Here at SilverCoinCommerce™ we are inexorably enamored with all things silver. And it is no exception that we are equally enthralled with the craft and art of working silver into objects of utility and decoration. It is with that thought we will be presenting a series of weekly articles on Silversmiths and Silversmithing.
Smithing
Fabrication and repair of metal objects by hot and cold forging with the use of an anvil or power hammer or by welding and other means. Blacksmiths traditionally worked with iron (anciently known as “black metal”), making agriculture and other tools, fashioning hardware items such as hooks, hinges, handles etc., for the farm, the home, and industry, and shoeing horses. The term smithing is also applied to working with precious metals (gold, silver) as well as other metals
-e.b.com
The Silversmith
A person who has attained a degree of expertise and proficiency in the art of working silver and complimentary metals into objects of utility or decoration.
Silversmithing
Traditionally silversmithing would be resigned to the craft and art of turning silver [and gold] sheet-metal into hollowware like dishes, bowls, cups, vases, etc. And also the fabrication of flatware such as forks, spoons and knives and other miscellaneous household items.
However, in contemporary times, the term “silversmithing” may be more commonly applied to all types of craft where silver is being formed into non household items such as jewelry, art, and sculpture.
Materials, Tools, and Techniques
anvils and hammers
torch, flux and solder
files
snips
jewelers saw
chasing, repousse,
engraving
buffing and polishing
Jewelers
Jewelers may also work in silver and gold, but typically are not classified as silversmiths, although a silversmith could be a jeweler and vice-versa. Jewelers use techniques such as chain-making and gem-setting that are more common practices not necessarily within the realm of silversmiths/silversmithing.
March 6, 2011
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