This book takes a fresh look at the ancient craft of silversmithing with 18 projects that teach a solid body of skills. This full-color, comprehensive manual provides artisans with a thorough understanding of silver's properties: what it is and how it behaves. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced techniques are explained and then applied to craft amazingly beautiful items. You can use brushing, sawing, piercing, and polishing procedures to fashion a simple bud vase. You can progress to a baby rattle or candleholder created with soldering, sinking, dapping, and forging techniques.