Based on the popular column in AJM Magazine, this book offers illustrated insights into how to best work on gem-set jewelry. Readers will learn about common enhancements and treatments, how various gems react to heat and pressure, how to modify mountings to accommodate a gem's characteristics, and what tools they should always have close at hand. The book also includes a glossary, a guide to tool-specific dangers, and charts on how stones react to abrasives, chemicals, and heat.

What awesome craftsmanship appears throughout this unique volume--the zenith of an art that marries the world’s most exceptional gems with exquisitely-honed metal designs. Approximately forty of the world’s top jewelers present expertly-fashioned settings that embrace a diversity of styles and techniques, including pav�, channel, invisible, gypsy, wire, and tension. Christoph Kr�henmann’s creations display a fabulous fusion of Swiss artisanship and American ingenuity, old world elegance and contemporary chic. Paula Crevoshay’s jewelry focuses on the way gems make light tangib≤ she is considered by many to be one of the finest colorists today. And Kent Raible finds his inspiration in the opulent, intricate gold work of antiquity. Whether encrusted with diamonds or emphasizing just one glimmering stone, all these bejeweled pieces are simply stunning.

This is the story of one man's endeavor to discover precious gems and to lead a life filled with loyal friends and extraordinary adventures. He finds it all in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan but not without risking his life. In this book Gary W. Bowersox spins his tales of thirty two years of discovery both introspective and worldwide. Along the way he encounters danger and intrigue as he builds lasting friendships. He has traded gems and stories with Afghan miners, ethnic peoples, freedom fighters, government officials, scientist, and on a few occasions, international spies.

Beading doesn’t get more elegant than this, with such gleaming gems as amethyst, quartz, and lapis lazuli. Val�rie MacCarthy--whose work graces the pages of high fashion magazines around the world--has created a magnificent collection of sophisticated, unique jewelry. The 30 projects include bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings, and they tend to the playful and colorful. In addition, an entire section is dedicated to the different stones and their properties, including their spiritual and healing aspects. But what will really entice intermediate jewelers, beaders, and other general crafters are the pieces themselves: a balloon ring, festooned with seed pearls; chandelier earrings with sparkling, dangling stones; and a fireworks necklace of citrine, peridot, and apatite. Introductory chapters present all the gems, tools, and techniques used in the pieces. A Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club.

"Learn to combine precious gemstones and wire-wrapping techniques to create, beautiful, wearable works of art"--From publisher description.

A comprehensive and visual gemology resource featuring more than 100 prominent gemstones.