The Best Jewelry Books: A Comprehensive Reading List For Craftspeople

By Charles Lewton-BrainMore from this author

Updated on February 16, 2022

This is a Selected Jewelry and Metals Bibliography for the jeweler - Metal working, Casting, Plating, Enameling, Gem Cutting, Setting, Engraving and Etching, Other Techniques, Jewelry Repairs and A Selected Bibliography for Materials Science for Goldsmiths - Over 100 listings of jewelry books.

• General, Various Techniques, Bench Tricks, etc.(52)
• Casting(9)
• Plating(8)
• Patination and Colouring(5)
• Enameling(1)
• Gem Cutting, Setting, etc.(6)
• Engraving and Etching(2)
• Other Techniques(2)
• Repair(3)
• Sheet Metal(4)
• Blacksmithing, Ironwork(5)
• Knifemaking(3)
• Tools, Machines, Machine Processes(6)
• A Selected Bibliography for Materials Science for Goldsmiths(28)

Jewelry Books: General, Various Techniques, Bench Tricks, etc.

1. Jewels of the Pharaohs: Egyptian Jewelry of the Dynastic Period
Aldred, Cyril - London: Thames and Hudson; New York: Praeger, 1978

2. Art, Jewelry and Metals: Makers, Markets, Meaning
Armentrout, Daloma - Austin: privately printed, 2nd ed. , 1992.

3. Pirotechnia
Biringuccio, Vannoccio - 1540. Ed. and trans. Cyril Stanley Smith and Martha Teach Gnudi. Cambridge, MA: M.I.T. Press, 1966.

4. Theorie und Praxis des Goldschmieds
Brepohl, Erhard - Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co

5 .Fundamentals for the Retail Jeweller.
Brown, Raymond P. Toronto - Canadian Jewellers Institute, 4th Rev. ed., 1956.

6 . Creative Gold- And Silversmithing: Jewelry - Decorative Metalcraft.
Choate, Sharr, and Bonnie Cecil De May. - New York: Crown, 1970.

7 . The Penland School of Crafts Book of Jewelry Making.
Coyne, John, - Quality Books; 1st edition , 1977.

8 . Educational Metalcraft: A Practical Treatise on Repousse, Fine Chasing, Silversmithing, Jewellery and Enamelling, Specially Adapted to Meet the Requirements of the Instructor, the Student, the Craftsman and the Apprentice. Longmans' Technical Handicraft Series.
Davidson, P. Wylie. - London: Longmans, Green and Co., 2019.

9 . Werkstattrezepte für Gold- und Silberschmiede Mit Abbildungen.
Diebeners, Wilhelm. - Leipzig, [1950? Also available in newer editions].

10 . Werkstattrezepte für Graveure, Gütler, Galvaniseure und Stempelhersteller.
Wilhelm Diebener - Leipzig: , [1950? Also available in newer editions].

11 . Sweat of the Sun & Tears of the Moon: Gold & Silver in Pre-Columbian Art.
Emmerich, Andre. - New York: Hacker Art Books, 1977.

12 . Jewelry Contemporary Design & Technique.
Evans, Chuck. - Worcester, MA: Davis Publications, 1983.

13 . The Art of Jewelry Design: Principles of Design, Rings & Earrings.
Galli, Maurice P., et al. - Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 1999.

14 . Designing Jewelry: Brooches, Bracelets, Necklaces & Accessories.
Galli, Maurice P, Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 1997.

15 . Step-by-Step Jewelry; A Complete Introduction to the Craft of Jewelry.
Gentile, Thomas. New York: Golden, 1968.

16. Creative Jewellery.
Hall, Dinny.Vintage, 1988.

17 . Jewellery Making for Profit
Hickling, James E. - . London: NAG Press- Robert Hale, 1995.

18 . The Art of Jewelry: A Survey of Craft and Creation.
Hughes, Graham. - New York: Gallery Books-W.H. Smith, 1972.

19 . Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths.
Kingsley, Susan. - Carmel, CA: 20-Ton Press, 1993.

20 . Metalcraft and jewelry.
Kronquist, Emil F. - Peoria, IL: Manual Arts Press, 1926.

21 . Handbook of Fastening and Joining Metal Parts.
Laugner, Vallory H., and Augustus D. Hargan. - New York: McGraw-Hill, 1956.

22 .Artists Anodizing Aluminum: The Sulfuric Acid Process.
LaPlantz, David. - Bayside, CA: Press de LaPlantz, 1988.

23 .Cheap Thrills in the Tool Shop: Inexpensive Equipment Options and Bench Tricks for Goldsmiths.
Lewton-Brain, Charles. - Calgary: Brain Press, 1994.

24 . Jewlers' Workshop Practices: Processes, Shop-Kinks, Short-Cuts and Trade-Secrets of Jewelry Manufacture and Precious Metal Finishing in Non-Technical Language.
Linick, Leslie L. - Chicago: Henry Paulson and Co., 1948.

25 . Practical Jewelry Making.
Loosli, Franz, et al. - Berne: UBOS/Scriptar, 1982.

26 . Metalwork and Enamelling: A Practical Treatise on Gold and Silversmiths' Work and Their Allied Crafts.
Maryon, Herbert.-London: Chapman and Hall, 4th. ed. ,1959.

27 . Metals Technic: A Collection of Techniques for Metalsmiths.
McCreight, Tim, ed. - Cape Elizabeth, ME: Brynmorgen Press, 1992.

28 . Contemporary Jewelry a Craftsman's Handbook.
Morton, Philip. - New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970.

29 . An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry.
Newman, Harold. - London: Thames and Hudson, 1990.

30 . Creative Jewelry Techniques: A Workshop Guide.
O'Connor, Harold. - [Lake City, CO]: Dunconor Books, 1978.

31 . The Flexible Shaft Machine: Jewelry Techniques.
O'Connor,Harold. - Taos, NM: Dunconor Books, 1983.

32 . The Jeweler's Bench Reference.
O'Connor,Harold. - Lake City, CO: Dunconor Books, 1977.

33 . Platinum Manufacturing Process Vol. VII:
Platinum Day Symposium, Los Angeles, CA: Platinum Guild International USA, 1999.

34 . Practical Goldsmith: Modelling. Practical Goldsmith 2.
Stuttgart: Rühle-Diebener-Verlag, 1994.

35 . Practical Platinumsmith.
Stuttgart: Rühle-Diebener-Verlag, 2nd ed. 1994.

36 . Professional Goldsmithing: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Jewelry Techniques.
Revere, Alan. - New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991.

37 . Jewelry Making and Design: An Illustrated Textbook for Teachers, Students of Design and Craft Workers .
Rose, Augustus F., and Antonio Cirino. - Providence, RI: Metal Crafts Publishing, 1917.

38 . Metalsmith Papers of the Society of North American Goldsmiths: Research Presentations to the Society of North American Goldsmiths 1977-1980.
Society of North American Goldsmiths, 1981.

39 . The Jeweler's Art: A Multimedia Approach.
Sprintzen, Alice. - Worcester, MA: Davis, 1995.

40 . On Divers Arts: The Foremost Medieval Treatise on Painting, Glassmaking and Metalwork.
Theophilus. - Ed. and trans. John G. Hawthorne and Cyril Stanley Smith. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1963. New York: Dover, 1979.

41 . Contemporary Jewelry: A Critical Assessment, 1945-1975.
Turner, Ralph. - London: Studio Vista-Cassell and Collier Macmillan, 1976.

42 . Finishing with Gold Leaf.
H. P Williams . - Temple City, CA: Craft Course Publishers, 1966.

43 . Jewelry Concepts and Technology.
Untracht, Oppi. - Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1982.

44 .Metal Techniques for Craftsmen: A Basic Manual on the Methods of Forming and Decorating Metals.
Untracht, Oppi. - Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1968.

45 . The Design and Creation of Jewelry.
Von Neumann, Robert. - Rev. ed. Radnor, PA: Chilton, 1972.

46 . The Colouring and Working of the Refractory Metals Titanium, Niobium and Tantalum for Jewellery and Allied Applications. Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Design and Technology Committee Project No, 35: Refractory Metals. Project Report No. 35/1.
Ward, James Brent. - London: Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, 1982.

47 . Silverwork and Jewellery: A Text-Book for Students and Workers in Metal.
Wilson, H. Artistic Crafts Series of Technical Handbooks. London: John Hogg, 2nd ed., 1912.

48 . The Arts and Crafts of India and Ceylon.
Coomaraswamy, Ananda K. - New-York: Noonday Press-Farrar, Straus and Company, 1964.

49 . Japanese Crafts: Materials and Their Applications: Selected Early Papers from the Japan Society of London.

Hickman, B., ed. - London: Fine Books Oriental, 1977.

50 . Direct Metal Sculpture Creative Techniques and Application.
Meilach, Dona, and Don Seiden. - New York: Crown, 1966.

51 . Finishing Metal Products.
Simonds, Herbert R. - , New York: McGraw-Hill, 2nd Ed., 1946.

52 . Methods for Modern Sculptors.
Young, Ronald D., and Robert A. Fennell. - San Rafael, CA: Sculpt-Nouveau, 1981.

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Jewelry Books On Casting

1 . Centrifugal or Lost Wax Jewelry Casting for Schools, Tradesmen, Craftsmen.
Bovin, Murray. - Rev. Peter M. Bovin. Forest Hills, Long Island: Bovin Publishing, Rev. ed. , 1971.

2 . Creative Casting: Jewelry, Silverware, Sculpture.
Choate, Sharr. - Ed. Bonnie Cecil De May. New York: Crown Publishers, 1966.

3 . Modeling in Wax for Jewelry and Sculpture.
Kallenberg, Lawrence. - Radnor, PA: Chilton Book Company, 1981.

4 . Practical Casting: A Studio Reference.
McCreight, Tim. - Boylston, MA: Brynmorgen Press, 1986.

5 . Metal Alloys and Patinas for Castings for Metalsmiths, Jewelers and Sculptors.
Shearman, William M.- Kent State University Press, 1976.

6 .Handbook of Lost Wax or Investment Casting.
Sopcak, James E. Pico Rivera, - CA: Gem Guides, 1986.

7 . The Complete Handbook of Centrifugal Casting. Romanoff, Philip. - Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab Books, 1981.

8 . Basic Wax Modelling: An Adventure in Creativity.
Tsuyuki, Hiroshi.Tokyo: Asq Corp; 2012 edition, 1999.

9 . Practical Wax Modeling: Advanced Techniques for the Wax Modeler.
Tsuyuki, Hiroshi, and Yoko Ohba. - Trans. Susumu Satow. N.p.: ASQ Corporation, n.d.

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Jewelry Books On Plating

1 . The Electroplater's Handbook.
Ammen, C.W. - Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Books, 1987.

2 . Principles of Electroplating and Electroforming (Electrotyping).
Blum, WIlliam, and George B. Hogaboom. - New York: McGraw-Hill, 3rd. ed. , 1949.

3 . Metal Plating and Patination: Cultural, Technical and Historical Developments.
La Niece, Susan, and Paul Craddock, eds., - Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1993.

4 . Electroplating.
Lowenheim, Frederick A. - New York: McGraw-Hill, 1977.

5 . Practical Goldsmith: Mounting - Joints, Electroplating. Practical Goldsmith 4.
Stuttgart: Rühle-Diebener-Verlag, 1993.

6 . Gold Usage.
Rapson, W.S., and T. Groenewald. - London: Academic Press-Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1978.

7 . Electroforming: A comprehensive survey of theory, practice and commercial applications.
Spiro, Peter. - Teddington: Robert Draper, 2nd ed. , 1971.

8 . Chemistry for electroplaters,.
Young, C.B.F. - Brooklyn: Chemical Publishing, 1945.

Jewelry Books On Patination & Coloring

1 . Chemische Färbungen von Kupfer und Kupferlegierungen.
Deutsches Kupfer-Institut.4. - Auflage. Berlin: Deutsches Kupfer-Institut, 1974.

2 . Vergolden und Bronzieren: [Untergrund, Arbeitstechniken, Werkstoffe : e. Handbuch für d. Praxis] (German Edition).
Hebing, Cornelius. - Auflage. München: Verlag Georg D.W. Callwey, 1985.

3 . The Colouring, Bronzing and Patination of Metals: A Manual for the Fine Metalworker and Sculptor.
Hughes, Richard, and Michael Rowe. - London: Crafts Council, 1982.

4 . Rezepte für die Metallfärbung und Metallüberzügeohne Stromquelle.
Kramer, Oskar P. Saulgau/Wttbg: Eugen G. Leuze Verlag, 5th ed. , 1977.

5 . Modern Metal-Working: Materials, Tools and Procedures.
Walker, John R. - South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox, 1985.

Jewelry Books On Enameling

1 . Kunsthandwerkliches Emaillieren.
Brepohl, Erhard. - Leipzig: Veb Fachbuchverlag, 1983.

Jewelry Books On Gem Cutting, Setting & More

1 . Lapidary Carving for Creative Jewelry.
Hunt, Henry. - Desert Pr, 1981.

2 . Practical Goldsmith: Mounting - Settings. Practical Goldsmith 3.
Stuttgart: Rühle-Diebener-Verlag, 1992.

3 . Bead Setting Diamonds With Pave Applications.
Wooding, Robert R. - Erlanger, KY: Dry Ridge, 1985.

4 . Channel Setting Diamonds With Illustrated Procedures.
Wooding, Robert R. - Erlanger, KY: Dry Ridge, 1987.

5 . The Completely Illustrated Course for Developing the Techniques of Master Stonesetting: A Comprehensive Picture/Text Guide on Diamond and Colored Stone Setting.
Wykoff, Gerald L. - Washington, DC: Adamas, 1986.

6 . Das Edelsteinfassen.
Zeiss, Walter. - Stuttgart: Rühle-Diebener-Verlag, 1979.

Jewelry Books On Engraving & Etching

1 . Engraving on Precious Metals.
Brittain, A., and P. Morton. - London: Robert Hale, 1993.

2 . The Thames and Hudson manual of etching and engraving .
Chamberlain, Walter. - London: Thames and Hudson, 1972.

Jewelry Books On Other Techniques

1 . Textile Techniques in Metal for Jewelers, Sculptors, and Textile Artists.
Fisch, Arline M. - Lark Books. 2003.

2 . Metal Braiding for Jewellers and Metalsmiths: A Translation of Straw Braiding Techniques into Metal.
Harse, Crys. - Calgary: privately printed, 1994.

Books On Jewelry Repair & Maintenance

1 . The Jewelry Repair Manual.
Hardy, R. Allen. - Dover Publications, 2nd Revised ed. edition, 2013.

2 . Jewelry Manufacture and Repair.
Jarvis, Charles. - Robert Hale , 1997.

3 . The Jewelry Repairer's Handbook.
Replinger, John G. - Peoria, IL: Bradley Polytechnic Institute, 1946.

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Books On Sheet Metal

1 . How to Work Sheet Metal.
Dyer, Herbert J. - Kings Langley, Herts., Taylor & Francis, 2nd ed., 1979.

2 . Sheet-metal Work; A Manual Of Practical Self-instruction In The Art Of Pattern Drafting And Construction Work In Light- And Heavy- Gauge Metal, Including Skylights, Roofing, Cornice Work
Neubecker, William. - Chicago: American Technical Society, 2015

3 . Architectural Sheet Metal Manual.
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association. - Vienna, VA: Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, 3rd ed. , 1979.

4 . Sheet Metal Machine Processes.
Zinngrabe, Claude J., and Fred W. Schumacher. - N.p.: Delmar, 1975.

Books On Blacksmithing & Ironwork

1 . Edge of the Anvil: A resource book for the blacksmith.
Andrews, Jack. - Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1977.

2. Geschmiedetes Eisen vom Mittelalter bis um 1900.
Stuttgart: J.F. Steinkopf, 1971.

3 . Decorative Antique Ironwork: A Pictoral Treasury.
D'Allemagne, Henry Rene. - New York: Dover, 1968.

4 . Kunst aus dem Feuer: Sechzehn Kunstschmiede aus sieben Landern/Art from the Fire
Hoffman, Gretl. - [text in English and German]. Stuttgart: Julius Hoffman, 1987.

5 .The Modern Blacksmith.
Weygers, Alexander G. - New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1974.

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Books On Knifemaking

1 . How to Make Your Own Knives … etc.
Blandford, Percy W - Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Books, 1979.

2 . Knives Illustrated [quarterly journal: ISSN 0898-8943].
McMullen & Yee Publishing: Knives Illustrated Subscription Dept., McMullen and Yee Publishing, P.O. Box 70015, Anaheim, CA 92825-015, U.S.A.

3 . Custom Knifemaking (10 Projects from a Master Craftsman).
McCreight, Tim. - Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1985.

Books On Tools, Machines & Machine Processes

1 . Machine Tool Operation, Part I: The Lathe; bench work and work at the Forge.
Burghardt, Henry D. - McGraw-Hill Book Company.

2 . Jigs and Fixtures: A Reference Book Showing Many Types of Jigs and Fixtures in Actual Use, and Suggestions for Various Cases Including Wartime Data Supplement.
Colvin, Fred H., and Lucian L. Haas. - New York: McGraw-Hill, 4th ed., 1943.

3 . An Elementary Outline of Mechanical Processes: Giving a Brief Account of the Materials Used in Engineering Construction and of the Essential Features in the Methods of Producing Them, Also Describing Shop Processes and Equipment for the Shaping of Metals into Forms for Engineering and General Uses.
Danforth, G.W. - Sagwan Press, 2015.

5 . Punches and Dies, layout, Construction and Use.
Stanley, Frank A. - 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill,2nd ed., 1936.

6 . The R.T. Blanking System. Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Technical Advisory Committee Project Report No. 12e/1.
Taylor, Roger. - London: Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, 1980.

Books On Materials Sciences For Jewelry Goldsmiths

1 . Adhesive Bonding Alcoa Aluminum.
Aluminum Company of America. - Pittsburgh: Aluminum Company of America, 1967.

2 . Forming Alcoa Aluminum.
Aluminum Company of America. - Pittsburgh: Aluminum Company of America, 1962.

3 . FORMING ALCOA ALUMINUM With a Supplement Forming Alcoa Magnesium.
Aluminum Company of America. - Pittsburgh: Aluminum Company of America, 1953.

4 . Machining Alcoa Aluminum.
Aluminum Company of America. - Pittsburgh: Aluminum Company of America, 1967.

5 . Soldering Alcoa Aluminum.
Aluminum Company of America. - Pittsburgh: Aluminum Company of America, 1972.

6 . Alcoa Aluminum Handbook.
Aluminum Company of America. - Alcoa Aluminum Company Of America; 1957 .

7 . Principles of Physical Metallurgy.
Coonan, Frederick L. - New York: Harper and Brothers, 1943.

8 . Materials and Processes in Manufacturing.
DeGarmo, E. Paul. - 8th ed. Wiley, 1997.

9 . Woodworking for Industry: Technology and Practice.
Feirer, John L. - Peoria, IL: Charles A. Bennet, 3rd ed., 1979.

10 .The New Science of Strong Materials, or Why You Don't Fall Through the Floor.
Gordon, J.E. - Princeton University Press; Revised edition, 2006.

11 . Metal Technics.
Gray, T.A., and T. McCormick. - Milton, Qld: Brooks Waterloo-Jacaranda Press, 2nd ed. , 1989.

12 . Introduction to Precious Metals.
Grimwade, Mark. - London: Brynmorgen Press, 2009.

13 . Technology In the Ancient World.
Hodges, Henry. - London: Pelican-Penguin, 1970.

14 . Metall und Wasser: Eine kleine Korrosionskunde.
Hömig, H.E. - Essen: Vulkan-Verlag Dr. W. Classen, 1961.

16 . The Metalsmiths. The Emergence of Man.
Knauth, Percy. - New York: Time-Life Books, 1974.

17 . The Recovery of Gold From Jewellery Sweeps. The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Project Report No. 44/2.
Loewen, Roland. - London: Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, 1982.

18 . Small Scale Gold Refining.
Loewen, Roland. - Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Project Report No. 44/1. London: Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, 1980.

19 . Small Scale Silver Refining.
Loewen, Roland. - Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Design and Technology Committee Report No. 53. London: Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, 1984.

20 .Aspects of Tibetan Metallurgy. British Museum Occasional Paper 15.
Oddy, W.A., and W. Zwalf, eds - London: British Museum (Research Laboratory and Dept. of Oriental Antiquities), 1981.

21 . Materials in Industry.
Patton, W.J. - Subsequent edition. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1986.

22 . Gold Usage.
Rapson, W.S., and T. Groenewald. - London: Academic Press-Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1978.

23 . Metal Alloys and Patinas for Castings for Metalsmiths, Jewelers and Sculptors.
Shearman, William M. - Kent State University Press, 1976.

24 . Elementary Metallurgy and Metallography.
Shrager, Arthur M. - New York: Dover, 3rd Rev. ed.1969.

25 . Noble Metals. Planet Earth. Alexandria,
St. John, Jeffrey. , VA: Time-Life Books, 1985.

26 . Metals in the Service of Man.
Street, Arthur, and William Alexander. - London: Penguin, 10th ed. , 1994.

27 . Metal Techniques for Craftsmen: A Basic Manual on the Methods of Forming and Decorating Metals.
Untracht, Oppi. - Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1968.

28 . Contemporary Patination.
Young, Ronald D. - Escondido, CA: Sculpt-Nouveau, 4th ed. , 1997.