Best unsolicited advice for aspiring metalsmiths, there are some authoritative books every Metalsmith should read, and own!
Here are my favorite 5.
Professional Jewelry Making – A. Revere
Complete Metalsmith – T. McCreight
Jewelry Concepts and Technologies – Oppi Untract
Metal techniques for Craftsmen – Oppi Untract
Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing – E. Brepohl