The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques

The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Jewelers and Metalsmiths by Vannetta Seecharran (Interweave $26.95) examines methods and design concepts using unique materials such as rubber and even plastic.

These are many times then combined with traditional methods and materials such as metalwork, soldering, and beading.

The subtitles describes this book as a "comprehensive guide for jewelers and metalsmiths," but I think it would be a good idea to also point out that it is specifically aimed at designers who want to learn to use really unusual materials to make equally unique contemporary jewelry pieces.

There is a touch of the traditional in here including basic wire forming instructions and even some bead stringing, but this is not a book for those with traditional sensibilities. Concrete, rubber, and plastic are a few materials that are not covered in the average jewelry book. Neither are techniques such as silk screening, paper making, or stitching metal links with needle and thread. Author Vannetta Seecharran is obviously very talented and has a wonderful eye for contemporary design elements.

Needless to say, there is a lot of information packed in this 160 page book which includes 400 photographs. Some areas (such as plastic and metal) are covered more in-depth than others (such as concrete and wood).

While there are some projects in this text, this is primarily a techniques driven how-to book. Jewelry pieces are made while the technique is demonstrated through full-color photographs and instructions.

Each chapter is organized mainly around the materials used: metal and wire; plastic and rubber; fabric, fibers, and leather; paper and paper pulp; other materials; casting.

While I tend to be more of a traditional jewelry designer, as I read through this book, I couldn't help but think of a number of other jewelry designers I know who would be extremely intrigued with the mix of materials and techniques. In fact, no surprise, mixed-media artists seem to be the primary audience for this book. However, for those who still have primarily traditional tastes, that doesn't mean a little resin or leather is unheard of and adding a few unusual techniques is never a bad thing when it comes to the craft of jewelry creation.

Overall, I found the instructions well-organized and thorough, but there is so much going on that a beginner may be overwhelmed. For those jewelry designers who have a little experience and want to really push their designs, there's lots of possibilities between these pages.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.