First off - learn a few basic techniques such as those found in the McCreight book "The Complete Metalsmith" - but then dive into this wonderful book. Why?
1. Cold Connections - incredible technique useful in many applications
2. Great Projects - easy for beginner (trust me on this) but doable and interesting for the advanced metalsmith.
3. Photos that go with directions on how to use or make items.
4. Well written. My compliments to the author - Joanna Gollberg.
5. Projects allow for creative modification and can inspire one to move into a different design flow.
6. Gallery of metal art - not too excessive (I love the groovy ring designs by Beth Piver).
7. The price! What an incredible inexpensive book that has a plethora of information and inspiration. I really wish I purchased this book from Amazon rather than my local bookstore paying $25...but then again, I was new to this field and have since learned my lesson.

So with the above mentioned, I don't see how any metalsmith should be without this book, particularly when learning/reviewing cold connections. It is amazing how these connections can easily be hidden OR used as a design interest. This is definitely one of my top five books on metalsmithing.

Cold connections are not merely the last resort for jewelry artists who lack a torch or soldering set-up. These projects are refined and sophisticated, taking cold connections to a highly sophisticated level with plenty of challenge for even advanced metalsmiths. However, none of the projects is beyond the ability level of beginners, and all could lend themselves to different materials and treatments according to how much you'd like to spend. This is a really good book for anyone wishing to master cold connections on any level.

Very informative, I have learned and used several different techniques in this book. There is an abundance of creative ideas. The techniques described are very easy to follow and apply. The money spent for the cost of the book was so well worth it. Worth every penny and more!!!

I first saw this book in a metalsmithing class and liked it well enough that I bought it for my home library. Ms. Gollberg reviews a number of techniques for cold-connecting metals and illustrates them with excellent photographs. Her materials lists are complete, her instructions concise, and her projects are always interesting. I may not ever make anything from this book as shown, but the ideas and techniques provide plenty of inspiration and guidance.

I first saw this book in a metalsmithing class and liked it well enough that I bought it for my home library. Ms. Gollberg reviews a number of techniques for cold-connecting metals and illustrates them with excellent photographs. Her materials lists are complete, her instructions concise, and her projects are always interesting. I may not ever make anything from this book as shown, but the ideas and techniques provide plenty of inspiration and guidance.

As a wire artist and beginning silversmith I found this book a great addition to my collection. The photos were great and the ideas throughout were most helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves making jewelry. It would be most beneficial to the experienced jewelry maker.The ideas and patterns are not for the beginner but, it would challenge you to learn more as they are very beautiful and unique.

As a beginning or even as an intermediate metal-smith, this book is useful for demonstrating cold connections. The projects are easy to follow and they are easy to modify so you can put your own, individual touches to finished pieces. The gallery was inspirational and shows just how much you can do without having to resort to using a soldering torch and lots of messy chemicals.

I took a jewelry class taught by Joanna when I was in college and I absolutely fell in love with the art/craft. I was happy to find this book since it serves as a nice refresher for some of the techniques I'd forgotten. This book is simple enough for the beginner and has enough ideas to inspire a pro. The nice thing about this work is that many of the techniques used are cold techniques so there's no need to worry about having a torch or solder handy (although a flex-shaft and jewelry saw are frequently used). Buy it! Not only will you get a great book but you'll be supporting a wonderful person.

You know you like a book when every time you read a description of it - you by it - again!

The projects in this book are really fun and varied. It concentrates on cold connections which I am more consistent at than soldering. This will get your design mind going!

I was looking for new and helpful information to add to my growing fascination with metalworking. This book is not for beginners. The projects are too precise for artists new to using a saw. Trying to saw a simple straight line takes lots of practice. I have some experience with the saw, but one project in this book scared the crap out of me. It's a geometric nightmare. The instructions in here are incomplete and vague. Some are a bit foolish or dangerous. For instance, there are many ways to make jump rings. This book instructs you to put your fingers directly in the path of the saw blade. There is a chemical etching project. It doesn't remind you to use gloves. The person in the pictures isn't wearing gloves. Also, there are safer ways apply a resist that doesn't include a razor sharp knife. The narrative sounds evasive to me. Example regarding the pendant on the cover, "Design eight decorative elements." I bought this book thinking that the author would show me how to make those little flowers. I liked the pinback idea, but again the instructions are vague. This book doesn't cover enough basics and it isn't safe.

I am trying to teach myself jewelry making, and I find soldering rather intimidating, complicated, and do not really have the space to set up a properly equipped soldering station, so I bought this book.
I LOVE this book! One only needs some basic tools in order to get started. I think the projects are cool, I think they are unique and stylish, and are perfect for those who like jewelry with more of an industrial or modern edge.

As a begining metalsmith student, this book was amazing. Lots of cool ideas without the frou-frou designs of some jewelry books.

i expect some good design inside... but this is a book about techniques, just like the book's name. I was wrong...

Even as someone relatively new to metalsmithing, I think this book is a fabulous resource of information. But more than that, it's a wealth of inspiration for opening my mind to using metals other than just silver, and that's a beautiful thing! Instructions are clear and concise, and the photos are great! It's a terrific book for anyone's metalsmithing library, to be sure.

Even as someone relatively new to metalsmithing, I think this book is a fabulous resource of information. But more than that, it's a wealth of inspiration for opening my mind to using metals other than just silver, and that's a beautiful thing! Instructions are clear and concise, and the photos are great! It's a terrific book for anyone's metalsmithing library, to be sure.

Many people are put off making metal jewellery as the prospect of soldering is off-putting for them. Have no fear now, Joanna is here with one of the best books covering cold-connections I have come across. What is even better: 21 projects that are ALL fabulous, you would happily wear any of the contemporary designs, they are all very different, highlighting different techniques and cover Rings, Necklaces, Brooches, Earrings. Handy Hints, Troubleshooting together with clear concise instructions with the added bonus of quality photographs. A must have for the library.

I bought this book when I took my first jewelry making class. The book was extremely helpful. It's descriptive, precise, and has great photographs. It's good for a beginning jewelry student because it doesn't involve soldering. It's also good for someone who wants to focus on learning techniques instead of working on original designs. About a year after purchasing this book I looked through it again, and it's still inspiring! Now that I know some more advanced jewelry making techniques and am proficient at soldering I sometimes forget about the basic cold-connections covered in this book. After looking through the book again I came up with some new and original designs. Anyone interested in making jewelry should own this book (& the series of books by Tim McCreight).

I love books, but this one had a spell on me! I was smiling with everytime page turn! Is like I commanded someone to create a cool jewelry book and Joanna just did it!

I already started gathering the materials to create this beautiful pieces and then take the designs farther with my ideas.

The book deserves the "Best Jewelry Book" Award!
Hope to see new titles from the author!!!!
ben

I love books, but this one had a spell on me! I was smiling with everytime page turn! Is like I commanded someone to create a cool jewelry book and Joanna just did it!

I already started gathering the materials to create this beautiful pieces and then take the designs farther with my ideas.

The book deserves the "Best Jewelry Book" Award!
Hope to see new titles from the author!!!!
ben

This book is a must have for anyone who wants to create beauty with metals, but does not have safe access to a torch. I live in a condo, and had to find an available 'lab' whenever I wanted to complete a piece of jewelry.
I have moved on to a new style of fabrication, and love it.

This book is a must have for anyone who wants to create beauty with metals, but does not have safe access to a torch. I live in a condo, and had to find an available 'lab' whenever I wanted to complete a piece of jewelry.
I have moved on to a new style of fabrication, and love it.

A cold connection = any connection made without heat.

Joanna has put together a fantastic book that brings together many different cold connection techniques. I have yet to find another jewelry making book that covered as many cold techniques that this one does.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to enhance their jewelry making skills, but is not yet ready to move to the use of a torch for soldering.

A cold connection = any connection made without heat.

Joanna has put together a fantastic book that brings together many different cold connection techniques. I have yet to find another jewelry making book that covered as many cold techniques that this one does.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to enhance their jewelry making skills, but is not yet ready to move to the use of a torch for soldering.

This is an excellent book for beginners or those who are slightly more advanced in jewellery making. The jewellery in this book is made stricly with cold connections, no soldering or heating involved. For the more advanced, such as myself, I find this book great for inspiration to include cold connections in my designs.
Step by step instructions and nice photography, this book is a real asset for those even who are just interested in beginning to make jewellery.
Enjoy!

This book literally changed my life! Making Metal Jewelry is the ultimate outlet for the soul. Since buying Joanna Gollberg's book I've been able to kick heroin, loose 70lbs, forgive my parents for selling me, and find that special someone I've always dreamed of. Also, the fact that I've been able to sell most of my jewelry for an average $150 at The French Market in New Orleans ain't too bad either. So I guess I'm employed now too! No more soup lines for me! Thanks book!