Machi de Waard is a designer-jeweller and jewellery tutor. Jewellery has been her full-time pursuit since early 2007, and Machi’s work has been shown at galleries, fairs and exhibitions. Machi combines her studio practice with teaching, having taught jewellery making for over ten years in various locations throughout the UK. Her interests in modern art, particularly in sculpture and minimalism, influence her work. Machi lives in Reading, UK. For more information visit www.machidewaard.co.uk. Janet Richardson has been a jeweller and silversmith for over 40 years. Teaching is an important part of her work and she delights in the achievements of her students. Janet has exhibited in the UK and abroad through galleries, arts trails and craft fairs, and has had work featured in Vogue and displayed in the Dallas Museum of Art. Having started her business in London, Janet now resides in Berkshire, UK. For more information visit www.janetrichardson.co.uk.
UK jewelers Waard and Richardson team up to produce one of the most comprehensive beginner's guides to jewelry silversmithing available. Every section, whether overviews of tools and materials or one of the seven projects, is well illustrated with color photographs, used in step-by-step sequence to explain the nuances of soldering a ring or crafting jump rings. The same careful in-depth education applies to each project, from a simple ring to a fused pendant and stud earrings set. Core and additional skills, materials, and tools needed are highlighted before the main how-to event. Readers will find troubleshooting advice within each project, such as what to do when the ends aren't close enough to solder or they're not aligned. An emphasis on safety is spotlighted throughout in sidebars as well as in the narrative. Appendixes include a table of ring size conversions, piercing saw blade sizes, table of gauges and sizes, and Mohs scale of hardness. -- Barbara Jacobs * Booklist * A really lovely book with photos and everything you need to know to start and build your skills. Looking forward to getting started once I've got my basic tools and materials together. -- Christy Chapman * Amazon Customer Review * I am always sceptical about jewellery making books, especially those which deal with the practice of precious metals, but on this occasion I was pleased to see a very comprehensive introductory section which covers all of the basics including tools and materials but also advised on work area set-up and the major skills such as sawing, filing, soldering, and finishing. The book contains seven projects which take the reader through making a basic ring and onto other projects including earrings, pendants and a simple cabochon setting. The projects are designed to teach core skills and the steps required to complete each piece of jewellery are some of the most comprehensive I have ever seen and include handy hints along the way. As this book is aimed at beginners it also details troubleshooting guides. To further the skills of the reader a handy progression section after each project offers inspiration and gives some further ideas based around the same skills. The authors have really tried to encourage further development of skills by identifying a four-step plan which considers ways to design and develop a jewellery idea. A handy glossary covers terminology aw well as hallmarking advice and the appendix is filled with sizing guides & useful conversion tables. As a beginner guide to silver jewellery making this is an extremely comprehensive book. -- Mark Vardy * The Bead Society of Great Britain * If you'd like to take your hand sewn ensembles to the next level, consider finishing off your outfit with bespoke silver pieces that will stand the test of time. Featuring seven step-by-step projects that will guide you through the core skills and key techniques. Silver Jewellery Making by Machi de Waard and Janet Richardson has been written with all skill levels in mind. From troubleshooting tips to inspirational ideas, this exciting title has everything you could possible need when exploring a new craft. * Sew Magazine *