McGrath, Jinks. The complete jewelry making course

Kliatt, Nov, 2008 by Shirley Reis

McGRATH, Jinks. The complete jewelry making course. Barron's. 144p. illus, bibliog. index, c2007. 978-0-76413660-3. $21.99. JSA

This comprehensive manual teaches the craft of jewelry making to students who are looking to create professional-quality items. The largest part of the book is devoted to the basics of jewelry making, such as essential tools, soldering, fittings, ordering metals, testing techniques, filing, casting, hammering, texturing, wire work and many more elemental and essential techniques. Numerous color photographs show the steps used to create stunning pieces of jewelry. Due to the cost of materials and tools, students might prefer to take classes in jewelry making rather than purchase the necessary tools and materials individually. Six gorgeous pieces showcase all the techniques and materials taught in this book. Jinks McGrath is a jeweler and teacher whose designs have been exhibited and collected for many years. She is the author of several books on jewelry making. This book is sure to influence people to take jewelry classes and create unique individual pieces. Shirley Reis, IMC Dir., Wilson Elementary Sch., WI