The Complete Metalsmith: Student Edition by Tim McCreight

Without getting bogged down in confusing details, it teaches them what they need to know about the most effective techniques for working with gold, platinum, copper, brass, steel, plaster, and more. In fact, it covers most of the same subjects as the professional version, only in a simpler fashion: metals, tools, surfaces, shaping, joining, casting, stones, and mechanisms. And, like the larger edition, it has a spiral spine and attractive color images throughout. Newcomers to the field will especially appreciate the safety tips and the many charts covering melting points, conversion, factors, and other fundamental knowledge.