Gemstones to Jewellery by Bill James
Gemstones to Jewellery by Bill James
Gemstones to Jewellery
How to transform rough gem material to objects of beauty and value
by Bill James
The K. G. Murray Publishing Company, 1967, [First Edition], black and white photographic plates, illustrations in text, hardcover, dustjacket
Very Good Condition, a little edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, no inscriptions, dustjacket shows a little edge and shelf wear with a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, a little chipping and small tears to jacket (see photographs)
“The emphasis is on authoritative instruction. Bill James bring together three well known Australian teachers to provide easily-read, step-by-step instructions that many novice can follow. The book can teach those who know nothing more about gemstones than they have learned from looking in a jeweller’s shop window.
Four detailed chapters by Laurel Gorn, artist silversmith of the New South Wales Society of Arts and Crafts and twice winner of the Soderberg Memorial Prize, teach jewellery-making as an art that satisfies humanity’s deep creative urge.
Anywhere they talk about gemstones in Australia, the name of Jack S. Taylor, pioneer of the Australian lapidary hobby, is well known. Mr Taylor, third generation of a family of jewellers, offers the fruits of his experience in a chapter of advice.
Jack Taylor handed over his gemstone class in the Sydney suburb of Eastwood to his star pupil, Lloyd Meller, six years ago. Mr Meller makes it clear why he was a star pupil as he discloses the secrets of cutting first quality cabochons.
On this high road of qualified instruction there are fascinating byways of information. Gemstone expert Major George Owens tells how to cut Chinese temples, jewels that use light to make pictures. Pearls, amber, coral and ivory… the jewels that are not stones … none are overlooked. Operation of the modern marvels that have given amateurs the chance of cutting the finest jewels is clearly and carefully explained.”