Creative Stonesetting

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.

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.

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.

John Cogswell is my metalsmithing hero! I've been waiting for this book to come out for some time now. John's book is like his classes- he outlines the complete process, gives illustrations to demonstrate, and even gives tips on making one's own tools and it's all written in a conversational manner that is fun to read (not dry and boring at all). His introduction to the book is the basis of my whole philosophy towards the craft. We should be a community that shares information to not only preserve the craft, but to make it flourish. The secretive, envious, competitive spirit that runs rampant in the industry only stifles creativity. But I digress... this book is very informative and is a wealth of knowledge from a master of the craft's many years of experience in teaching. The only possible complaint I could have about it is that it should have more photos of John's own work which is STUNNING! (not that the other artists in there aren't interesting too). All I can say is BUY THIS BOOK!!! you won't regret it- a great addition to any library.

This book is great, it has clear images, interesting and relevant text, and contains just the right level of information for someone who has done a basic bezel setting and claw setting and wants to expand into some more challenging methods. It covers interesting ways to set some oddly shapes stones (though not freeform stones so much) such as cones and bullet shaped stones. generally I found that the information gave a great starting point for designers, and got me thinking of many exciting ways I could apply the knowlege. Some reviewers have been saying that the content is way too simple, but if you have been making jewellery for 1 to 2 years and feel like working with gems a bit more, this book is fantastic. I have learned loads from this book already and have been inspired to re-read many sections. I have also already picked up many ways in which i can save myself time and effort with the tips sprinkled throughout the book, such as how to make custom tools for holding work while soldering, and creating your own setting tools to suit your personal needs. Love it.

This is the book I should have had from the time I started metalsmithing. Mr. Cogswell has written a definitive manual on various stone setting techniques not covered in many other books by other authors. This book is an amazing technical resource for the jewelry artists, covering a vast array of settings, all clearly detailed with superb drawings and instructions, including information and diagrams on making your own specialized setting tools or adapting existing tools. There are beautiful colour photos interpersed amongst the pages, which whet your creative appetite. All in all, the best and more comprehensive book I have ever purchased for stone setting and an absolute must have for all jewelry artists. Well done Mr. Cogswell!

Its a great book for people who want to know how to execute most settings on the great diversity of gemstone shapes and sizes. It accuratly tells you how to and shows some steps through pictures and drawings aswell. It also shows you how to add some creativity to the common settings by removing unnecesary parts from it or sawtering open spaces into it whilest maintaining the needed grip on a stone. I was kind of disappointed that it mostly just shows you how to create the common settings yourself and maybe 1 or 2 variations to it by just adding openings and spaces to it. Its not like I was drawn into a whole new world of settings, its just the common everyday settings with a little something something to make it abit more appealing. None the less im quite positive about the book, its great to see how settings are made by others then the way you are tought. Everyone has their own technique's and some are certainly better then what your textbook told 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.