I thought for a while before buying this book: I have many at this point, and this is expensive. However, I found a price under $50.00, although paying for shipping made it more like $60.00. Think about how many plays or concerts you'd spend this on, or dinner at a nice restaurant, or some clothing you love but don't really need. The relative expense of this book will be clear to you.
There is an astounding amount of information in it, with instructions and pictures. It's not as step-by-step as a tutorial, but making a piece is possible using the directions. The variety and beauty of the jewelry show is energizing and makes one want to get to work.
It might be overwhelming for a beginner, but take it slowly, not expecting to digest all of it immediately.
I'm really glad I got it. Many of my books are mostly projects and instructions, and the depth of this one provides a nice balance.
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Jewelry: Concepts And Technology Hardcover – August 17, 1982
by
Oppi Untracht
(Author)
|
Oppi Untracht
(Author)
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Print length840 pages
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LanguageEnglish
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PublisherDoubleday
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Publication dateAugust 17, 1982
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Dimensions8.9 x 2.18 x 11 inches
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ISBN-100385041853
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ISBN-13978-0385041850
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Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
The definitive reference for jewelry makers of all levels of ability -- a complete, profusely illustrated guide to design, materials, and techniques, as well as a fascinating exploration of jewelry-making throughout history.
B & W and full-color illustrations throughout
From the Inside Flap
ve reference for jewelry makers of all levels of ability--a complete, profusely illustrated guide to design, materials, and techniques, as well as a fascinating exploration of jewelry-making throughout history.
From the Back Cover
The definitive reference for jewelry makers of all levels of ability--a complete, profusely illustrated guide to design, materials, and techniques, as well as a fascinating exploration of jewelry-making throughout history.
About the Author
Oppi Untracht was a master metalsmith, teacher, and author. He was born in New York and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University in 1947, before moving permanently to Finland in 1967. He lectured and wrote on traditional Indian jewelry and culture, and was awarded a Lifetime American Achievement Award by the American Craft Council in 2000. He was the author of Metal Techniques for Craftsmen, now considered an essential textbook for silversmiths, and Jewelry Concepts and Technology. He died in 2008.
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Product details
- Publisher : Doubleday; 1st edition (August 17, 1982)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 840 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0385041853
- ISBN-13 : 978-0385041850
- Item Weight : 5.97 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.9 x 2.18 x 11 inches
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#783,252 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #88 in Jewelry Design (Books)
- #635 in Jewelry Craft (Books)
- #877 in Crafts & Hobbies Reference
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
156 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2015
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18 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2018
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Wow!!! This book is crazy amazing. Its huge and just absolutely packed with information. Its got an amazingly broad reach, examining and explaining techniques of all kinds, from ancient and contemporary folk jewelry techniques, to modern high tech stuff. Some people might be disappointed in the contemporary subjects because the book is decades old, but if you can afford any of the newer gear thats not in here, you've probably been to school for all this and don't need the book anyway. I find this book to be fascinating reading, blending Viking wire knitting techniques with Lao hill tribe bracelets, and clever pieces by modern Danish designers. This is an incredible work, a magnum opus.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2007
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This book is the jewelry makers bible. I cannot begin to scratch the surface of its value by lising content. It is a gem of a book (pun intended).
Oppi Untracht did the jewelry industry and anyone serious about learning jewelrymaking the right way, a HUGE service by compiling the information in this book and presenting it in clear and easy to understand language. This book must have taken years of research and editing to produce and publish. That, my friends who harp about price, is why this book is so high priced. It is not over-priced, it is aptly priced. Think how much the Oxford English Dictionary costs- [...]
it's just words, why so expensive?!
You could learn a new technique or factoid every day for a year from this book and then start all over again and learn even more.
This book, however, is not for teaching silver or goldsmithing, gem setting, etc. It is not a how-to book at all. It is a reference book, like the ones that the library won't let you check out because they're too valuable.
If you are serious about jewelry making, fine and art jewelry- not hobby craft wire and bead stringing- put this on your wish list. You'll be thrilled if someone sends it to you for a birthday or holiday gift. If nobody will kick for it, save your nickles and find a used one, reclaiming the silver from spent pickle solution and making solder from scratch never goes out of style.
Oppi Untracht did the jewelry industry and anyone serious about learning jewelrymaking the right way, a HUGE service by compiling the information in this book and presenting it in clear and easy to understand language. This book must have taken years of research and editing to produce and publish. That, my friends who harp about price, is why this book is so high priced. It is not over-priced, it is aptly priced. Think how much the Oxford English Dictionary costs- [...]
it's just words, why so expensive?!
You could learn a new technique or factoid every day for a year from this book and then start all over again and learn even more.
This book, however, is not for teaching silver or goldsmithing, gem setting, etc. It is not a how-to book at all. It is a reference book, like the ones that the library won't let you check out because they're too valuable.
If you are serious about jewelry making, fine and art jewelry- not hobby craft wire and bead stringing- put this on your wish list. You'll be thrilled if someone sends it to you for a birthday or holiday gift. If nobody will kick for it, save your nickles and find a used one, reclaiming the silver from spent pickle solution and making solder from scratch never goes out of style.
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2010
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Ok, so I realize there are already 31(highly positive) reviews out on this text but because of the extraordinary nature of this book I'm compelled to add my voice: For any serious student, where this text is not already included in the required reading, this book will provide you with subject matter you either aren't familiar with (but still should know) or with better detailed process information than you thought you already knew. This text is nothing short of fantastic. The additional colored pictures and b&w diagrams for each of the technical areas discussed (which are plentiful) supplement and enhance the learning experience. The author was at the top of his field (I believe he taught at Columbia in addition to designing and making metal worked jewelry with his wife) and he really took the time to provide all student levels with needed guidance. But, it's the advanced student who will truly benefit from this addition to their library. It doesn't matter that the text was published in the mid 1980's, the guidance, processes, bench techniques etc. are all still relevant for today's metal working jewelry artist. Purchase the book and dive right in, you'll forget to come up for air!
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2014
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I had a copy of this book when I was in college for jewelry technology, I foolishly sold it years ago. It is without a doubt the best comprehensive guide for jewelry manufacture techniques. Every serious jeweler should have this on their bookshelf and keep it close at hand in the shop. It truly is the Jewelers bible. Yes, many modern techniques are not discussed as this book was written in the 70's, however you can find run downs of these techniques on the ganoskin forums or on youtube rather easily. Highly recommended and well worth the price, there is no other single book on the market that even begins to compare to this tome of wisdom and technique.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2019
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Simply elegant and eclectic designs to peruse for ideas and inspiration. One of the best books ever for a metal artist.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2011
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Hi,
I've been doing jewelry for the last 6 months and I've been looking for a book that has it all, that it is easy to understand and to follow. Jewelry is an art that is taught in person, but once you got some experience you could try to do things on your own. I was looking for a book that really provided me with the knowledge I need to experiment techniques on my own. I bought some from Tim Mc.Creigh, Brehpol, Bovin and others. So far the little booklet from Bovin was the most practical one until now. This is THE BOOK. It is clear and complete, with enough illustrations and descriptions to understand each technique. In some things is a little outdated, but it is still the most complete work in jewelry making. I wished I has seen it and bought it since the begining, it would have saved me lots of money. with the respect of Mc. Creigh, his book has no comparison to this one. About the Brehpohl, don't waste your money! Buy this one if you can and you won't regret it!!!!
I've been doing jewelry for the last 6 months and I've been looking for a book that has it all, that it is easy to understand and to follow. Jewelry is an art that is taught in person, but once you got some experience you could try to do things on your own. I was looking for a book that really provided me with the knowledge I need to experiment techniques on my own. I bought some from Tim Mc.Creigh, Brehpol, Bovin and others. So far the little booklet from Bovin was the most practical one until now. This is THE BOOK. It is clear and complete, with enough illustrations and descriptions to understand each technique. In some things is a little outdated, but it is still the most complete work in jewelry making. I wished I has seen it and bought it since the begining, it would have saved me lots of money. with the respect of Mc. Creigh, his book has no comparison to this one. About the Brehpohl, don't waste your money! Buy this one if you can and you won't regret it!!!!
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2015
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This volume is a true Classic in it's field. You will not find a source of knowledge (pertaining to the world of jewelry) that
is more comprehensive anywhere; period!
is more comprehensive anywhere; period!
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Karen Roe
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book for jewellers and silversmiths.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2019Verified Purchase
Wow this book is very informative In terms of historical jewellery making and theoretical approaches to jewellery making. Although this is a considered purchase it is worth the money.
One person found this helpful
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Book Maniac
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Reference Textbook
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2013Verified Purchase
I bought this on my tutor's say so. It is a heavy book and not suited for reading on your lap. It only has black and white pictures and is quite hard going to read so I have found that I can only read small passages at a time in order to assimilate the information. However, it covers everything you could possibly want to know about making jewellery so if you could only afford one book, this is probably the best one to buy.
3 people found this helpful
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Private Private
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lots of information and yummy, inspiring pictures
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2016Verified Purchase
I've just rushed through this so just from skimming it I can say this was worth the not so small amount I paid for it.
There's a lot of information and the pictures of all the historical, traditional, tribal jewellery and unusually creative examples are great.
There's a lot of information and the pictures of all the historical, traditional, tribal jewellery and unusually creative examples are great.
One person found this helpful
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Rabbit's foot
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everything about silversmithing you were afraid to ask
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2013Verified Purchase
Yes its expensive but as an all round reference its better than trying to cover that ground in several other books. I have used it as part of a City and Guilds course in silversmithing. I bought it on offer with Amazon having had the local library copy roosting at my house for far too long, perhaps better for someone with a little practical experience hoping to sell and expand a hobby rather than a total newby.
One person found this helpful
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V. Mellors
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely fascinating
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2018Verified Purchase
Amazing. Full of interesting information and pictures. Was making notes immediately. Really heavy though.
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