting you need to know....

The book is great. It explains alot of techniques and details most of the other books on the subject don't give.

No book can equal the education you'll get, in person, from a master artisan. If any book comes close, though, it's this one. Finegold and Seitz have written the best text I know on the topic, and one of the best how-to books I've seen on any subject.

Contents form a clear progression starting with basic materials, tools, and techniques, with each section building on the one before. The 'projects' section might surprise some readers: it really doesn't carry any one project all the way from raw materials to finished product. You're not being cheated, though. The authors freely acknowledge that a few basic skills go into every piece a silversmith works on. Instead of padding the book with pointless repetition, the authors go over the unique steps in their usual, thorough manner. The text then refers readers to the techniques explained earlier. At first glance, each project seems incomplete - careful reading, however, shows everything the practitioner needs to know.

Profuse photos show every important step, the tools, and the working techniques needed to carry out each step. Photos can do only so much, however. The metal's look, its color (especially in soldering and annealing), and even the sound of the hammerblows all tell the crafter what is going on in the workpiece. Those can't be captured on paper. All the things that can be printed, however appear between these covers. This text has my highest recommendation.

-- wiredweird