Indian Jewelry Making Volume I
by Oscar T. Branson

Publisher:  Treasure Chest Publications, Inc.
ISBN:  0918080150

This book provides inspiration and instruction in making Native American jewelry. For inspiration, the author includes history about how silver jewelry was made in America as far back as 1870. Tid bits of history are sprinkled throughout the book along with beautiful photographs of antique turquoise and silver jewelry. Photographs also help illustrate the step by step process of making silver buttons, a variety of chains, bezels, rings, bracelets, and more. The book starts with a history overview. Jewelry designs start simply with items such as chains and graduates to more involved techniques such as casting. Finally, there is an index of silver specifications for sheet and wire, a diagram for a jeweler?s bench, and addresses of jewelry suppliers. Branson?s books are well known staples in the world of silver jewelry making. Jewelry schools, rock and gem clubs, and related organizations often include his volumes in their libraries. Full color photographs cover virtually every page of this book. These photographs illustrate how each piece is made from the beginning to the finished product. As far as strength and weaknesses, I?d say the strength are the photographs. Many people understand visual instructions more easily than written. However, I also see this as a weakness, since some people actually read the instructions. Though there are some written instructions along with the illustrations, they are minimal. It is rare to find a jewelry making book with this many color photographs. Also, the history provided along side the jewelry provide a dimension not seen in other "how-to" manuals

Tammy Powley, your Guide for Jewelry Making