Working with steel and iron

Howdy All: I traditionally work with fine silver and gold but I
want to try experimenting with iron and steel in my jewerly. I
guess I should take somekind of metal- smithing course to do so
but I was wondering how difficult is it too work in these
materials. Is my acetylene tank good for this? Where can I
purchase fine steel wire for to use as cords in my work. Can
silver be soldered nicely onto iron and steel or are the melting
so different it would be difficult. If anyone can suggest some
reading materials for me that would be great! Thanks in advance
and Happy Almost X-Mas / Hannukkah