Mastering Contemporary Jewelry Design: Inspiration, Process, and Finding Your Voice

It will be easy to get lost in the beautiful imagery and amazing jewelry presented here but, you should remember to read the text! I recommend this book for all jewelers but, especially for those that are just starting out. So many important principles and concepts are discussed: design, color, form, texture, movement, balance, contrast, etc. The author also discusses the importance of honest critiques, how to communicate a clear message with your work, and finding your voice (not a subject that is often covered in jewelry books). Ms. Lam has (thoughtfully) included exercises to help cement and articulate the lessons discussed in each chapter. I love this idea and wish more books included exercises. They are a great way to learn and remember. Thanks for an amazing resource for all jewelers!

The author uses fabulous images to demonstrate good design, and talks about what makes it a good design. Throughout the book there are small exercises suggested if you want to wrap your mind even more firmly around the principals of design that she talks about. I highly advise this book. I've taken classes with the author, and waited with great anticipation when she said she was writing a book on design. It was worth the wait!

I’m so thrilled to have this book! As a relatively new jewelry designer I find it to be an invaluable resource for inspiration and information about contemporary design, written especially for jewelry makers. The book is organized around essential design elements that, when employed properly, make the most successful works of art. I love having a resource like this that includes so many examples of beautiful and compelling works by some very accomplished makers who share the inspiration and process for their work. I have been on the lookout for some time for a book that might help me to advance and deepen my jewelry design skills. This book totally fits the bill.

I absolutely PROMISE this inspirational book will change your jewelry-making life. The encyclopedic content covers every aspect of design, from form and color to balance and proportion -- and every other design element in between. Comprehensive enough to be a textbook in the most prestigious art school, it is charmingly presented in what will perhaps be the most gorgeous book on your shelf -- or coffee table. Whatever your style, whatever your medium, whatever you already know, get ready to take it to the next level.

Much better condition than expected and delivered with care.

I was enthralled and impressed by this book! Loretta uses all the correct design terms but peppers in terms that drive these techniques home. I love that she compares design to a cooking recipe.I have been working my way through the exercises in the book (images above)It is beautifully organized and the images are perfect to get the technical aspects across.

Waited for months for the book and it delivered on all my expectations. As a novice maker, this book provides such great advice for design possibilities and options. Equally important are the many, many examples from a wide variety of artists (both in style and art medium) provided to help visualize design and provide endless inspiration. There are even exercises to get our brain and creativity going.

Although it's not specifically polymer, my medium of choice, since Loretta is a polymer artist and member of IPCA there are a lot of polymer artists represented. Which is great. It's a gorgeous book with beautiful photos and in depth design concepts.

This is an excellent book, beautifully illustrated, that gets you thinking about how to approach designing jewellery in your own unique style.

This book is inspiring for any wannabe artists. It helps give you direction & confidence which has helped me immensely to find my own artistic journey. I really enjoyed the practical advice & the beautiful illustrations. A great addition to any jewellery makers bookshelf.

I’m halfway thru the book, and so far it has been great. Starting with thought process of design and the little exercises along each chapter, has helped a layman (no art background) like me put my thoughts onto paper. Also helped to think differently from traditional fine jewellery type design.The book also comes with many photos and is a beautiful reference book. Definitely enjoying it.