Introduction to Precious Metals

It’s a great reference book. Well written and very useful.

Mark Grimwade strikes that difficult balance of supplying technical information about the physical properties of precious metals and their alloys in an easy to understand way. For any silversmith or goldsmith who is wanting to move beyond the artisan/hobbyist level then I would consider this book to be an essential part of their library. The basic information about casting, rolling, wire drawing and annealing characteristics of different precious metal alloys will save many production problems and heartaches as you try to increase your production capabilities. Of particular note is the information on gold alloys and their correct annealing conditions.Charles Allenden

I recently purchased a copy of this book and find it a bit of a curates egg - only good in parts. The chapters on the physics, chemistry, extraction and alloying of precious metals are good, those on the use of precious metals, particularly as they affect the small shop goldsmith, much less so. Mr Grimwade also seems wary of Health & Safety legislation, yet instead of getting, & providing, a sound opinion, he merely warns of a possible problem leaving it to the user to make further enquiries.Another niggle, which may explain the attitude to legislation, is the use throughout of American spellings & English, which make my teeth ache.To conclude, if you are looking for the theoretical background of precious metals, this book is for you. If you need hands on advice on how they are used in the small artisan shop - not so good.

This is not a how to or project book. It is a very clear and comprehensive text about precious metal. It shows how each behaves, the proper handling and use, etc. The descriptions of annealing alone are worth the price.

Quality

great!