silverworking

Silverworking is the craft of shaping and decorating silver to create functional and decorative objects, including jewelry, tableware, religious items, and sculpture. Practitioners work with silver in various forms—sheet, ingot, wire, coins, and granules—using techniques that span traditional hand processes and modern machinery. Core operations include forming, casting, forging, soldering, and finishing, together with decorative methods such as engraving, repoussé and chasing, filigree, and inlay.

Historically, silverworking dates to ancient civilizations, with notable development in Greek and Roman contexts and continued refinement through medieval and Renaissance periods. In Europe, silver was prized for church fittings, ceremonial vessels, and luxury wares, and guilds regulated skilled production. The Industrial Revolution expanded production and standardization, while contemporary practice combines artisanal craftsmanship with small-scale studios and mass manufacturing.

Techniques commonly used in silverworking encompass forming (hammering, raising, and bending), casting (lost-wax or direct), soldering and joining, and surface finishing (polishing, buffing, and oxidizing). Specialized methods include repoussé and chasing to create raised designs, filigree for delicate metalwork, engraving for patterns, and inlay. Some makers also employ modern processes such as electroplating, alloying with copper for strength, or alloy innovations like argentium silver to improve tarnish resistance.

Alloys and quality standards vary; sterling silver (often 92.5% silver with copper) is widely used for consumer objects, while fine silver denotes higher silver content. Care involves gentle cleaning, avoiding abrasive materials, and proper storage to minimize tarnish.