Stephanie Swanson has been in the retail jewelry trade since 1992 as a bench jeweler and custom designer. With a background in fine arts and metal design, Swanson has combined her knowledge of construction with her passion for artistic composition, as apprentice for others, as well as owner of her own jewelry business. Swanson now brings her expertise to beginning metalsmithers in Playing with Fire: A Jeweler's Guide to Metalsmithing. Swanson take us step-by-step through each process of metalsmithing--from setting up a jeweler's bench with the proper tools, to polishing the finished piece and selling at art fairs and trade shows. With ample photos throughout, Playing with Fire: A Jeweler's Guide to Metalsmithing is a must-have for every jeweler who aims to turn their ideas into art.  The reader can also order tools and supplies from Stephanie.

About the Author

I have been in the retail jewelry trade since 1992 as a bench jeweler and custom designer. Fine Arts is my background and my passion. I took classes at Ball State University studying Metal Design and there I learned construction skills and artistic composition. I know that my trade experience has greatly influenced my art jewelry in that I pay attention to small details and work tight. I enjoy knowing that I created each piece by hand utilizing my knowledge of craftsmanship, fine materials, and their unique properties. Diamonds, gold, sterling silver, natural gemstones, art glass, Roman coins, and other precious objects are the mediums I generally work with for my creations. I do take commissions, but mostly focus on selling my own pieces. I am constantly working toward new techniques and appealing designs. I strive to have the stones tell their story and usually design around the materials I am using rather than starting with a design and then choosing the materials. Jewelry is a very personal statement for the wearer and I hope my work implies strength, the unique, and enduring beauty.