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Precious metals such as silver have been an object of humanity's desire since the dawn of civilization. Currency based on silver, among other metals, has been found all over the world, in places such as ancient Egypt and Rome. Even today, currencies incorporate the value of silver.
Silversmithing, then, is obviously ancient. However, the career of silversmithing historically doesn't stand alone. In metalworking guilds, silversmithing was also combined with goldsmithing. -
Unlike working with gold, silversmithing in general consists of working the silver without applying heat, instead using applied pressure. Metalworking techniques have been developed that cater to the characteristics of silver, which is a flexible metal.
However, not all silversmithing methods rely on pressure alone. The lost wax method (where a wax model is used to help create a piece's design) and forging method (where heat is applied) are also employed in the working of silver. Silversmithing can also include repair work, such as resizing jewelry or reattaching broken parts.
Silversmiths do not need to know how to make both utilitarian and artistic items. A silversmith can specialize in practical items or jewelry. In jewelry silversmithing, the use of precious and semi-precious gemstones are an integral part. - Silversmithing, like any metalworking occupation, requires specialized tools of the trade. These include tools for etching, cutting, soldering, annealing, hammering, punching, sizing and finishing. Along with these tools are chemicals for treating the silver.
- Silversmithing is not restricted to working with silver, though it is the focus. A silversmith may also incorporate such metals as gold, steel and copper into the work.
- Silver is graded in parts of one thousand. One type of silver is called fine silver, and is graded at .999 parts in one thousand. Another type is sterling silver, an alloy of .925 parts silver, .070 parts copper and .005 parts antimony and tin.
