This will probably seem like a wimpy answer, but it depends. "Jewelry making" covers so many techniques and methods that I have not seen a book that covers it all in any detail. I have a shelf full of books. I started with the general books but I found that the best would cover only about 60% of the techniques in any detail and each book covered a different 60%. As I discovered what I like to do in jewelry making I started buying books on specific techniques. I have looked at videos but bought few because they seem to have the same issue of being best when you can specify what you want. Probably more so because they are more limited in capacity than books and can only cover so much.

So I could give a better answer if I knew what type of jewelry making you are interested in - bead stringing, bead weaving, wirework, stone-setting, etc.?

Hi, If you purchased an Gemtite setting all you have to do is set the stone on the table, table side (flat) down and press the prongs onto the stone. It couldn't be easier.

If you purchased a setting that requires bending the prongs yourself, you can use pliers. However you must be careful especially if it is your first time.

If you don't have the confidence you can take your stone and setting to a reputable jeweler and they will do it for you for a charge. Usually $20-$50 depending on the difficulty.

Good luck.