Hi, I would be interested in hearing from people who have read:
Jewelry: Concepts And Technology by Oppi Untract. It costs $135.00 on
Amazon.com.
I am going to start making some jewelry to sell, beaded projects to
start but eventually would like to learn some simple metal working
techniques.
Thanks!
Daniel B. Tregembo
DanielBe Jewelry
hearing from people who have read: Jewelry: Concepts and Technology
by Oppi Untract. It costs $135.00 on amazon.com.
It’s a brilliant book - my copy is within arms reach of my bench -
I’ve read every article in it at least once - some I have to read
every time I attempt a particular job ( probably galloping senility
)
Al Heywood
Daniel, I purchased this book when it was first published about 20
years ago. It is probably the single most important book in my
studio. If I could only keep one, this would be it. It is incredibly
comprehensive. If find myself referring to it often and it usually
provides the answer that I am looking for. I would highly recommend
buying it, a good investment in your future as a jewelry maker. Joel
Joel Schwalb
@Joel_Schwalb
www.schwalbstudio.com
Hello Daniel Tregembo, If I was choosing a single book that covers
metal-working techniques and wanted the “best bang for the buck”,
I’d buy “Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing” by Prof. Erhard
Brepohl, translated by Charles Lewton-Brain. Price was US$70 when I
bought it a year ago or so. You use this book as a technical
resource and guide. Oppi Untracht’s “Metal Techniques for Craftsmen”
is a close (more expensive) second, followed by Untracht’s “Jewelry: Concepts And Technology.” For learning the basics at a reasonable
price, Tim McCreight’s books are full of illustrations with good
instructions. Those pictures and step-by-step descriptions are
invaluable. Best of luck with your new efforts, Judy in Kansas
Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
237 Seaton Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan KS 66506
(785) 532-2936
Daniel, While I wouldn’t be without it (it’s the “bible” for
jewelrymaking techniques), it’s also not “light reading” when trying
to learn a new technique. It is definitely worth the investment at
some point fairly early on in your progress, but I don’t think I’d
start there — just too much
For some simple metal working techniques, try “Complete Metalsmith” by Tim McCreight or my personal favorite “The Complete Book of Jewelry Making” by Carles Codina (Carles is the correct
spelling, by the way, not a typo). Both have lots of clear
step-by-step instructions and illustrations.
Have fun!
Karen Goeller
@Karen_Goeller
Hi Dan I have Oppi Untracht’s book and have enjoyed it very much. It
is quite technical and I use it to reference much
especially when a student asks a question that I do not know the
answer to. It also is well illustrated.
I used to think it was expensive until a wise man once told me that
if you learn one thing from a book that helps you make money you have
been repaid for that info. I can’t imagine only getting one good
piece of from this book.
Karen Bahr "the Rocklady"
K.I.S. Creations
May your gems always sparkle.
I would be interested in hearing from people who have read: Jewelry Concepts and Technology by Oppi Untract
Dan-- I’d be impressed to hear from anyone who has read The
Jeweler’s Bible (as some of us know it), but many have consulted it.
(Some of us call it the Old Testament, with Tim McCreigh as the New
Testament.) It is a book well worth owning. I want to say, though,
that I got mine on Alldirect.com for under $90. Usual disclaimer–
but, if Alldirect has what you want in stock, it is usually 40% off
list. Forget backorders. Good luck! --Noel
Daniel, Oppi Untract’s book is one of the finest, if not the
finest, books on the subject available. It may however be more
advanced and detailed than you would probably want as a beginner.
Also, I notice that in the 2002 Rio Grande tools and equipment
catalog it sells for $95 instead of the $135 from Amazon. There are
lots of books on the market which teach the basic skills you are
looking for, such as “Basic Jewelry Making Techniques” by Jinks
McGrath, “Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing” by Tim McCreight,
just to name a couple. I’m sure Oscar Branson’s “Indian Silversmithing” is out of print but if you can find a copy it’s great
for teaching the basics as are both volumes of “Indian Jewelry Making” by Oscar T. Branson". Rio’s tools catalog has a large
selection of other books and videos which would be of help to you as
well. Hope this helps Jerry in Kodiak
It’s a great book (if a bit dated) and I doubt you’d be disappointed
with it, but if I were you I might take a look at Tim McCreight’s
The Complete Metalsmith first. It is a lot cheaper and might actually be
more useful to you. No fancy illustrations, but lots of solid
that’s readily accessible. I enjoyed reading the Untracht
book but when I want to find something quickly I turn to the
McCreight book.
Regards,
Daniel Conlin
Jewelry Concepts and Technology by Oppi Untract. It costs $135.00 on amazon.com.
Great book… and authoritative reference on just about everything
jewelry related. Here’s a tip that may help on saving on the price.
College and university bookstores usually have it deeply discounted,
especially if there’s a strong metals program. Find someone with a
student ID (or be a student yourself) and have them buy it for you. I
got a pristine used copy for $65 from someone who was dropping out of
the metals program at our local community college.
Its not the first book I would recommend for a beginner, but it is a
“must have” book for the serious practitioner! 
All the best,
Dave
Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio and
Carolina Artisans’ Gallery
Charlotte, NC (USA)
dave@sebaste.com
http://www.CarolinaArtisans.com
This book is the jewellers bible. Has loads of but is
very dry for a beginner. Worth buying if you are serious about
jewellery
Laura