Creative Stonesetting

Unlike many jewelry making books out there, this is a serious one for the metalsmiths among you. It goes into depth and detail about how to construct different settings. Not much fluff or wasted pages that is covered elsewhere. There is a tool section, but it's all very specific to stonesetting so it's relevant. Very happy with it, and I've only scratched the surface of what it has to offer. You should know how to solder already. Beginners will get something out of the bezel setting chapter and then can tackle prongs and more complex things later. There are plenty of things here to push intermediate and even advanced to next steps.

I'm a relative newbie to stone setting and asked around in metalsmith groups what books were recommended as the most thorough and easy to understand, with good step by step instructions. This one came up at the top of the list pretty much across the board. I have a ton of jewelry making reference books, and I generally don't do much more than flip through them, but I'm reading this cover to cover, and I know it's one I'll refer to often. To me, it seems very thorough with a lot of great tips for acquiring the right tools for the job and using them correctly. I always wish for more photos, especially of the process, but the drawings do a fine job, and may even be better for illustrating detail. You can never have too many instructional books, but this one I'd say is essential in my library.

I am so grateful to Mr. Cogswell for taking the time to share his knowledge with others. This is absolutely the best reference work that I have purchased concerning the techniques necessary to learn to set stones (and much more besides). I am trying to teach myself to create 'real' jewelry. The book is clearly written with excellent step-by-step instructions and fabulous illustrations and photography beginning with what tools to buy and how to use them properly. I have been continually amazed while reading it at just exactly how much information is shared. The depth of detail is phenomenal. I am just a table-top crafter - definitely not a professional. The clearly written explanations contained in it have given me the confidence to proceed with attempting settings beyond the simple bezel (which is also explained in great depth - I had no idea there were so many different types!). After reading this book, I feel as though I have been through a real jewelry fabrication class! The breadth of the subjects covered so concisely - but with great essential detail - is astounding. It is a reference that I know I will refer to again and again over the coming years. Bravo Mr. Cogswell - and a most heartfelt Thank You!

I've been doing fabrication for many years. John is respected by jewelers in the trade for his vast knowledge. It's been a delight to read this book and I wish I'd had it for some of the bugger stones I've had through the years. There have been several tips in there that by themselves would be worth the price of the book. It's beautifully illustrated and has luscious photos of art jewelry.I would say it's too advanced for the rank beginners that don't have soldering down pat, but great for anyone who has advanced beyond the basic cabochon setting. Even those who do have extensive stone setting experience will find a nice selection of settings they haven't tried. John also suggests alternatives within the settings themselves, so it's not "You have to do it my way and no other."It's a lovely and informative book, whether you're at the beginner stage or a professional. You will find something you haven't known before, and how much would you have paid in a workshop to get that information? I hope he writes yet another book with more advanced settings. It's way above the caliber of most jewelry books that are on the current market.Excellent job, John! And thank you.

I must admit that the price almost made me not purchase this book. Fortunately, I did purchase it anyway. What a wonderful book! This is a definitive book on stonesetting and tells you everything you need to know to create a host of settings for your stones (both lapidary and faceted). It is a beautiful book, with wonderful illustrations and eye-candy examples throughout. My only complaint is that the pictured jewelry is not necessarily placed in the book where its setting type is talked about. Minor prob! This book is not necessarily for beginners - more like intermediate to advanced - although beginners might find they can create some of the simpler settings. Anyway, the author is very generous with his considerable knowledge and I'm grateful. I certainly would recommend the book to serious jewelry makers.

As a hot rod guy who is looking to work on metal indoors by making jewelry, I have to applaud Mr. Cogswell on an excellent guide to stone setting. Excellent instructional drawings and thorough explanation of technique. I also love the way that he covers the use and maintenance of the equipment involved in the process as thoroughly as the settings themselves. I sold tools for years and have done many different types of work, and can attest that knowing what tools to use and how to modify them for best performance is just as important as knowing how to do the work itself. If I have a criticism at all, it would be that there are far too many brooch photos, and that the photos sometimes seem out of step with the settings being discussed. Other than that, this seems to be a practical,beautiful, and nearly flawless work on a fascinating subject.

This is a fabulous book, easy to read, clear instructions and simple illustrations that work; you feel the author is "on your side" and coaching you to expand the walls of your creativity, giving you great little tips and suggestions along the way to encourage the best outcome. You don't feel "talked down to" at any point and the occasional personal comments just add to the cheerful informality of an otherwise well structured and informative book on stonesetting. I'm a complete beginner to stonesetting and for quite some time (possibly ever) this is probably the only book I will need/buy on the subject. Highly recommended.

One of the best jewellery design and metal smith books I've ever bought. No fancy pictures to fill space. But just excellent diagrams and step by step detailed instructions. A must buy for anyone interested in gemstone setting or jewellery metal work.

The book is a very good introduction to stone setting and the illustrations and instructions are very good indeed and they take you through almost every aspect of this work in great detailkenneth

To a friend who is a jeweler for her library of stone books. Very good book.

Recommended by my tutor, a great book for stone setting