1000 Rings: Inspiring Adornments for the Hand

Rating:
Summary: Intellectual Exercise in Unwearability
Review: As an intermediate level (not seasoned pro) jewelry designer, I eagerly awaited this book's arrival. What a disappointment! While there are some wonderful, creative rings in this book, far too many are unwearable and more than a few could be downright dangerous to wear! While there is a place for pushing a medium/project/idea beyond its previously defined parameters, this book provides little inspiration for, and appreciation of, a craft that is defined by its ability to be worn by real live beings. Art? Most definitely! Jewelry? I don't think so.

Rating:
Summary: An enchanting book
Review: I am a fine metals/jewelry student and I recently saw this book at the Northwest Metals Association Symposium. The moment I opened the cover, I knew I had to own it. It's a huge variety of rings by some of the most important jewelry artists alive. I was very inspired and enchanted by this book. There are some whose narrow view of the art and craft world makes them believe that this book is not good. Craft is no longer limited to what is useful or utilitarian. I wish those people would open their eyes to this fantastic world where art and craft blend seamlessly.

Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive study of an enormous amount of rings
Review: This book offers you a large number of rings to view. Quite a lot are just show-case works, but the pleasure, you get from looking at the pictures, is just a great. The only two problems, I can see with this book, are:
1) You CANNOT liefe through the book for just a quarter of an hour. You need a lot more time and
2) Where are same type of book for earrings, bracelets, necklaces and broches ?????

Rating:
Summary: Artistically Sound
Review: What a wonderful book for the "artist"! This book truly captures the artistic side of rings. It is not meant for the practicing jeweler who is looking for a how-to-book. With hardly any writing except an introduction, this book is filled with wonderful pictures w/basic descriptions & artists' names of contemporary ring designs. From the perspective of a professional sculptor and jeweler, I find inspiration, direction and quality from the 1000 works captured in beautiful photography. Strong elements of design are used for these works of art that adorn the body. This book is not for instructional purposes, but can instead show any artist or jeweler at any level how art, whether practical or not, can truly interact with the body! What a book for the price!