silversmiths

Silversmiths are craftspeople who create objects made of silver by shaping, joining, and decorating the metal. They may work with solid silver or with sterling silver, an alloy typically consisting of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper, which provides strength for functional wares. The term distinguishes the craft from other metal trades such as goldsmithing and basic silvers manufacturing. Silversmiths have produced a wide range of objects, including hollowware, flatware, jewelry, candlesticks, communion vessels, and decorative items.

Historically, skilled artisans have worked in precious metals since antiquity, with early silver objects found in ancient civilizations. In medieval and early modern Europe, guilds regulated training and quality, and regional centers such as Birmingham and London, Paris, and Nuremberg developed renowned traditions. The industrial era introduced machine-assisted production, encouraging both mass-market pieces and high-end artistry. In the 20th and 21st centuries, many silversmiths emphasize handcraft, restoration, and design innovation, often blending traditional techniques with modern tools.

Core techniques include forging, annealing, raising, and hammering to create hollow shapes; casting, soldering, and annealing for assembly; chasing and repoussé for decorative relief; engraving, inlay, and surface treatments such as gilding or electroplating. Finishing steps involve filing, polishing, and sealing with protective coatings. Objects are commonly marked with hallmarks that indicate purity, origin, and maker.

Notable centers and figures include Birmingham and Sheffield in Britain, Limoges and Paris in France, Taxco in Mexico, and designers and firms such as Paul Revere, Gorham, Tiffany & Co., and Georg Jensen. Today, silversmithing remains a recognized craft practiced by artisans, studios, and brands worldwide, valued for craft integrity, historical continuity, and artistry.