Create Jewelry with Stones: Step-by-Step Guide by Marlene Blessing (2008) - DIY Beading Projects for Necklaces, Bracelets & Earrings | Perfect for Crafters & Jewelry Making Enthusiasts

This is not a beginners book on making jewelry, even though the basics are discussed in the back, but rather a focus on natural stones that are commonly used in today's jewelry designs. I have to admit I am biased due to my background in geology and my own designs using natural gemstones and even common stones. This book appealed to me for that reason but also in how the stones are discussed with minimal but satisfactory info regarding the hardness of the stones, its common sources, and interesting facts...so non-geologists can easily understand the stones and their beauty. The designs are wonderful (some remind me of my own!), but also take in consideration that natural stones are often heavier than glass, crystal, and seed beads. Therefore the earring designs do not pull at the earlobe - a common mistake of some jewelry designs. The combination of stones in several designs are a sight to behold and have opened my eyes to even more lovely color/stone combinations that can be developed by me and other artists interested in using natural gemstones for their own jewelry designs. So BRAVO to the authors for producing this wonderful book of unique designs.