Book Recommendations

A good book, with clear and helpful illustrations is worth its weight in agates when first learning how to find and cut and polish rocks, or make stone jewelry. Even more valuable is a trusted reference manual that we go back to for knowledge, many times over the years. What we have collected here for you is hopefully a good combination of both – helpful tools for the beginner and trusted source of information and techniques for the more experienced.

Jewelry Making
Metalsmithing
Wire Wrapping
Creating Cabochons
Rock Hounding
Rock Tumbling

Jewelry Concepts and Technology

Kindle, Hard Cover
By: Oppi Untracht
Jewelry Concepts and Technology is the definitive guide and handbook for jewelry makers of all levels of ability

Professional Jewelry Making

Kindle, Hardcover
By: Alan Revere
A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Jewelry Techniques

Professional Stone Setting

Kindle, Hardcover
By: Alan Revere
This book is intended for beginners, hobbyists, craftspeople, jewelry artists and professional stonesetters.

the design and creation of jewelry

Paperback
By: Robert Von Neuman
A timeless illustrated guide to techniques and materials used by present-day jewelry artists

If you know of a good Jewelry Making book that has been helpful to you please let us know in this thread on the RTH Forum and maybe we’ll add it to this page.

The Complete Metalsmith: An Illustrated Handbook

Spiral Bound
By: Tim McCreight
Techniques, Tools, Materials, Creative Studio Tips, Safety Information

Professional Stone Setting

Kindle, Hardcover
By: Alan Revere
This book is intended for beginners, hobbyists, craftspeople, jewelry artists and professional stonesetters.

Soldering Made Simple

Paperback
By: Joe Silvera
Friendly and thorough instructional text and step-by-step photos help readers build skills gradually

Metalsmithing for Jewelry Makers

Hard Cover
By: Jinks McGrath
Metalsmithing for Jewelry Makers is the ultimate reference book for anyone interested in creating their own jewelry

Soldering Beyond the Basics: Techniques to Build Confidence…

Paperback
By: Joe Silvera
Follow-up to the successful Soldering Made Simple, Soldering Beyond the Basics

Metalsmithing Made Easy

Kindle, Paperback
By: Kate Ferrant Richbourg
Introduces new metalsmiths to the basics by teaching the essentials of soldering, rotary tools, and hotter small-space torches

Practical Casting: A Studio Reference

Kindle, Paperback, Spiral Bound
By: Tim McCreight
A practical book covering a wide range of small scale casting techniques

If you know of a good metalsmithing book that has been helpful to you please let us know in this thread on the RTH Forum and maybe we’ll add it to this page.

Moods in Wire: 2nd Edition

Spiralbound
By: Ellsworth Sinclair
Moods in Wire (2nd Edition) An Extended Guide to the Fine Art of Wirewrapping

Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Techniques

Paperback
By: Lora S. Irish
Tools and Inspiration for Creating Your Own Fashionable Jewelry, 30 Expert Techniques Step-by-Step, plus 8 Stylish Projects

First Time Wire Wrapping Jewelry

Paperback
By: Erika Pal
Intensive wire wrapping (weaving) course for beginners with 13 full projects designed by WireArtTutorials on Etsy.

If you know of a good Wire Wrapping book that has been helpful to you please let us know in this thread on the RTH Forum and maybe we’ll add it to this page.

Gemstone Tumbling, Cutting, Drilling & Cabochon Making

Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback
By: Jim Magnuson
A Simple Guide to Finishing Rough Stones

Modern Rock Tumbling

Paperback
By: Steve Hart
The complete and up-to-date guide to tumble polishing rocks and stones – Simple Guide to Finishing Rough Stones

If you know of a good book on general lapidary or creating cabochons that has been helpful to you please let us know in this thread on the RTH Forum and maybe we’ll add it to this page.

Rockhounding Series (18 books)

Kindle Edition
By: Various Authors
Includes the entire series of18 Rockhounding state location books or select by individual locations on Kindle

There are literally dozens of specific location rock collecting books that can and will be added to this page as time progresses. If you know of a good book on rockhounding that has been exceptionally helpful to you please let us know in this thread on the RTH Forum and maybe we’ll add it to this page.