What the Rolling Mill is About

Jewelry Discussion
21

Goldsmithing is NOT just working with gold, it is working with metal
to create jewelry, for which gold was traditionally used.

Silversmithing is NOT just working with silver, it is working with
metal to create hollow ware and flatware & such, for which silver was
traditionally used (OK, just for the fancy stuff).

silversmithing is sheet metal and wire work, where goldsmithing is
sculpture. I made that up for myself, but it's pretty accurate.

Obviously made up himself, certainly not accurate.

Beautiful and sculptural work can be created in any metal and in
either discipline. So can simple “sheet metal and wire work”.

For those who work mainly in silver & were reasonably put off by
what appeared to be (and perhaps was, to be honest I’m a bit confused
by his stance) a statement that all work done in silver is just wire
and sheet and can’t be scuptural, created from scratch, beautifully
crafted, etc, again shows the assumptions that the term he used,
“silversmithing” refers to all work done in silver. Those who work in
these disciplines need to understand the terminology. When you start
to learn to make jewelry with metal, torch & hammer, you don’t take a
silversmithing class, you take a goldsmithing class. When you take
that class, you likely don’t even start out by working with silver,
but perhaps nickel (or other less expensive metals), but the class
isn’t called “intro to nickelsmithing”. A goldsmith at a jewelry
shop might also make you something in platinum, but that doesn’t mean
he’s also a “platinumsmith”.

These terms are for the disciplines, not the materials. And, OF
COURSE beautiful & sculptural things can be created from silver! To
say otherwise is ridiculous.

Lisa
Designs by Lisa Gallagher

22

Hi Dan

I agree with you on the definition of silversmith, but for some
reason in the US the definition “CHANGED” sometime in the past 12
years:

the definition of silversmith is ’ a craftsmen who forms metal
through two planes simultaneously, usually over stakes and anvils’,
ie - vessels,

Somehow or other the “standard definition” changed from goldsmith
for jewelry to goldsmith meaning someone working in gold and
silversmith to someone making jewelry in silver.

This chaps me, because I traditionally am a silversmith forming
metal through two planes over stakes and anvils. Now in order to get
my point across I have to say I am a “metalsmith”.

All this is due to “ignorance” of those trying to define themselves
as jewelers working in silver and not in gold.

I am all in favor of the correct definition being returned to those
of us who OWN the terminology of Silversmith.

jennifer friedman
http://www.jenniferfriedmanstudio.com

23

Hi Jennifer,

I’m thinking that you could say you’re a silversmith in the
traditional sense. Or “I’m an actual silversmith” would key people in
is very nearly appropriate by definition and use.

I am not a silversmith but endeavor to become one. In the
traditional sense. So there might be my bias. However, when someone
states they are a silversmith I assume they form metal through two
planes simultaneously. I’ve had people then be more specific with me,
so I’m guessing current usage has to do with the increase of barely
educated jewelry-related individuals who believe they are a
silversmith because they use silver in making jewelry. In that vein,
there are many instances where people assume titles they don’t have
the knowledge to support, as though saying you are something gives
them credibility. (technically, over the internet it does, in some
people’s eyes.)

I make jewelry out of silver and gold (and other metals), but do not
consider myself a silversmith.

Oh, and Hi. I’m Kim…tinkerer and dabbler, preparing to become
educated and experienced in things metal and jewel-like. :slight_smile:

I’m enjoying the list and appreciate all the various bases of
knowledge here!

Kim Paluch

24 
Somehow or other the "standard definition" changed from goldsmith
for jewelry to goldsmith meaning someone working in gold and
silversmith to someone making jewelry in silver.

Guilty as charged. I think this change started in the South West
with the Native American silversmiths.

Rick Copeland
Silversmith and Lapidary Artisan
Colorado Springs, Colorado
rockymountainwonders.com

25 
Barring taking classes, is there a way to get an overview of the
process of which you speak? Are there texts, for example, which
would serve as basic reference materials until such time as I can
take classes?

Your original post asked about learning by school or book.

The way is through the mill. Get your hands on a mill, cast some
ingots and roll some metal. If you screw up, melt it and cast it and
mill it again.

A fairly small quantity of scrap cast into ingots will yield lots of
learning.

Rather than a cerebral process it can be hands on fun and adventure.