Modern Jewelry from Modular Parts: Easy Projects Using Readymade Components by Marthe Le Van is a book I was immediately drawn to when I saw it. The cover had some pictures of very modern looking metal jewelry, and the title claims you can make this jewelry with “readymade components”.

This is partially true. You can use readymade components in many of the projects in this book, however, for most projects, you will need the metalsmithing skills to create some of your own components. Expect to drill, saw, solder, sand, and file. In other words, don’t expect to be able to run to the hardware store, by some metal bits and pieces, and make all of the projects. Some of the projects are very easy, while others are more intermediate metalwork projects.

That might sound like a criticism, but it’s really only a criticism of the title. I actually really appreciate that there are projects appropriate for a variety of skill levels. And from an aesthetic point of view, the projects and galleries in this book are definitely modern, and I like most of them. There are a lot of pieces of jewelry I’d wear in this book. I love the cover piece, which is by Joanna Gollberg (I’ve reviewed one or two of her books – love her style).

If you have the tools for basic metalwork, and know how to solder and drill, you’ll be able to complete most of the projects. I think this book is great for the beginner or intermediate metalworker, as well as for visual inspiration for anyone who likes modern style metal jewelry. Perfect for my self-imposed month of inspiration.