Nearly ten years in preparation and production, Jewelry Concepts and Technology is the definitive guide and handbook for jewelry makers on all levels of ability. It is also a unique reference source for those not directly active in the field but who wish an understanding of what lies behind the jewelry-making mystique. All traditional as well as innovative contemporary techniques are thoroughly described, making this the most comprehensive book available on the subject. The more than 900 photos in color and black and white illustrate work of all degrees of complexity and show the incredible range of concepts which jewelers in all times, including today, incorporate in their work. Historic and ethnic jewelry, as well as contemporary work done by approximately 300 jewelers from 26 countries, are grouped under particular technical processes. This arrangement dramatically illustrates the mutual bonds between today's creative jewelers and their colleagues: historic style-oriented, and anonymous, tradition-dominated ethnic jewelers. The detailed text is accompanied by 377 illustrations showing tools and processes used to carry out particular techniques. In addition, 30 step-by-step photo demonstrations show master jewelers working from raw materials to finished jewels, some of them revealing their methods for the first time.