I trained and worked as a metalsmith and jeweler for 16 years. My designs tended to be traditional with an emphasis on costly materials and traditional historical design. 'Exuberance' was not really a watchword in the formal jewelry business in my experience. These designs on the other hand, utilize inexpensive, relatively easily sourced materials for major impact in big showy costume pieces.
The biggest value in the book for me was in the author's well described artistic process. She describes quite well the thought processes that she goes through designing a piece. She has a very cool philosophy about using all sorts of 'non-jewely' items in her pieces (like nail polish, insect parts, various plastics and resins as well as other bits).
While there weren't any pieces which called out to me to be made right away, I can definitely see using some of these techniques in my future crafting. The book is also very well photographed and the tutorials are written simply and clearly.
The models in the book are certainly creatively positioned and made up (see the cover art).
Worthwhile as inspiration.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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