Creative Stonesetting

This is a GREAT book. I have a BFA in jewelry/metals but I only had a short unit on stonesetting and haven't felt confident enough to work with stones. This book is perfect– I have been poring over it and I have so many ideas.The illustrations and instructions are comprehensive and easy to understand. I love that the author distills these essential stonesetting methods and empowers the reader with the tools to adapt the methods in creative ways that suit their style. This is not a "follow along and make this exact piece" book– it is about the essential techniques and variations that an intermediate/advanced jeweler can adapt to their own style. There are wonderful tips and tricks included that will make you a smarter fabricator in general. There is also comprehensive information on the many stonesetting tools mentioned, and even instructions to make or adapt your own tools.As other reviewers have said– the author assumes that the reader has basic fabrication and finishing skills (soldering, sawing, measuring, burnishing, etc.). If you are a beginner, I would not recommend getting this book quite yet.

What can I say about this book that has not been said by others. From the moment you open it you are inspired. The inside cover has lovely pictures of set stones that just make you want to have a go. I am reasonably new to working precious metals and setting stones having completed only a couple of projects so when I read the reviews I thought it sounded a good book to have. The pictures, instructions and diagrams are so straightforward to follow it just inspires you to have a go yourself. He not only gives clear instructions but advises on tools, adapting tools to suit your purpose, how to hold the work while you solder, what gauge wire or metal to use, the usual terms used and what they mean etc. etc. I can rave on endlessly about the explanations of terms and techniques that other books just assume you have a knowledge of.OK this expert makes it seem simple but I followed the instructions for a bevel setting (which I have done before) but this one was so much nicer. Crisp and smooth it looked really professional and I was really pleased with it. Even my soldering improved after reading his instructions. He explains why you do things, not just how to do them, what the pitfalls are if you get it wrong, how to get it right and simple tips to help you do so. He just makes it sound so easy you think "I could do that" and just long to have a go at it. You may not get it right but the book does show how it could go wrong so its just a case of analysing what you did that made it go not as planned and have another go. I envy his students to have a tutor with a sense of humour (which also comes through this book) and an eye for perfection. A great addition to my library and one I know will be in constant use.

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!

There are few that are in the category of John Cogswell. His entire clique: Tim McCreight, Heikki Seppa, Charles Lewton Brain, Michael Good and many, many, more are the elite WHO'S WHO of the Jewelry world who's talent is bar none period. Anyone who seriously wants to make jewelry had better take heed of this book or any book written by these authors and then they better take at least a Class by two or three of them or your education is lacking. Grant you there are good teachers out there Cynthia Eid, Cecelia Bauer, Mr. Whaley, etc. check out Ganoksin.com there are teachers a plenty. But, i guarantee you that out of all of those instructors they have taken a class with the masters, and each other - John Cogswell is one of them. Masters - know - Masters. As far as the book is concerned it doesnt' miss a beat, it doesn't skimp, it doesn't confuse, it is easy enough for the jewelry challenged to understand. It gives enough examples and supplies that a person can have it gives advice on tools that is doable. I can't wait to take his class and Mr. Michael Good. So students take heed to this recommendation. This book is a 'MUST READ'for anyone whos' goal is the jewelry design or jewelry making profession. I hope you all read the book it will do you good.

Great for newbie info on technique if you are learning on your own. It also gave me enough info on various different techniques that I could decide if I wanted to explore more specialized styles.

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.

This is an expensive book but it is worth every penny. Excellent diagrams and instructions on different types of settings. I can definitely recommend this book to jewellery students interested in learning more complex setting techniques.

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

I liked the laconic tone of this book and the absolutely practical approach that is without ambiguity. I have been making my own settings for a number of years and it was good to find little knacks that I hadn't thought of. It also gave me confidence about the things I already knew about so I have found the book very informative and worthwhile.