We do have a few things on our Christmas wishlist this year. Some new books, some new tools and a few little treats. That, and a chocolate orange will keep us happy until at least New year.
BOOKS
We love the traditional Norwegian custom of Jolabokaflod (the Christmas book flood). Giving a book as a Christmas eve gift and spending Christmas curled up on the sofa reading something that gets your head back in the workshop.
Here our our top five jewellery books for 2022.
From couture to costume jewellery, the brilliant pieces featured on the pages of British Vogue for more than a century have encapsulated the fashion zeitgeist of each new age for which they were created. Adorning princesses and rock chicks alike, the jewels shown in Vogue: The Jewellery reveal a dazzling array of styles and moods - from fairytale romance to Jazz-age glamour, sculptural modernism to timeless elegance.
Stone setting can often appear mysterious and impossible: an ancient craft used to hold beautiful gems secure in the most elegant of designs. This practical book explains the techniques of the master stone setter in an accessible and encouraging style. Written by Scott McIntyre, it explains the complex world of setting with step-by-step instructions, supported by informative illustrations and excellent examples of finished pieces.
This design and inspiration handbook is for jewellery makers who want to make use of the design potential of their sketchbook and confidently create an authentic and individual jewellery collection. It will introduce you to some of the ways you can travel through your creative journey. You’ll translate your initial inspiration into realised jewellery designs with permission to try, to play, to take risks and to make mistakes within the safety of your sketchbook.
Silversmithing for Jewellery Makers is a comprehensive examination of all the techniques, surface treatments, and innovations used by silver jewellery makers. Unlike more general silversmithing books that also include silver ornaments, this book places a strong emphasis on the information that is relevant to jewellery makers, giving them all they need to know about working with this unique and versatile material. It takes the reader through the basic skills as well as specialist techniques and treatments for silver jewellery making. Traditional techniques such as filigree are examined alongside contemporary designs that marry metals and mix materials to create unique textures and surfaces.
A comprehensive step-by-step guide that will take your craft to a new level. The art of soldering - permanently joining metal components with a torch and solder - is seen as a challenge by many crafters. But this book makes it an easy-to-learn technique for creating beautiful jewellery projects. The book features clear instructions for jewellers of all levels, from the hobbyist to the experienced maker who is looking to expand their soldering skills.
TOOLS
You will never have too many tools. No matter whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller there are always new toys to play with and new things to make your work even finer.
For the jeweller who is just getting started....
For the jeweller who has been extra good this year...
For the jeweller who is getting professional...
TREATS
Little pieces of loveliness to make any jeweller feel special and to bring a sprinkle of NJS magic into their workshop.
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