The New Silversmith

Book excerpt: In The New Silversmith, jewelry artist Nicole Ringgold shares her cutting-edge sculptural torchwork techniques for creating hand-fabricated, nature-inspired jewelry in sterling silver. Taking an innovative approach that challenges metalworking’s conventional wisdom, Ringgold creates intricate designs by fusing and carving scraps, and minimizes the need for chemicals by using tools in visionary ways. Essentials. An overview of safety rules, as well as metal, tools, and torch and how to use them. Projects. A variety of techniques, illustrated by stunning projects ranging from simple chain designs to a textured branch to a delicate dragonfly, provide inspiration as well as instruction. Access to online tutorials. QR codes throughout the book link to concise, silent how-to videos that depict the techniques shown. With The New Silversmith, you’ll learn to create sumptuous earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings in sterling silver that celebrate natural forms with this revolutionary, zero-waste approach to jewelry making.